Getting your instrument rating

February 02, 2024 by Eric Bradley

An instrument rating is a vital step in your flying career. It grants you the ability to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), opening up new opportunities that go beyond the limitations of Visual Flight Rules (VFR). If you’re aiming to expand your flying horizons, it’s something you’ll want to pursue as soon as possible.

Mastering the Six Essential Instruments

To navigate successfully in IFR conditions, there are six critical instruments you need to understand inside and out. Mastering these instruments takes time and practice—and, as you know, flight time can be expensive. That's why flight simulators are an invaluable tool. They offer a cost-effective and safe way to learn and practice instrument flying before taking to the skies.

Start Early, Fly Confidently

The key to success in your instrument training is preparation. The earlier you start learning about the instruments, the more comfortable and confident you will be when it’s time for real-world practice. By getting familiar with instrument operations early, you’ll already have a solid understanding when you begin flying in actual IFR conditions.

The Power of Simulators: Practice Makes Perfect

Simulators allow you to repeat maneuvers until you truly understand how each instrument works and why it behaves the way it does. They provide a safe space to experience and troubleshoot instrument or system failures—an invaluable skill for any pilot. The first time you experience a failure shouldn’t be during a real flight. By practicing emergency scenarios in a simulator, you’ll be ready to respond calmly and effectively should an issue arise in the air.

Taking Your Training to the Skies

Once you’re confident in your ability to fly using only the instruments, it’s time to take the next step: flying in the real world. During this stage, you’ll wear foggles—special goggles that limit your peripheral vision, forcing you to rely entirely on your instruments. Your instructor will assess your ability to control the aircraft and navigate under these conditions.

When both you and your instructor feel confident in your skills, it’s time for your checkride. If you pass, you'll earn your instrument rating, a valuable addition to your private pilot certificate, and unlock a whole new world of flying possibilities.