Instrument

Chicago skyline

Requirements:

  • Hold at least a private pilot certificate
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and converse fluently in English
  • Hold at least a current third-class FAA medical certificate
  • Flight experience
    • 50 hr. as pilot in command on cross-country flight (of which 10 hr. must be in airplanes) to airports more than 50 NM from the original departure point
    • 40 hr. of simulated or actual instrument time (of which up to 20 hr. can be in a flight simulator or flight training device; up to 10 hr. can be in a personal computer based aviation training device)
    • 15 hr. of instrument flight instruction in an airplane. This must be with a CFII (a CFI who has been certificated to instruct instrument flight).
  • Appropriate ground instruction to learn:
    • FARs applicable to instrument pilots
    • IFR navigation
    • Aviation weather
    • Safe and efficient flying skills applicable to IFR
    • Aeronautical decision making and judgment
  • Pass the computer based FAA "written" test, which consists of sixty multiple-choice questions covering:
    • Airplane Instruments
    • Attitude Instrument Flying & Aerodynamics
    • Navigation Systems
    • Federal Aviation Regulations
    • Airports, Air Traffic Control, & Airspace
    • Holding & Instrument Approaches
    • Aeromedical Factors
    • Aviation Weather & Weather Services
    • IFR En Route
    • IFR Flights
  • Flight instruction and development of the necessary skills to pass the instrument rating practical test. Your instrument instructor must provide a signed recommendation that you are competent as an instrument pilot.
  • Pass a Practical Test (Checkride) with an FAA Inspector or Designated Examiner, which includes 24 tasks to be tested:
    • Preflight Preparation
      • Weather Information
      • Cross-Country Flight Planning
    • Preflight Procedures
      • Aircraft Systems Related to IFR Operations
      • Aircraft Flight Instruments & Navigation Equipment
      • Instrument Cockpit Check
    • Air Traffic Control Clearances and Procedures
      • Air Traffic Control Clearances
      • Compliance with Departure, En Route, and Arrival Procedures and Clearances
      • Holding Procedures
    • Flight by Reference to Instruments
      • Straight-and-Level Flight
      • Change of Airspeed
      • Constant Airspeed Climbs and Descents
      • Rate Climbs and Descents
      • Timed Turns to Magnetic Compass Headings
      • Steep Turns
      • Recovery from Unusual Plight Attitudes
    • Navigation Aids
      • Intercepting & Tracking Navigational Systems and DME Arcs
    • Instrument Approach Procedures
      • Non precision Instrument Approach
      • Precision ILS Instrument Approach
      • Missed Approach
      • Circling Approach
      • Landing from a Straight-ln or Circling Approach
    • Emergency Operations
      • Loss of Communications
      • Loss of Gyro Attitude and/or Heading Indicators
    • Post flight Procedures
      • Checking Instruments and Equipment