Aviation Training Consultants: 800-874-5346
Aviation Training Consultants: 800-874-5346
Pilots > Become an Instrument-Rated Pilot

Fly Beyond Visual Limits:
Become an Instrument-Rated Pilot

What Is an Instrument Rating?

With an instrument rating, a pilot gains the ability to fly aircraft in a wider range of weather conditions and navigate through airspace with reduced visibility. The instrument rating is an additional qualification beyond the private or commercial pilot’s license, and it allows pilots to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) as opposed to Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
 
The average length of time it takes a pilot to complete an instrument rating training can vary based on several factors, including the individual’s aptitude, availability for training, weather conditions, and the training program’s structure. Generally, completing an instrument rating can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Am I Eligible to Get My Instrument Rating?

In order to qualify for the instrument rating, pilots must:

number one
Have a current medical certificate
number two
Hold a private or commercial pilot’s certificate
number three
Pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test
number four
Accumulate the appropriate flight experience hours and instruction-received hours.
number five
Pass the required FAA Practical Test
Interested in Becoming an Instrument-Rated Pilot?
Learn More About the Privileges and Requirements
Experience the Gleim difference yourself.
Try Our Instrument Rating Online Courses
I passed my Instrument written test today, thank you so much! I have used you guys
for both my Private and Instrument Rating exams. It is a great program and I
will be using Gleim again for my Commercial certificate preparations.
Dave E.