Get Your Instrument Rating
Take the next step after your private pilot training
GET STARTEDWhy an Instrument Rating?
Passing your private pilot checkride and receiving your private Pilot Certificate is a remarkable accomplishment, and an Instrument Rating takes your flying skills to a whole new level. When you get your instrument rating, you'll acquire the skills to confidently navigate aircraft solely by instruments, regardless of external visual references. This mastery of precision flying opens doors to new flying experiences and enhances your overall piloting skills. Imagine confidently handling complex flight scenarios, from navigating through challenging weather conditions to performing pinpoint approaches.
The Instrument Rating Makes You a Better and Safer Pilot
Getting your instrument rating is the next step after your private pilot certificate and allows you to fly in challenging weather conditions.
How to Get Your Instrument Rating
Ideal Aviation is dedicated to supporting you on your journey towards becoming an instrument pilot. Whether you're a private pilot seeking to enhance your skills or you have aviation as a career in mind, we're here for you. Our program seamlessly blends comprehensive ground school instruction with immersive hands on flight training, equipping you with the expertise to confidently navigate and operate aircraft relying solely on instruments.
Choose Ideal Aviation and Start Your Instrument Training Today
Learn how to better understand tough weather scenarios and execute instrument approaches to land the aircraft safely. Our experienced certified flight instructors (CFII) will help you become a better and safer pilot.
Step 1. Start Flight Training
Start your Instrument Rating by pairing up with a CFII. Accumulate a minimum of 50 hours of cross country flight time as PIC, including 40 hours of dedicated instrument training. Through guided practice in navigating approaches and holds, you'll gain the confidence to fly solely by reference to instruments, enabling safe and effective flight in diverse conditions.
Step 2. Pass the Written Exam
Prepare to succeed by learning the topics covered in the Instrument Rating written exam. Study regulations, navigation, meteorology, and instrument systems, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of instrument flight principles. Passing this exam not only signifies your theoretical expertise but also solidifies your ability to make informed decisions in real world instrument flying situations.
Step 3. Complete Long Cross Country
A pivotal step in your journey is completing an instrument cross-country flight, covering a minimum of 250 nautical miles along airways or ATC-directed routes. This experience equips you with the ability to navigate under IFR conditions, exposing you to diverse weather and navigation challenges. Successfully completing this flight showcases your proficiency in real-world instrument navigation.
Step 4. Complete the Instrument Checkride
The checkride marks the culmination of your efforts, assessing both your theoretical knowledge and practical instrument flying skills. Pass the oral portion of the exam which covers regulations, procedures, and decision making. Then, complete a flight test where you'll demonstrate precise instrument maneuvers, approaches, and communications. Upon passing, you'll emerge as a confident instrument rated pilot, ready to safely navigate the skies in challenging weather conditions.
Eligibility Requirements for an Instrument Rating
Achieving an Instrument Rating opens up a new realm of aviation expertise. This coveted rating demands a solid foundation as you venture into the intricacies of instrument piloting.
To qualify, you must demonstrate proficiency in:
- Reading, speaking, writing, and comprehending English
- Holding a current private pilot certificate or applying for one alongside the instrument rating
- Receiving ground training from an authorized instructor or completing a home study course for aeronautical knowledge
- Passing the instrument rating knowledge test with instructor endorsement
- Completing the required flight training
As you embark on this journey, you'll delve into a comprehensive curriculum, including topics like:
- IFR flight planning and filing
- Navigation during departure, en route, and arrival in IFR conditions
- Understanding airplane systems for IFR operations
- Instrument flight deck checks
- Air traffic control clearances and procedures
- Various instrument approach procedures
- Emergency operations within IFR
- Weather information analysis
Your journey towards the Instrument Rating also involves achieving specific aeronautical flight experience:
- Clock in a minimum of 50 hours of cross-country pilot-in-command (PIC) time
- Log 40 hours of instrument time, whether actual or simulated
- Receive at least 15 hours of flight time from an authorized instructor
- Complete a cross-country flight of 250 nautical miles, meeting specific instrument requirements
Reference 14 CFR §61.65 for the entire list of eligibility requirements. Note that above is for Part 61 fixed wing
Don't Wait. Begin Your Instrument Training Today
Fill out the form to get started. We'll reach out to you and pair you up with a CFII. Ideal Aviation is the best place to get your instrument rating in the St. Louis area.
What Our Students Say
I did a discovery flight with Steve. He was incredibly welcoming, positive, optimistic, encouraging, all the good stuff. The facilities were great, the aircraft in great shape.
Alex A
★★★★★
Had a discovery flight today with Micheal. It was a wonderful experience I definitely recommend it!
Natalia V
★★★★★
I love flying at Ideal and it's a truly wonderful flight school!
Stacie S
★★★★★
The people that work there are very nice and helpful And make it a very relaxing atmosphere
Don B
★★★★★
Great instructors, nice facilities. Highly recommended
Blake V
★★★★★
I did a discovery flight with Steve. He was incredibly welcoming, positive, optimistic, encouraging, all the good stuff. The facilities were great, the aircraft in great shape.
Alex A
★★★★★
Had a discovery flight today with Micheal. It was a wonderful experience I definitely recommend it!
Natalia V
★★★★★
I love flying at Ideal and it's a truly wonderful flight school!
Stacie S
★★★★★
The people that work there are very nice and helpful And make it a very relaxing atmosphere
Don B
★★★★★
Great instructors, nice facilities. Highly recommended
Blake V
★★★★★
We are the flight training experts of St. Louis
The Ideal Aviation family comes from a long history of aviation in St. Louis. Dating back to the 1980's Ideal Aviation has been helping pilots earn their wings.
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