Instrument Pilot

So...you have decided to get your instrument rating (or at least are one step closer to deciding). Well, this rating is the next step in getting a commercial license. or at least perfecting your skill as a Private Pilot. This is probably one of the most challenging and rewarding training many pilot do in their careers. It enables you to fly in clouds and in not so nice weather, by only using the on-board instruments.  Basically, you'll be able to take off into an overcast and fly to your destination and land with out ever seeing the ground! How amazing is that?

Like the Private Pilot, your instrument training is customized to fit your needs. It follows a syllabus and a home-study course that enables you to save money and time by looking over and studying the material from the comfort of your favorite place. There are certain requirements that you'll have to fulfill to get that rating, some of which include...

• 125 total hours which must include at least
• 50 hours of cross country time as PIC of which 10 must be in an instrument rated plane
• 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time
• 15 hours of instrument flight training with an instructor, in the appropriate aircraft category
• 3 hours of practical test prep within the previous 60 days
• At least once cross country flight under an IFR flight plan

   and the cost?

30 Hours of flight time in a Diamond DA-20                                                                  $3,531.00
    (A better plane to do this training in is the Cherokee-180, add $390, but you be the judge)
    (If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, fly the Cessna 172, subtract $30)
10 Hours of Simulator                                                                                                 $260.00
40 Hours of Dual Flight Instruction                                                                               $1,800.00
Instrument Kit                                                                                                            $199.90
FAA Written Test                                                                                                       $90.00
FAA Flight Test                                                                                                         $300.00
Total                                                                                                                        $5,920.90.

Common Questions about the Instrument rating...

Why the simulator, I've been told that the airplane is so much cooler and "funner"?

    The simulator can teach you things that an airplane can't. Practicing basic instrument scans and simulated failures are best done in the simulator. Not to mention that the time you spend on it counts towards your 40 hours! (and its a LOT cheaper)

(More coming soon)