Earn Your Instrument Rating
Learn to fly by reference to your instruments, handle real-world weather with confidence, and become a more precise, capable pilot.
Fly When the Weather Isn’t Perfect
An instrument rating lets you fly under instrument flight rules (IFR), in clouds and low visibility, and navigate to an airport using approach procedures. It’s widely regarded as the single best way to sharpen your skills as a pilot, and it’s required for most professional flying.
- Instrument flying: control the airplane precisely using only the cockpit instruments.
- IFR procedures: departures, en route navigation, holds, and instrument approaches.
- Weather and planning: read forecasts, understand icing and thunderstorms, and make sound go/no-go decisions.
- ATC communication: work with air traffic control and follow IFR clearances.
40 Hours FAA minimum instrument time, including at least 15 hours with an instructor. Actual time varies by student.
Who Is Instrument Training For?
If you already hold a private pilot certificate, this is the natural next step.
Build Toward the Airlines
The instrument rating comes before the commercial certificate and is essential for any professional flying career.
Fly Where You Need to Go
Make trips more dependable by flying through clouds and low ceilings instead of waiting for clear skies.
Become a Sharper Pilot
Learning to fly precisely by instruments improves your accuracy and decision-making in every kind of flying.
Not sure if you’re ready?
Send us your current experience and we’ll help you map out the fastest path to the rating.
What You Need to Begin
- Certificate: a private pilot certificate, or be working toward one.
- Medical: a current FAA medical certificate.
- Experience: 50 hours of cross-country time as pilot in command, plus the required instrument training under FAA rules.
- Tests: pass the FAA knowledge test, then an oral exam and flight test with an examiner.
What Can You Do With an Instrument Rating?
The rating expands where, when, and how confidently you can fly.
Fly in the Clouds
File IFR flight plans and fly in weather that would keep other pilots on the ground.
Fly More Often
Turn more days into flying days with better tools to handle low ceilings and reduced visibility.
Move Toward Commercial
Meet a key requirement for the commercial certificate and continue toward a professional career.
Your Path to the Instrument Rating
Four milestones take you from the basics to your checkride.
Attitude Instrument Flying
Learn to control the airplane using only the instruments, starting with the basics.
IFR Navigation
Fly airways, holds, and intercepts with confidence.
Approaches and Cross-Country
Fly instrument approaches and complete a long IFR cross-country flight.
FAA Checkride
Prepare for the oral and flight test, then earn your rating.
Straightforward Training Costs
We believe in clear expectations. Ask us for a complete, itemized estimate.
Instrument Training
- Ground instruction and study materials
- One-on-one time with certified flight instructors
- Training aircraft rental
- Checkride preparation for the oral and flight test
Estimate does not include fuel surcharge, checkride fees, or gear and study materials. Final cost depends on your pace and proficiency.
Instrument Rating FAQs
Quick answers to the questions we hear most.
How long does instrument training take?
Most students finish in about 1-3 months. Flying two to three times a week keeps progress steady, and weather can affect the schedule.
Do I need a private pilot certificate first?
You need to hold a private pilot certificate to take the instrument practical test, though some students work on both at the same time. Talk to us about your situation.
Is the instrument rating hard?
It’s demanding, but very achievable with consistent training. Many pilots find it the most rewarding rating they earn.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We partner with Stratus Financial. Apply for financing with Stratus, or contact us and we’ll walk you through your options.
Do I stay current after I earn the rating?
Yes. The FAA has recent-experience requirements to keep your instrument privileges. We can walk you through them, and we offer proficiency flights.
Instrument Rating Training Near Dallas
Dallas Flight Center is based at Caddo Mills Municipal Airport (7F3), a straightforward drive from Greenville and the eastern Dallas suburbs. Students come to us for instrument rating training from:
Rockwall · 14 miWylie · 17 miRowlett · 21 miForney · 24 miGarland · 24 miMesquite · 28 miRichardson · 29 miGreenville · 10 mi
Miles are approximate straight-line distances to the airport. Not sure where to start? Take a discovery flight and meet an instructor, or contact us and we’ll plan your schedule around the drive.
Ready to Fly Through the Weather?
Call us or send a message and we’ll help you plan your next step.