Obtaining an Instrument Rating in the United States requires meeting specific requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Here's a breakdown of the typical requirements for an airplane instrument rating pilot checkride:
- Eligibility: To be eligible for an Instrument Rating checkride, you must hold at least a private pilot certificate or a commercial pilot certificate.
- Flight Time Requirements: You must meet the minimum flight time requirements, which include:
- A minimum of 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command (PIC).
- A total of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, which includes:
- At least 15 hours of instrument flight training from a certified flight instructor (CFII).
- At least 3 hours of instrument training that is solely within the preceding two calendar months from the month of the test.
- One cross-country flight under IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) rules, with:
- A distance of at least 250 nautical miles along airways or by directed routing from an air traffic control (ATC) facility.
- An instrument approach at each airport.
- If training under Part 141, reduced hour requirements may apply.
- Ground School: You must complete ground training covering specific aeronautical knowledge areas outlined in FAA regulations, including weather, regulations, procedures, navigation, and more. This knowledge can be gained through formal ground school instruction or self-study.
- Knowledge Test: You need to pass the FAA Instrument Rating Knowledge Test, which assesses your understanding of instrument flying concepts, procedures, regulations, and navigation.
- Practical Test (CIRE-ASEL Checkride): Similar to the private pilot checkride, this involves an oral exam followed by a flight portion with an FAA-designated pilot examiner (DPE). During the checkride, you'll demonstrate your ability to operate the aircraft solely by reference to instruments under simulated instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
- Aircraft Requirements: The checkride must be conducted in an aircraft that meets FAA requirements for airworthiness, equipment, and documentation, including appropriate instrument and avionics installations for instrument flight.
