Ground through checkride
IFR ground and procedures
Master charts, approaches, and regulations for instrument flight.
Hood and cross-country IFR
Build proficiency in actual and simulated instrument conditions.
Instrument checkride
Demonstrate precision and systems knowledge for IFR certification.
Published package pricing is Part 61: 40 instrument flight hours. The 50-hour cross-country PIC requirement is not included; dual-enrolling commercial time build is the usual way to cover it. On the airline careers pathway, this rating follows your private certificate.
| Requirement | Part 61 | FAA-approved curriculum |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Private Pilot Certificate | Private Pilot Certificate |
| Instrument flight minimum | 40 hours | 35 hours |
| Cross-country PIC | 50 hours (can be built concurrently) | Not required as a standalone prereq |
IFR proficiency, not just checkride prep
Precision and non-precision
ILS, RNAV, VOR, holding, course reversals, and missed approaches.
Departure and arrival
En route IFR navigation, flight planning, and real ATC environment operations.
IMC and risk management
Partial panel, unusual attitude recovery, and professional ATC communication.
Cessna 172 S / G1000
Systems for IFR operations in glass-cockpit aircraft.
Instrument rating questions
Do I need a private certificate first?
Yes. A Private Pilot Certificate is required. The published Part 61 package also requires 50 hours cross-country PIC, which can be built concurrently with training. An FAA-approved curriculum is available for VA and international students and waives that standalone requirement.
How is instrument training structured?
Published package pricing is Part 61: 40 instrument flight hours per §61.65. The 50-hour cross-country PIC requirement is not included; dual-enrolling commercial time build is the usual way to cover it. An FAA-approved curriculum is available for VA and international students.
What aircraft do you train in?
Cessna 172 S Models with Garmin G1000 glass cockpits.
Tell us where you are starting
Admissions follows up about prerequisites, financing, and start date.