206-567-4994

IFR

ifr-1
Kevin Griffin in his Maule conducting an instrument approach into Paine field on the ILS approach.

Living in the Seattle, and Puget Sound area weather is always a major consideration in flying. Sometimes the best decision is not to fly, if the weather is not cooperating. The old saying "Only travel by air if you have time to spare" means if the weather isn't VFR, stay where you are.

An instrument rating will enable you to fly through the clouds and break out at your destination airport. It will take your piloting skills and flight options to the next level. This is generally the next rating after the Private pilot certificate.

This rating allows you to fly in instrument meteorological conditions with sole reference to aircraft instruments. Training will consist of advanced instrument operations, communications, weather, and emergency procedures. When this training has been completed, you will receive the same rating that all instrument pilots, private or professional, have obtained to operate in our intricate IFR system.

Instructional Areas

  • Meteorology
  • ATC Procedures
  • Departures/Enroute/Arrivals
  • NDB Approaches
  • VOR Approaches
  • ILS/LOC/PAR/ASR
  • Instruments/Systems
  • Flight Planning
  • Emergencies
  • Communications

Requirements for Instrument Rating

  • Private Pilot Certificate
  • Jeppesen Ground Instruction Course
  • Flight experience requirements:
    • 50 hours cross country
    • 40 hours actual or simulated instrument time with:
    • 15 hours dual flight instruction
    • 20 hours simulator instruction
    • 3 hours test preparation
  • Successful completion of the FAA Instrument Pilot Knowledge Exam and FAA Practical Exam