Instrument Rating
Earn your pilot instrument rating.
Duration
Minimum 40 Hours
Schedule
At your own pace
Starting Cost
$12,024
The Federal Aviation Administration issues the Pilot Instrument Rating, which allows a pilot to legally operate an aircraft in instrument meteorological conditions or on an IFR flight plan. Operations under IFR make travel through the United States airspace system seamless, even in some of the most congested areas.
To earn a Pilot Instrument Rating, a pilot must hold a private pilot certificate, undergo instrument rating training assisted by an instrument rating instructor, and complete both knowledge and practical instrument-specific flight tests. If you are not an American citizen, a TSA screening process will be necessary (we can help guide you through that process). If you are an American citizen, only a passport or birth certificate must be furnished. Once the TSA screening is complete, you can enroll in our FAA-approved Part 61 instrument rating course.
Start your pilot instrument rating training.
How it Works
How to Earn Your Pilot Instrument Rating
01
Complete instrument ground school.
Enroll in Blue River Aviation’s instrument rating school to gain a strong foundation in instrument flight rules (IFR), navigation, and meteorology, ensuring you’re well-prepared for instrument flight training.
02
Accumulate required instrument flight hours.
Train with a certified instrument rating instructor to log the necessary instrument flight hours. Practice instrument approaches, holding patterns, and IFR navigation while honing your skills in various weather conditions.
03
Pass written & practical tests.
Study to pass the FAA instrument rating written exam, covering IFR regulations and procedures. Demonstrate your ability to fly solely by reference to instruments during the practical test (checkride) to earn your pilot instrument rating.
Prepare for take-off with our full course brochure!
Short on time? Take a look at our full brochure that tells you everything you need to know about Blue River’s flight training school’s programs!
Pilot Instrument Rating Training Requirements
- Hold at least a current private pilot certificate.
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
- You must have logged the following:
- At least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command of which 10 of these hours must be in airplanes.
- A total of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time on the areas of operation listed in 61.65(c).
- At least 15 hours of instrument flight training from an instrument instructor.
Our Fleet
The best aircraft in the business.
Blue River Aviation is proud of our expansive fleet. We provide aircraft for a wide variety of training. These include: Technologically Advanced Aircraft (TAA), Complex, Floats, Skis, Tailwheels, and Multi-Engine. Go check out the Blue River fleet!
CESSNA 172 – SINGLE ENGINE
Don’t have your private pilot license yet?
To complete the instrument rating course and earn the rating, you must possess a Private Pilot Certificate. If you are planning to earn a Pilot Instrument Rating or advanced certificates, obtaining this certificate is the required first step toward becoming a professional pilot.