Instrument Rating Resources

By Kyle Garrett

Legend has it that the instrument rating is the most difficult to earn of all licenses, ratings, and endorsements. And if you talk to an instrument-rated pilot, he or she will probably agree. However, the instrument rating could also be the most rewarding of all to earn, and the benefits and privileges of acquiring the rating are well worth the initial effort.

Simply stated, the instrument rating allows pilots to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR), in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and in class A airspace (the airspace between 18,000 feet msl and 60,000 feet msl). IMC is loosely defined as conditions that do not meet the basic requirements of operating under visual flight rules (VFR), including ceilings less than 1000 feet above airport elevation and/or visibility less than 3 miles at the airport. Although the instrument rating gives pilots permission to operate in less than basic VFR conditions, it's not a "license" to fly in bad weather. Prudent pilots do not launch into deadly weather just because they are instrument rated. Learn about instrument rating training.

Flying "In The System"

Many instrument pilots file IFR flight plans and fly "in the system" regardless of weather because of the multitude of air traffic control (ATC) services available. IFR aircraft enjoy benefits not always available to VFR flights including radar separation services, clearances through airspace, constant communications with ATC, instant help via radio in case of an emergency, and the ability to penetrate clouds as necessary (pilot and aircraft permitting) to complete the mission. Get info on instrument rating aircraft.

Instrument Rating - License To Learn

As a newly-minted instrument rated pilot, you'll quickly discover that the rating is a license to learn. Most certified flight instructors-instrument (CFIIs) suggest that their students file IFR on most every flight for at least a year to get used to operating in the ATC system. And most IFR flights will include at least one or two new lessons on how the system works.