Fly in any weather — Get Your Instrument Rating

Getting Your Instrument Rating

Overview

Hours

Costs

Earning your Instrument Rating builds on your private pilot skills by teaching you how to fly safely and confidently using only the aircraft’s instruments. You’ll complete ground training to learn IFR procedures, navigation systems, weather interpretation, and the regulations that govern instrument flight.

Your certified instrument instructor will then guide you through real and simulated instrument conditions in the cockpit, helping you master holding patterns, instrument approaches, enroute navigation, and communication in the IFR system.

Once all required training is complete, your instructor will endorse you for the FAA instrument checkride. After passing, you’ll earn your Instrument Rating—giving you the ability to fly in a wider range of weather conditions and significantly expanding your safety, skill, and flexibility as a pilot.

Training time for the Instrument Rating varies from pilot to pilot, depending on experience, consistency, and how quickly you become comfortable flying solely by reference to instruments. The FAA requires at least 40 hours of instrument flight time and 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot-in-command to qualify for the checkride. These hours include key tasks such as holding procedures, instrument approaches, and an IFR cross-country flight.

Most students exceed the minimums to ensure they are fully prepared for the demands of real IFR flying. Your instructor will endorse you for the checkride once you’ve demonstrated solid proficiency and confidence—not simply when minimums have been met.

As with all advanced training, consistency makes a big difference. Flying regularly—ideally one to two times per week—helps you retain skills, progress efficiently, and complete your instrument training in the shortest overall time.

The cost of earning your Instrument Rating can vary based on experience level, training frequency, and how quickly you progress through instrument procedures. Most students complete their training for around $12,000, though individual totals may be higher or lower depending on consistency and the amount of instrument time required to reach proficiency.

Because every pilot’s path is different, we’re happy to provide a personalized cost estimate based on your flight experience and training goals.

We know that advanced training is a significant investment, but the flexibility, safety, and confidence that come with an Instrument Rating make it one of the most valuable steps in your aviation journey.

Ready to Train for Your Instrument Rating?

Complete the form, and we’ll connect with you to answer your questions and help you get started.

Phone

253-820-9597

Email

Alex@flighttrainingfallscity.com

Location

Our training flights take off from Brenner Field in Falls City Nebraska

Address

3301 Business PKWY N., Falls City, Ne 68355