Instrument Rating
Once you earn your Private Pilot License and enjoy the rewards of flying, you'll find that sometimes the weather won't cooperate. As a private pilot, you'll need to stay out of the clouds. This can make it difficult on days when you want to fly but there are some clouds either at your departure or arrival airport.
Earning your Instrument Rating eliminates all of the "no go" days of a private pilot and allows your to fly in, through, and above the clouds. By learning to trust your instruments in order to avoid spatial disorientation, you'll be able to drastically increase the number of days you can take to the skies.
What are the requirements?
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50 hours of cross-country (farther than 50 miles) flight time
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40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time
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3 hours of preparation within 2 months of your checkride
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1 cross-country flight that is:
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250 miles
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3 different kinds of approaches
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instrument approaches at each airport
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Is there any solo training time?
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No. You will either be "actual instrument" (in the clouds) or "simulated instrument" (wearing a view limiting device). Either way, you'll be with an instructor to ensure avoidance of other aircraft and aircraft control.
Is the testing process similar to private pilot?
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Yes. The testing requirements are:
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written test
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checkride (oral and practical)
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