Instrument Rating
Fly through clouds, low visibility, and challenging weather with confidence. The Instrument Rating is the most important step toward becoming a professional pilot.
50+
Total Flight Hours
40+
Hours Actual/Simulated IMC
15+
Hours with Instructor
PPL
Prerequisite
Instrument rating Overview
Fly Beyond Visual Conditions
The Instrument Rating (IR) allows you to fly in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) — clouds, low visibility, and weather that would ground a VFR-only pilot. It is the single most valuable rating you can add after your Private Pilot Certificate.
At Tradewind, Instrument training is conducted in our modern aircraft equipped with glass cockpit avionics. You will learn to fly precise approaches, hold patterns, and navigate airways using real-world IFR procedures under the direct supervision of our experienced CFIIs.
Whether you are building toward a commercial career or simply want to be a safer, more capable pilot, the Instrument Rating will transform the way you fly.
FAA Requirements
- Hold a Private Pilot Certificate (or be concurrently enrolled)
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
- Log at least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as PIC
- Log at least 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time
- Complete 15 hours of instrument flight training with a CFII
- Pass the FAA Instrument Rating written knowledge test
- Pass the FAA practical test (checkride) with a DPE
Curriculum
What You'll Learn
IFR Navigation
Master airways, fixes, and GPS-based navigation. Learn to fly departure, en route, and arrival procedures using real-world IFR charts and avionics.
Instrument Approaches
Fly precision and non-precision approaches — ILS, RNAV, VOR, and more — to minimums in simulated and actual IMC conditions.
Weather & Systems
Interpret METARs, TAFs, PIREPs, and weather products to make sound go/no-go decisions and manage in-flight weather encounters safely.
ATC & Procedures
Communicate professionally with ATC, read and fly clearances, manage holds, and operate confidently in the IFR system from departure to landing.
Your Path to Certification
How Training Works
Ground School
Study IFR regulations, weather theory, navigation systems, approach procedures, and the aerodynamics of flight in IMC.
Simulator Training
Build instrument scan and procedure proficiency in our flight training devices before transitioning to the aircraft.
Basic Instrument Maneuvers
Develop a solid instrument scan under the hood — unusual attitude recovery, timed turns, and partial-panel flying.
IFR Cross-Countries
Plan and fly IFR cross-country routes, filing flight plans, receiving clearances, and flying airways and approaches at real airports.
Checkride Preparation
Refine every approach type and procedure with your CFII until you meet or exceed the FAA Airman Certification Standards.
FAA Checkride
Complete an oral exam and practical flight test with a Designated Pilot Examiner. Pass and you hold an FAA Instrument Rating.
Ready to Fly IFR?
Talk to our team about adding the Instrument Rating to your certificate. We will build a training plan around your schedule and goals.