Instrument Rating

Here is an overview of what it takes to obtain an instrument rating.

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Prerequisites

⬜ Minimum of private pilot certificate and third-class medical (or greater)

⬜ Read, speak, write, and understand English

⬜ 70% or better score on FAA instrument pilot knowledge test

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Minimum Aeronautical Experience

⬜ 50 hours of cross country flight time as PIC

   ⬜ 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time that includes at least –

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         ⬜ 15 hours of dual training with an authorized instructor (CFII)

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              ⬜ An approved basic aviation training device (BATD) may be used to log a maximum of 10 hours of dual training towards the rating.  An approved advanced aviation training device (AATD) may be used to log a maximum of 20 hours of dual training towards the rating.

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         ⬜ Must make at least one cross-country flight performed under IFR at least 250 NM along airways or ATC-directed routing and includes an instrument approach at each airport, performing a total of three different kinds of instrument approaches.

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         ⬜ 3 hours of practical test prep flights within the preceding 2 

            calendar months with a CFII

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Taken from 14 CFR 61.65 – Aeronautical Experience