INSTRUMENT RATING
Is this right for me?
Obtaining an instrument rating is the biggest step you can take towards becoming a safer, more knowledgeable, and more professional pilot. Instrument training will teach you precise control of the aircraft by reference only to instruments. You will also learn the full intricacies of airspace and regulations. With an instrument rating you can feel free to take that trip you’ve been considering, without the worry of being delayed due to weather or low ceilings
How much time will it take?
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of simulated or actual instrument flight to be eligible for certification. At least 15 hours of this must be accomplished with an authorized instrument instructor (CFII). The time required can be as little as several weeks if you enroll in our accelerated training program. Immerse yourself in flight instruction several times a week or spread it out over several months, the choice is yours.
How much will it cost?
The FAA has a set of minimums required to gain an Instrument Rating. We have found that most students will require slightly more training than the minimum requirements. Review the cost tables below for more details, but a student can expect it to cost between $7,000 and $9,000.
Detailed Cost Estimate
| 40 Hour FAA Minimum Requirement | Cost | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Dual Flight Hours including Piper Warrior Aircraft Rate, Fuel, and Instruction Rate | 4,280.00 | |||
| 20 Dual Instruction Hours in Simulator (20 hours of logged simulated time allowed) | 1,300.00 | |||
| One Year Unlimited Simulator Package | 700.00 | |||
| Ground School with Books and Materials | 619.00 | |||
| FAA Knowledge Test | 165.00 | |||
| FAA Practical Test Designated Pilot Examiner’s Fee | 500.00 | |||
| Estimated Total: | $ 7,564.00 | |||
| 50 Hour Zone Aviation Student Average | Cost | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Dual Flight Hours including Piper Warrior Aircraft Rate, Fuel, and Instruction Rate | 6,420.00 | |||||
| 20 Dual Instruction Hours in Simulator (20 hours of logged simulated time allowed) | 1,300.00 | |||||
| One Year Unlimited Simulator Package | 700.00 | |||||
| Ground School with Books and Materials | 600.00 | |||||
| FAA Knowledge Test | 165.00 | |||||
| FAA Practical Test Designated Pilot Examiner’s Fee | 500.00 | |||||
| Estimated Total: | $ 9,704.00 | |||||
Estimate only. Actual time and cost may vary depending on pilot proficiency, frequency, and consistency of flight lessons. All Training is completed to standard of pilot proficiency and safety, and not only on FAA minimum hours required.
Why choose Zone for your Instrument Rating?
As an instrument pilot you will gain valuable and advanced knowledge and skills that will make your flying safer, more convenient, and more versatile. At Zone Aviation we utilize new, glass cockpit equipped aircraft to ensure you get the most up-to-date training and experience. We also offer the option to start your training in our FAA certified flight training device (simulator). Our full cockpit sim is a valuable tool that will precisely hone your skills before you even start your dual instrument training in the aircraft. Utilizing this tool makes obtaining your instrument rating with Zone Aviation more efficient and less expensive. Zone has a Redbird FMX full-motion simulator that can be configured for either the Glass cockpit of a C172SP or a Cirrus SR20/SR22. A large portion of time in the simulator counts too!
What are the steps to get my certificate?
- Prepare for the written test. From the first flight with your instructor you’ll need to study along the way in preparation for your written exam which is usually taken towards the end of you flight training for a self-paced program, or taken before training begins for an accelerated program.
- Dual Instruction. At least 15 of the required 40 hours of instrument flight has to be accomplished with a CFII. The remainder can be flown with a safety pilot if you choose.
- Cross Country Flight. One long IFR cross country flight is required. At least one leg of the three leg trip must have a straight line distance of at least 250 nautical miles. Additionally, three different types of instrument approaches must be flown during this flight.
- Oral and Practical Test. Once you meet all the flight training requirements and your instructor believes you are proficient, you are ready for the check ride. This check ride is composed of a oral examination and a hands-on flight in the aircraft with an FAA designated examiner. The check ride examines your knowledge, practices and proficiency at the control’s of the aircraft via reference to instruments only.