IR · IR

Instrument Rating.

IFR training in Florida weather. Approaches into KFXE, KFLL, KPBI. AeroTech ground school included.

Hours
40 hrs sim/flight, 50 cross-country PIC
Duration
3 to 6 months typical
Prerequisites
Private Pilot certificate.
Aircraft
Cirrus SR20KFXE

The Instrument Rating lets you fly in clouds, file IFR, and shoot approaches down to published minimums. It is the single most useful add-on rating after PPL, especially in Florida weather.

Syllabus.

  1. 01

    Phase 1

    Attitude instrument flying, basic instrument maneuvers, partial panel.

  2. 02

    Phase 2

    IFR procedures. Holds, intercepts, tracking, DME arcs.

  3. 03

    Phase 3

    Approaches. ILS, LOC, VOR, GPS, RNAV, circling.

  4. 04

    Phase 4

    IFR cross-country, oral and practical test prep.

Regulatory references.

FAA references that govern Instrument Rating:

Frequently asked.

How long does an instrument rating take?
Three to six months at typical part-time pace. The FAA minimum is 40 hours of instrument time including 15 hours with a CFII.
Why get an instrument rating?
It removes weather as a hard limit. With an IFR ticket and a properly equipped airplane, low ceilings and reduced visibility no longer cancel your flight.
Can I fly in clouds with just a private pilot license?
No. A private pilot operating under VFR cannot legally fly into instrument meteorological conditions.

Ready to start IR?

Email gets answered, usually same day. A discovery flight is the most direct way to find out if this is the right program.

Email fly@thepilotport.com Discovery flight →