INSTRUMENT
RATING
DON'T LET THE CLOUDS KEEP YOU DOWN
STRUCTURE. FLEXIBILITY. MASTERY.
An instrument rating isn't a license, but rather an add-on to an existing pilot certificate. It allows you to act as the pilot in command of an IFR flight plan which gives you the ability to fly in instrument conditions (through clouds and areas of low visibility) as well as in Class A (high-altitude) airspace. Instrument training focuses on flying solely by reference to instruments. An in-depth study of weather as well as rules and procedures specific to IFR flight is also a critical part of this kind of training. Earning an instrument rating requires dedication and effort, but the payoff is tremendous. As an instrument-rated pilot, you are much less likely to have trips limited by weather. Schedule-sensitive travel is more reliable and those long distance missions are more easily accomplished.
BASIC TRAINING
REQUIREMENTS
TSA Approval (for non-U.S. citizens only)
Private or Commercial Pilot Certificate Holder
PIC Cross Country Flight Time: 50 Hours
Instrument Time: 40 Hours
Instrument Instruction Time: 15 Hours
We suggest that all students refresh their VFR flying skills prior to training for their instrument rating. Completing a Flight Review, renewing landing currency, and reviewing important private pilot knowledge areas with a CFI are great ways to make sure you are in the best position to continue your learning. Enroll in and complete Sporty's online video training course to give yourself an leg up by getting your mind in gear for future learning.
THE PATH TO CERTIFICATION
Start first by accruing PIC cross country experience on your own. Once you've logged 35 hours of PIC XC time, speak with our CFIs to sign up for lessons. Make sure you have a current FAA medical or BasicMed documentation.
Our instructors will work with you to develop strong basic attitude instrument flying skills, learn IFR procedures, and master cockpit management. Enroll in our ground school to help prep for your FAA written exam (60 multiple choice questions, 70% passing score). All of your training efforts ultimately lead to the FAA practical test (a.k.a. checkride) which is done one-on-one with a designated pilot examiner (DPE) and consists of a 1 to 2 hour oral exam and a 1.5 to 2.5 hour flight test.
CHOOSE YOUR RIDE
Sling, Diamond, and Cirrus all offer effective platforms for flight training.
However, due to weight and balance restrictions for the LSA aircraft,
please note that the Sling LSA can only accommodate students up to 200 lbs.
BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
Technologically advanced cockpits come in many shapes and sizes; but the wide cabin, excellent all-around view, and spacious luggage capacity make the Sling a comfortable and versatile choice. Throw in best-in-class handling and maneuverability, and you have yourself a pretty incredible training aircraft.
Maximum student weight = 200 lbs.
PERFECT COMPROMISE
A proper IFR platform, the DA40 boasts a Garmin G1000 avionics suite and GFC700 digital autopilot with flight director. Whether you are new to aviation or highly experienced, the DA40 is a smart choice - space, comfort, and capability all at a reasonable price. The durable composite airframe, low fuel burn and superb handling make the DA40 a great airplane for travel and training alike.
BOLD INGENUITY
Every pilot’s dream plane? This might very well be it. The SR20 and SR22 have redefined personal aviation with industry-leading performance, style, and safety. A seamless integration of luxury, technology, and automobile-inspired ergonomics will have you and your family eager to climb aboard. With an integrated parachute recovery system, its safety record is unmatched.
TYPICAL TIMELINE TO COMPLETION
4-6 MONTHS
Students are encouraged to sign up for a minimum of TWO 2.5-hour lessons per week, but greater frequency is beneficial as you'll maintain a higher level of retention from one lesson to the next. Total times and costs will ultimately depend on a variety of factors including weather, aircraft maintenance, private pilot proficiency, natural ability, frequency of training, and dedication to at-home study.
Our instrument rating curriculum consists of 31 lessons. Each lesson has an associated homework assignment that consists of approximately one hour of reading/studying/video watching. Proper progression is highly dependent on the timely completion of all homework assignments.
If you'll be training on a platform that is new to you, you'll be required to complete VFR transition training in your selected aircraft prior to beginning your instrument training. Instrument students will also need 35 hours of PIC cross country time logged as a course prerequisite.
SLING LSA AIRCRAFT
TRAINING SLOTS AVAILABLE (DAILY)
8:00AM - 10:30AM
10:30AM - 1:00PM
2:00PM - 4:30PM
4:30PM - 7:00PM
DIAMOND DA40 AIRCRAFT
TRAINING SLOTS AVAILABLE (DAILY)
8:30AM - 11:00AM
11:00AM - 1:30PM
2:30PM - 5:00PM
5:00PM - 7:30PM
CIRRUS SR20 AIRCRAFT
TRAINING SLOTS AVAILABLE (DAILY)
9:00AM - 11:30AM
11:30AM - 2:00PM
3:00PM - 5:30PM
5:30PM - 8:00PM
SLING LSA AIRCRAFT
TYPICAL COURSE COMPLETION COSTS:
$15,909
LSA Rental Hours (42 @ $165/Hour) = $6,930
Simulator Hours (5 @ $50/Hour) = $250
CFII Instruction (83 @ $85/Hour) = $7,055
Monthly Club Membership (4 @ $50) = $200
Training Materials/Subscriptions = $279
Written Exam Fee = $195
Checkride Fee = $1000
Total = $15,909
DIAMOND DA40 AIRCRAFT
TYPICAL COURSE COMPLETION COSTS:
$19,479
DA40 Rental Hours (42 @ $250/Hour) = $10,500
Simulator Hours (5 @ $50/Hour) = $250
CFII Instruction (83 @ $85/Hour) = $7,055
Monthly Club Membership (4 @ $50) = $200
Training Materials/Subscriptions = $279
Written Exam Fee = $195
Checkride Fee = $1000
Total = $19,479
CIRRUS SR20 AIRCRAFT
TYPICAL COURSE COMPLETION COSTS:
$24.219
SR20 Rental Hours (42 @ $300/Hour) = $12,600
Simulator Hours (5 @ $50/Hour) = $250
Cirrus Instruction (83 @ $115/Hour) = $9,545
Monthly Club Membership (4 @ $50) = $200
Training Materials/Subscriptions = $429
Written Exam Fee = $195
Checkride Fee = $1000
Total = $24,219 OR $31,989 (G6 SR22)
