Instrument Pilot Training at Terrell Aviation

Our Instrument Rating program combines ground lessons, simulator sessions, and dual flight instruction to build your skills efficiently. You'll cover topics like IFR regulations, weather interpretation, and emergency procedures. Training culminates in preparation for the oral and flight portions of the checkride, ensuring you're ready to fly confidently in the IFR system.

Contact us at Terrell Aviation for personalized scheduling to start your Instrument Rating journey today!

If you hold an instrument rating already and are ready to become a Commercial Pilot, let us help you achieve your goals!

Getting an instrument rating allows you to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in low visibility or clouds, relying primarily on aircraft instruments rather than visual references. It's one of the most valuable add-ons to a private pilot certificate, greatly improving safety and utility (e.g., flying through weather, accessing more airports, or traveling farther reliably).

Prerequisites

• Hold at least a current private pilot certificate with an airplane category/class rating (e.g., Airplane Single-Engine Land).

• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.

• Hold a valid FAA medical certificate (third-class or higher; required for IFR privileges).

• Be at least 17 years old to apply (though training can start earlier if you have a private pilot cert).

No separate student pilot certificate is needed beyond what you already have.

1. Complete Ground Training / Aeronautical Knowledge Study the required topics (§61.65(b)): IFR regulations, instrument systems, ATC procedures, weather interpretation, navigation (including GPS/RNAV), holding patterns, approaches (ILS, VOR, LOC, etc.), missed approaches, emergencies, etc.

   • Options: Take lessons from a Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII), or complete an approved home-study/online course (e.g., from King Schools, Sporty's, Pilot Institute, or AOPA). We recommend combing a home-study/online course with ground lessons from your CFII.

   • Get a logbook endorsement from a CFII certifying you're ready for the knowledge test.

2. Pass the FAA Instrument Rating Knowledge Test (Written Exam)

   • 60 questions, multiple-choice; pass with 70% or higher.

   • Administered at PSI/CATS testing centers (~$175 fee).

   • Valid for 24 calendar months.

3. Meet Aeronautical Experience / Flight Training Requirements (§61.65(d)) Log the following (note: these are minimums - realistic totals are often higher due to proficiency needs):

   • 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command (PIC), with at least 10 hours in airplanes. (Cross-country means straight-line distance >50 NM from departure point.)

   • 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time (flying solely by reference to instruments):

     • At least 15 hours must be instrument flight training from a CFII in an airplane (or approved simulator/FTD).

     • Up to 20 hours can be in our simulator/AATD thus reducing your overall costs significantly.

   • Specific required training flights with CFII:

     • One cross-country flight of at least 250 NM along airways or ATC routing, under IFR, with 3 different kinds of approaches using 3 different navigation systems (e.g., ILS, VOR, RNAV/GPS)

   • At least 3 hours of instrument flight training in the 2 calendar months before the practical test.

   • Get CFII endorsements in your logbook for the knowledge test, specific training, and practical test readiness.

4. Pass the Practical Test (Checkride)

   • Quick scheduling wtih on-site KTRL based Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).

   • Based on the Instrument Rating Airplane Airman Certification Standards (ACS)

   • Consists of - 

     • Oral exam (ground portion): Discuss regulations, weather, performance, procedures, etc.

     • Flight test: Demonstrate IFR proficiency - preflight, departure, enroute, approaches, holds, missed approaches, emergencies, unusual attitudes, etc. (often under simulated IMC with a view-limiting device like a hood or foggles).

   • Cost: $1000 DPE fee + aircraft rental.

   • Upon passing, you get a temporary instrument rating; the plastic card arrives from the FAA later.