An instrument rating typically costs $8,000 to $12,000. The biggest variable, as with all flight training, is how many hours of instruction and aircraft or simulator time you need. Here is the breakdown and how to keep it down.
Part of our Instrument Rating guide.
The short answer
Budget $8,000 to $12,000 for the instrument rating added to an existing private certificate. Using an approved simulator for part of the training can lower the total, since sim time costs less than aircraft time.
Cost breakdown
| Cost item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Aircraft time (instrument training and cross-country) | $5,000 to $8,000 |
| Instrument instructor (CFII) | $2,000 to $3,500 |
| Simulator or training device time | $500 to $1,500 (offsets aircraft cost) |
| Ground school or test prep | $150 to $300 |
| Knowledge test fee | About $175 |
| Checkride (examiner fee) | $600 to $1,000 |
How to lower the cost
- Use a simulator for procedures and approaches; it is cheaper than the airplane and lets you repeat tasks efficiently.
- Fly consistently so instrument skills do not fade between lessons.
- Finish the written early and study procedures on the ground.
- Chair-fly approaches at home to arrive at each lesson ready.
What you'll need
Instrument study tools from PilotMall.com. A view-limiting device like Foggles is the cheapest way to log instrument time efficiently.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an instrument rating cost?
Typically $8,000 to $12,000 added to an existing private certificate.
Does simulator time save money?
Yes. Approved simulator time costs less than aircraft time and can be used for a portion of the requirement.
What is the biggest cost?
Aircraft and instructor time, just like the private certificate.