Instrument Rating

02 · IR · ASEL

Master the skills to fly safely in clouds, low visibility, and challenging weather. The IR turns a fair-weather pilot into one who can file, brief, and shoot an approach to minimums.

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40 hrInstrument time min.
50 hrXC PIC required
~3 moTypical timeline
300+Sunny days/yr
02What it is

Flythesystem.Trustthepanel.

The Instrument Rating adds IFR privileges to your Private Pilot Certificate. You learn to fly the airplane purely by reference to instruments — file IFR, work the system, and operate safely in clouds and low visibility.

PrivilegesWhat you can do

  • Prerequisite for the Commercial Pilot Certificate and most career paths
  • Fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in controlled airspace
  • File and fly IFR flight plans in the National Airspace System
  • Shoot precision and non-precision approaches to minimums
  • Operate in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC)

LimitationsAnd what you can't

  • Single-engine land privileges only — multi-engine requires its own add-on
  • Recent experience required (6 approaches / 6 months) to stay current
  • Still cannot fly for compensation or hire (requires Commercial)
  • Aircraft and avionics must be IFR-equipped and current
  • Medical certificate must remain valid
Prerequisites
  • Hold a Private Pilot Certificate (or be working on it concurrently)
  • 50 hours of cross-country PIC time
  • 3rd-class FAA medical
  • Read, speak, write, and understand English
Why Desert Wings

The case for training here.

Proven student success

Our students consistently pass their checkrides and achieve their aviation goals with confidence.

Gold Seal instruction

Learn from FAA-certified Gold Seal instructors with proven teaching methods and personalized attention.

Year-round flying

Train in Mesa, Arizona with ideal flying conditions and over 300 days of sunshine per year.

Flexible scheduling

Train at your own pace with scheduling options that fit your lifestyle and learning goals.

FAQ

Questions we hear a lot.

How much flight experience do I need before starting?

You'll need at least 50 hours of cross-country PIC (pilot-in-command) time logged after your Private Pilot Certificate. You can start ground and instrument lessons before you hit that number — we'll build the XC time in parallel.

How long does instrument training take?

Most students complete their instrument rating in about 3 months. The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of instrument time (actual or simulated), with at least 15 of those hours flown with a CFII.

Do I need a new medical certificate for IR?

No. Your existing 3rd-class FAA medical from your Private Pilot Certificate covers Instrument Rating privileges. You only need to upgrade to a 2nd class when you start flying commercially.

What tests do I need to pass?

You'll need to pass an FAA written knowledge test and a practical exam (checkride) with an FAA examiner. We prepare you thoroughly for both.

Get started

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