Additional Ratings >> Instrument Rating

So now your a Private Pilot and a member of an select group of people in our society. You have discovered the freedom of flight and the privileges and responsibilities it brings. You have also discovered that there are limitations to your freedom when it comes to understanding how to deal with and fly with weather. Instrument Pilots enjoy a completely new kind of freedom. Flying as an Instrument Pilot is like flying first class with Air Traffic Control. You are treated like a superior pilot in the sky, because you are! If you are ready to improve your skills, and become that superior pilot, Sawyer Aviation can help you get there. With our Cessna Pilot Center Instrument Pilot training program, you have the course that is right for you. Just as you did for your Private Pilot Training, when you train with our Computer Based Instrument Pilot Course, you are training with the best training curriculum available. An Instrument Pilot rating requires 40 hours of simulated flight training, a score of 70% or better on the FAA Instrument Written Exam, and just like for your private pilot, a flight test with an FAA Designated Flight Examiner. After you complete this check ride, you will join that elite group of pilots known as IFR rated.

The practical training is done using simulators and in airplanes. Most of the flight time will be in simulated IFR conditions while wearing an IFR hood. Contrary to what you may think, the best place to train for an instrument rating is in good weather. It is much more efficient and therefore less expensive to learn IFR flying in sunny Arizona. During your course of study, we will try to “go visit” bad weather on your instrument cross-country.

Duration: The time to complete your Instrument Rating mostly depends on your training schedule. Full time students generally complete their training in about 21 days. Part time students generally take about 3 months to complete their Instrument Rating.

Prerequisite: You must hold a Private Pilot License to pursue your Instrument Rating. You also must have at least 50 hours of cross-country pilot-in-command flight time. Only the cross-country hours that you have logged, after you have received your Private Pilot License, count towards your instrument rating. Many pilots are able combine much of their required cross country pilot-in-command flight time with their Instrument Pilot Training.

Privileges and Limitations: The only change to your Private Pilot License will be your ability and confidence to fly into or near IFR weather.

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