instrument Pilot Rating
A certification that allows you to fly using instruments alone, without relying on outside visual references. In simple terms, it teaches you how to safely fly in low visibility conditions like clouds, fog, or poor weather by trusting your aircraft’s instruments instead of your eyes.
Last updated: May 2026 | Reference: 14 CFR §61.65
Why Should I Get My Instrument Rating?
There are several reasons why a pilot might want to earn an instrument rating on their pilot certificate, including;
The first is safety. Even if a pilot never intends to fly in the clouds or conditions outside of visual flight rules (VFR), the instrument rating provides an extra layer of safety just in case things do not go as planned during a flight. Not only will the pilot understand more about the weather and what to expect, if the situation really became dire and their only solution was to fly through the clouds, they could safely do so in an aircraft with IFR capabilities.
A pilot may also opt to get an instrument rating if they want to become a flight instructor.
Fly as a commercial airline pilot. While it is possible to earn a commercial certificate without obtaining an instrument rating, doing so limits the types of jobs and flying you can do with your commercial certificate.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a instrument Pilot Certificate?
To earn an Instrument Rating, pilots must pass an FAA practical test with an examiner that includes both an oral and flight portion focused on flying solely by reference to instruments. Prior to this, an instructor must train and endorse the applicant, confirming they meet the required instrument flight experience, including cross-country and simulated or actual instrument time. Applicants must also pass a written knowledge exam and already hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate.
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Read, speak, write and understand the English language
Hold at least a current private pilot certificate, or apply for a private pilot certificate along with their instrument rating
Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or accomplish a home study course for the aeronautical knowledge required for the rating
Receive an endorsement from an authorized instructor to take, and pass, the instrument rating knowledge test
Receive and log the required flight training
Reference 14 CFR §61.65 for the entire list of eligibility requirements.
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Instrument Rating Training Includes:
Flight Planning and Filing Related to IFR
Navigation — Departure, En Route, and Arrival Operations for IFR
Airplane Systems Related to IFR Operations
Instrument Flight Deck Check
Air Traffic Control Clearances and Procedures
Instrument Approach Procedures — Nonprecision, Precision, Missed, Circling and Landing
Emergency Operations Related to IFR
Weather Information
In addition, you must meet the following federal regulations regarding aeronautical flight experience requirements to earn an Instrument Rating.
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Cross-Country (PIC): 50 hours
Instrument Time (Actual or Simulated): 40 hours
Dual Instruction (Authorized Instructor): 15 hours
Long Cross-Country Flight: 250 nautical miles, completed with required instrument procedures
Reference 14 CFR §61.65 for more details on flight time requirements.
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In order to exercise the privileges of a commercial pilot license, you must hold either a second- or first-class medical certificate, which can be obtained through an aeromedical examiner (AME).
Commercial pilots are subject to certain health standards, such as vision, hearing, equilibrium, mental, neurologic, and cardiovascular requirements. For a complete list of the health requirements for obtaining a second-class medical and flying as a commercial pilot reference CFR 14 §67 Subpart C.
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Once you’ve completed the required flight training, you’ll be eligible for the FAA Practical Exam — commonly known as the checkride.
The checkride is administered by a designated FAA examiner and includes two parts: an oral exam followed by a flight test. The flight portion is only conducted after successfully passing the oral exam.
If both parts are completed successfully, the examiner will assist with your FAA paperwork, and you’ll be issued a temporary Instrument Pilot Certificate. This allows you to fly as an instrument rated pilot while you wait for your official FAA certificate to arrive in the mail.
What Does IFR Mean?
IFR stands for Instrument Flight Rules and without an instrument rating, pilots may not operate under IFR. Instrument Flight Rules essentially means:
You can file an instrument flight (evaluate weather conditions)
You can efficiently move through areas of differing airspace
You do not have to adhere to any specific weather requirements
For pilots flying longer distances, an instrument rating is a valuable tool. Flying on an instrument flight plan often results in more efficient routing and provides the added benefit of air traffic control support — another set of eyes on surrounding traffic and weather. Even for those who don’t plan to fly in actual Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), it can shorten flight times and enhance overall safety.