The instrument rating requirements are set out in 14 CFR 61.65. You need a private certificate, a specific amount of cross-country and instrument time, a knowledge test, and a checkride. Here is the complete breakdown for the airplane instrument rating.
Part of our Instrument Rating guide.
Prerequisites
- Hold at least a private pilot certificate (or earn it concurrently)
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
- Hold a medical certificate (or BasicMed) to act as pilot in command under IFR; a medical is needed to exercise the privileges, not to add the rating itself
Aeronautical experience (14 CFR 61.65)
| Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Cross-country flight time as pilot in command | 50 hours, including at least 10 hours in airplanes |
| Instrument time (actual or simulated) | 40 hours |
| Instrument flight training from an instrument instructor (CFII) | 15 hours |
| Instrument training within 2 calendar months before the test | 3 hours |
| IFR cross-country (one flight) | At least 250 nm along airways or ATC routing, flown under IFR, with an instrument approach at each airport and three different kinds of approaches |
A portion of the instrument time may be completed in an approved flight simulator or training device, within the limits the regulation allows.
Knowledge and practical tests
You must pass the instrument knowledge test and the instrument checkride, both measured against the instrument Airman Certification Standards. After you earn the rating, you also have to stay instrument current to keep flying IFR.
What you actually learn
Beyond the hours, instrument training teaches you to control the airplane by instruments alone, navigate the IFR system, hold, intercept and track courses, fly precision and non-precision approaches, and handle equipment failures such as partial-panel operations. These skills are demanding and deeply rewarding.
What you'll need
Study and reference materials for the instrument rating, from PilotMall.com.
Frequently asked questions
How much cross-country time do I need?
50 hours of cross-country as pilot in command, including at least 10 hours in airplanes for the airplane instrument rating.
How much instrument time?
40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, including 15 hours of training from a CFII.
Can simulator time count?
Yes, a portion may be completed in an approved simulator or training device within the regulation’s limits.
Do I need the private certificate first?
You add the instrument rating to a private or higher certificate; many pilots earn the private first.