Instrument Rating

An Instrument Rating allows a pilot the privilege to operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).

Training Requirements

Training requirements for the Instrument rating are documented in 14 CFR part 61.65. The bulleted list below is a summary of those requirements.

• Must hold at least a current private pilot certificate or be concurrently applying for a private pilot certificate
• Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
• 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot-in-command
• 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time (at least 15 hours of which need to be with an authorized flight instructor) 
• 250 NM cross-country flight under IFR
• Completion of a written aeronautical knowledge test. Columbus Flying Club can provide ground instruction for this test and an FAA test center is conveniently located at the airport.
• Completion of an oral and practical exam with a designated pilot examiner

Cost

Since time logged from your previous training is carried forward when training for an instrument rating, the total cost of training depends on the current amount of time logged in the required areas.

Columbus Flying Club also maintains an FAA approved Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD). When training with an authorized flight instructor, up to 10 hours of time on the BATD can be credited towards your instrument rating.