The Instrument Rating or IFR rating for short, is the next step after you get your PPL.  The Instrument Rated pilot enjoys the freedom of being able to fly in weather that would otherwise keep you grounded. 

In this course you will learn about advanced aircraft navigation systems and how to fly the aircraft without looking out the window relying 100% on your instruments. This course will enhance your piloting skills tenfold and increase your self confidence in how you handle your airplane.

The aircraft that you will be learning on is a Cessna 172. This 160 Horse Power, 4 seat trainer is equipped with a Garmin 430 GPS. The aircraft cruises at roughly 138 M.P.H. and has a range of 575 Nautical Miles. Thats enough to get from Maryland to New York City and back without refueling and in the same time it will take you to drive the same trip one way!
 
Here are the prerequisites for the course:

- You must have a Private Pilot License.

- The candidate must be profecient in the English language.

- You need at least a Third Class medical certificate.
   Click HERE to find the Aviation physician nearest you.

- You will be required to pass a written aviation knowledge exam, then a one-on-one exam with an Aviation Examiner.

Flight Hours:
- 50 hours of Cross Country time PIC (point A to B with a distance of at least 50Nautical Miles between the two points) of which 10 must be in airplanes

- 40 hours of Actual or simulated instrument time. To include:
1) At least 15 hours of Instrument Training from an authorized instructor.

2) 3 hours of training in preparation for the final exam within the preceding 90 days of the exam date.

3) At least one cross country flight of at least 250 Nautical Miles along airways or ATC directed routing;  An instrument approach at each airport and Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems.

So how much does it cost?

The cost varies from student to student as it depends on how many lessons is required for the student to become prepared for the exam.

While the regulations require only 15 hours of training from an instructor, in 99% of circumstances the student will require at least 40 hours. Therefore the estimate is based on 40 instruction hours.*

Description Hours Cost per hour
Aircraft Rental 40 $120
Flight Instruction 40 $45
Ground Instruction 10
 $45
*Estimated 10- 15 hours of ground instruction
Knowledge Test $150
Final Exam Fee $400
Misc Other ** $50
Total: $7,650

*Pricing is based on current  W.I.F.A. rental fees as of the creation of this web page, prices are subject to change.  (Last Update was 03/01/2010)

**Includes items like: Knowledge Test Prep and study material, Maps, Navigational Plotter, Logbook, Flight Computer, FAA Medical Exam etc.