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.
-
01
Phase 1
Attitude instrument flying, basic instrument maneuvers, partial panel.
-
02
Phase 2
IFR procedures. Holds, intercepts, tracking, DME arcs.
-
03
Phase 3
Approaches. ILS, LOC, VOR, GPS, RNAV, circling.
-
04
Phase 4
IFR cross-country, oral and practical test prep.
Regulatory references.
FAA references that govern Instrument Rating:
- §61.65 Instrument rating requirements
- §91.167 Fuel requirements for flight in IFR conditions
- §91.171 VOR equipment check
- §91.205(d) IFR equipment
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.