Instrument Rating with AATD
After earning your Private Pilot certificate, the IFR rating teaches you to fly safely and confidently by reference to instruments.
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.
Ready to plan it?
Reach out with your current certificate, goals, timeline, and questions. Gomez Aviation can help map the next flight block.