Instrument
Privileges and Limitations
After obtaining some experience and cross-country time many pilots seek an instrument rating to add flexiblity to their flying. An instrument rating allows you to fly in weather that would have grounded or delayed your flight before. This is a must for those considering a career or flying on a schedule.
Requirements
- Hold at least a private pilot certificate
- Hold at least a current third-class FAA medical certificate
- 50 hours pilot-in-command cross country (more than 50nm away)
- 40 hour simulated (under the hood) or actual (in the clouds) instrument time
- 15 hours dual instrument instruction
- pass the FAA Instrument Airplane Airmen Knowledge written test
- pass a FAA Instrument Airplane flight exam
A detailed list of Instrument Requirements directly from the FAA website.
Cost
All training is billed on a per hour basis. All costs are based on the minimum requirement for an instrument rating.
- 35 hours split aircraft rental $45/hr - $1575
- 15 hour aircraft rental $89/hr - $1335
- 15 hours dual instruction $40/hr - $600
- Books, Pilot Supplies, Testing Fees - $500
- Flatirons Aero membership $30/mo - $90
- Total estimated cost for Instrument Rating - $4100
FAQ
What is instrument time?
Instrument time is flying the airplane solely by reference to instruments. This can be accomplished by flying in the clouds with a rated pilot or wearing a view-limiting device. While wearing a view-limiting you must have a safety pilot.
What is a safety pilot?
A Safety Pilot is an appropiately rated pilot that keeps an eye out the window while you are under the hood. This person must be at least a private pilot and have a valid medical certificate. Because you are both required crewmembers, you can both log pilot-in-command time. This is a great way to help defray the costs of flying by splitting time with a friend.
Current Weather
Partly Cloudy with Haze and 77 degrees F at Broomfield/Jeffco, CO
Winds are Southeast at 5 MPH. The pressure is 29.99" and the humidity is 44%. The heat index is 78. Last Updated on Aug 20, 11:50 am MDT.
Checkride News
Shane Fleming: Private Pilot 10/31/2007 Jay Claus: Instrument Rating 12/15/2007 Peter Haines: Private Pilot 12/21/2007 Madie Heidemann: Private Pilot 1/4/2008