Instrument Rating

An Instrument Rating is meant for those pilots that are looking at advancing their flying skills with the use of advanced instrumentation and modern technology. An Instrument Rating allows for a pilot to safely and legally fly within clouds, restricted visibility, and advanced airspace.

Why should you obtain an Instrument Rating and what can you do with it?

The advantages of obtaining an Instrument Rating are plenty. With an Instrument Rating flights are no longer limited to clear weather days. One of the biggest reasons to add an Instrument Rating to your certificate is for enhanced safety not only within weather but during all types of flying. Instrument rated pilots are taught to a very high standard which shows truth in routine safety studies within the industry. The second common reason to add an Instrument Rating to your certificate is for expanded capability and reliability to your flight missions. More experience with instrument training results in far less cancellations due to weather. An Instrument Rating is also vital in making your flights easier through the difficult airspaces.

Prerequisites and how to get started?

1. Private Pilot Certificate
2. Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language per federal regulation requirements
3. Third-Class FAA Medical Certificate or greater or BasicMed
4. Proof of U.S. citizenship (passport or birth certificate are most common, copies are not allowed)

What will you do in Instrument Flight Training?

Just like Private Pilot flight training, Instrument flight training in comprised of two main areas:

1. Instrument Ground School
   Ground school is a combination of a certified home study course (Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course) and classroom face to face training with one of our Certified Flight Instructors. Ground school covers the technical areas that a pilot must know outside of the flight training. Areas of focus in ground school are not limited to but include many of the following: Aircraft systems, aerodynamics, aircraft performance, navigation, federal regulations, weather, airspace, and aircraft radio communications.
2. Instrument Flight Training
   Flight training consists of a preferred block lesson time of 2-3 hours. During this time expect to see about 1-2 hours of aircraft flight time. The rest of the time block is used for ground training pre and post flight briefs where you will review at home study materials as well as discuss the daily flight lesson and goals. Our training program is meant to prepare you for both the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) written and practical flight test. An Instrument Rating is awarded upon successful completion of the written and practical flight test.

How often should you fly?

Just like learning any new skill or new language, Instrument flying will take a steady commitment of time. Although this time does not have to be excessive and overwhelming we do recommend consistency which will prove to be beneficial in material retention and certification. Our recommendation is at least 2 lessons per week. We have many students that book upwards of 5 lessons per week which is very easy to accommodate with our staffing of Certified Flight Instructors. Our flight school operates year-round from Monday through Sunday. We are open 7 days per week minus the major federal holidays. Sundays are available by appointment with direct approval from your desired Certified Flight Instructor.

What aircraft will you fly?

Cessna 172 – Precision and Reliability

Highlights:

1. Garmin Hybrid glass/analog cockpit - for real-world IFR navigation and automation training
2. Stable and predictable handling - ideal for holding patterns, approaches, and instrument procedures
3. Excellent visibility and ergonomics - to reduce workload in the training environment
4. Proven reliability and low operating cost - allowing for consistent and affordable training

The Cessna 172 provides the perfect platform to build precision and confidence under the hood or in the clouds.

Cirrus SR22T – Advanced IFR Performance

The Cirrus SR22T offers an unmatched instrument training experience in a high-performance, technically advanced aircraft. It’s the ideal platform for pilots preparing for real-world IFR operations or transitioning to complex and turbine aircraft.

Highlights:

1. Garmin Perspective avionics suite - with integrated autopilot, synthetic vision, and real-time weather
2. Twin Turbocharged engine - for true cross-country IFR capability and flight-level performance
3. Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) - for enhanced safety and confidence
4. Refined cockpit design and advanced systems - that promote professional-level cockpit management

Train like a professional with the technology, performance, and safety features found in today’s most advanced aircraft.

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How long does it take to complete your training?

This is very dependent upon how often you are able to fly as well as spend time studying outside of flight your scheduled lessons. Your overall training time can be significantly reduced by utilizing our Certified Flight Instructors for ground lessons as well as routinely spending time on your Sporty’s home study training material. Flying a minimum of 2 lesson blocks per week you can expect to have your certificate in approximately 8-12 months. Completing 4 or more lessons per week can result in training completion in as little as 2-4 months.

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Cost

At Rising Wings Aviation Inc., we understand that no one appreciates underestimates or sugarcoated costs. During your New Student Consultation, we provide a thorough breakdown of all flight training expenses, ensuring you’re never left with unexpected surprises.

Compared to similar flight schools nationwide, we are confident that our programs deliver exceptional efficiency and value. Over the years, countless students have told us, “You get what you pay for with flight training.” Unfortunately, many schools advertise only their bare minimum pricing and offer no apologies when actual costs exceed those estimates.

Because training times often go beyond the FAA’s required minimum hours, it’s essential to choose a flight school that sets honest and realistic pricing expectations. Rising Wings Aviation Inc. is that school.