Instrument Rating with AATD
After earning your Private Pilot certificate, the IFR rating teaches you to fly safely and confidently by reference to instruments.
Gomez Aviation is Dylan Gomez, an independent FAA-certified flight instructor offering one-on-one, Part 61 flight training at Long Beach Airport (KLGB) in Long Beach, California.
After Your Private Pilot Ticket
After you earn your Private Pilot ticket, the next add-on to pursue in your pilot career is your IFR rating. Learning to fly IFR is about learning how to fly safely using your instrument panel only.
Think of it as similar to doing your PPL all over again. FAR Part 61.65(d) lists the minimum requirements for an instrument rating.
- 50 hours of PIC cross-country time. Dual or solo PIC time counts.
- 40 hours of simulated or actual instrument time, of which a maximum of 20 hours of AATD time may be used under 61.65(h).
- An IFR long cross-country that is at least 250 nautical miles total distance, with three airport landings, using three different kinds of approaches.
- PIC cross-country time can be combined with cross-country experience required for the Commercial License, but a given cross-country flight may only be used to satisfy one requirement.
Why Use AATD Time
Gomez Aviation offers access to AATD simulators located at Compton Woodley Airport. The AATD runs for $50/hr plus instructor cost. Using these simulators for the initial 20 hours of the IFR curriculum is an invaluable resource.
Compared to training without simulator time (meaning learning initially in the actual plane), AATD training can save roughly $3,000-$4,000. Due to the savings and the potential to accelerate learning, Gomez Aviation highly recommends using the simulators and the advantages they offer.
IFR Curriculum
The IFR curriculum by King Schools is broken into three sections and is designed to build proficiency and confidence flying by reference to instruments.
Holds, Arcs, and Departures
- Introduction to IFR flying, developing your instrument scan, and learning your instruments.
- Polishing your instrument flying using VOR and GPS navigation.
- Getting your IFR clearance and flying IFR departures.
- Holding patterns.
- Flying with failed instruments.
- IFR enroute procedures.
- DME arcs.
- Progress check.
Instrument Approach Procedures
- Introduction to instrument approaches.
- Precision instrument approaches such as ILS and GPS approaches with vertical guidance.
- Non-precision instrument approaches such as VOR, LOC, GPS LNAV, or LP.
- Circling approaches and more missed approach procedures.
- Automation and single-pilot resource management.
- ATC services and procedures.
- Progress check.
Cross-Country Flying and Checkride Prep
- Remaining PIC cross-country time with approaches.
- IFR long cross-country.
- Practical test preparation covering special emphasis areas, SRM, preflight planning, ATC clearance and procedures, navigation, instrument approaches, and emergency procedures.
- Mock checkride.
- Practical test.
Timeline and Next Step
Just like your Private Pilot certificate, good study habits, availability, and dedication help you become a safe IFR pilot as quickly and cost efficiently as possible.
Expect about 3-6 months to become qualified and ready to pass your IFR checkride. Use the cost calculator to get a better idea of what you can expect your IFR rating to cost.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions about earning your IFR rating or using AATD time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an instrument rating take?
Expect about three to six months with steady scheduling. Students who already have most of the 50 hours of cross-country PIC time finish faster; those who still need to build it take longer.
How much does an instrument rating cost?
Roughly $8,000 to $12,000 with Gomez Aviation. Using the AATD simulator at $50 per hour for the first 20 hours of instrument time, instead of the airplane, is what keeps you at the low end of that range. Instruction is $60 per hour either way.
Can I use a simulator for my instrument training?
Yes. Under 61.65(h), up to 20 of the 40 required hours of instrument time can be flown in an Advanced Aviation Training Device. Gomez Aviation uses AATDs at Compton Woodley Airport for the early procedures work.
Do I need 50 hours of cross-country time before I start?
No. You need 50 hours of PIC cross-country time before the checkride, not before the first lesson. Many students build it during training, and cross-country flights flown with an instructor aboard count as long as you are acting as PIC.
Which aircraft is best for instrument training?
N1484B, the G1000 WAAS Skyhawk, is the natural choice: it flies LPV approaches and mirrors the glass cockpits most pilots move on to. Training in the analog N52139 or the Garmin G5 equipped N8171L is also available if you fly steam gauges.
Other Programs
Ready to plan it?
Reach out with your current certificate, goals, timeline, and questions. Gomez Aviation can help map the next flight block.