The Instrument Rating

     An instrument rating is added to your private or commercial pilot certificate upon satisfactory completion of your training program, a pilot knowledge test, and a practical test.  Your private or commercial certificate will look the same except it will have the words "Instrument Airplane" typed on the certificate under the ratings section.

     As the title implies, an instrument rating permits you to fly "by instruments," i.e., without visual references to the ground, horizon, and other landmarks.  You will be able to fly through clouds, rain, fog, etc., all of which restrict visibility.  This skill is particularly valuable when you fly long distances.  It is frequently difficult to travel long distances without encountering weather systems requiring instrument pilot skills.  Similarly, if you must make a flight at a specific time, it may be possible only under instrument flight rules (IFR) due to adverse weather conditions.

Requirements to obtain an instrument rating airplane. (Part 61)

1.  Hold at least a private pilot certificate.

2.  Be able to read, speak, write, and converse fluently in English.

3.  Hold at least a third-class FAA medical certificate.

4.  Flight experience

     a. 50 hr. as pilot in command on cross-country flight (of which 10 hr. must be in airplanes) to

         airports more than 50 NM from the original departure point.

     b. 40 hr of simulated or actual instrument time. (of which up to 20 hr. can be in a flight

         simulator or flight training device;  up to 10 hr. can be in a personal computer-based

         aviation training device)

     c. 15 hr of which must be from an authorized instructor in the aircraft category for which the

         the instrument rating is sought.

     d. At least 3 hours of instrument training that is appropriate to the instrument rating sought

         from an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test within the 60 days

         preceding the date of the test.

     e. Instrument training on cross-country flight procedures specific to airplanes that includes

         at least one 250 NM cross-country flight in an airplane that is performed under IFR, and

         using three different types of instrument approaches.

5.  Appropriate ground instruction to learn

     a. Federal regulations applicable to instrument pilots

     b. IFR navigation

     c. Aviation weather

     d. Safe and efficient flying skills applicable to IFR

     e. Aeronautical decision making and judgment

6.  A score of 70% or better on the 60 question pilot knowledge test.

7.  Successful completion of the FAA Instrument Practical Test including

     a. Preflight preparation

     b. Preflight Procedures

     c. Air Traffic Control Clearances and procedures

     d. Flight be reference to instruments

     e. Navigation aids.

     f. Instrument approach procedures.

     g. Emergency operations

     h. Postflight procedures.