Navigate the Clouds: Instrument Rating Course

Elevate your flying skills by earning your Instrument Rating at Rainier Flight Service. This rating opens the door to new capabilities, allowing you to fly in a wider range of weather conditions using only your instruments. Building on your Private Pilot Certificate, it’s an essential step for serious aviators, enhancing both safety and confidence. Whether you’re pursuing professional opportunities or seeking to navigate more challenging environments, an Instrument Rating is a critical milestone.

At Rainier, our custom Instrument syllabus prepares you for real-world flying. Instead of repetitive approaches at the same airport, each lesson is designed as a mission, focusing on planning, execution, and decision-making. This approach ensures risk management and aeronautical judgment are integrated into every flight, complementing your procedural skills.

We also incorporate simulation throughout the course. Simulators provide a low-stress environment where you can pause, discuss, and practice procedures without external distractions. These skills are then applied to real-world flying, enhancing training effectiveness while saving time and money. This proven method ensures you’re prepared for the challenges of instrument flight.

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The Instrument Rating Course is comprised of three stages that each culminate in a Stage Check to ensure proficiency milestones are met.

Stage 1 - Basic Attitude Instrument Flying

This stage focuses on the fundamentals of instrument flying.  Instead of flying by outside visual references you will learn to fly the aircraft solely by reference to flight instruments.  You will learn to master navigation equipment and handle normal and abnormal situations with confidence.

Stage 2 - Terminal Procedures

Stage 2 builds on your instrument flying skills through applying procedure.  You will learn to read and interpret charted instrument procedures and be able to fly using a variety of navigation equipment with and without automation.

Stage 3 - Cross Country

This stage brings everything together flying IFR in the real world.  You will navigate to several destinations and be challenged with a variety of airport environments, procedures, and emergency situations.

A person who applies for an instrument rating must:

  1. Hold at least a current private pilot certificate.
  2. Hold at least a third class medical, or basic med.

For an immersive experience gaining the knowledge and understanding for an Instrument Rating, we recommend the Gold Seal online ground school.  Supplement learning with free FAA Handbooks for a comprehensive learning experience.

 

 

 

This Estimated Course Cost itemizes the approximate costs associated with obtaining an Instrument Rating.  However, costs vary greatly due to individual needs, past experience and learning styles.  We provide many free training resources throughout our syllabus because our goal is to make training as affordable and efficient as possible.

Total Course Cost        $16,919 - $24,891
The best way to reduce training cost is to take ownership of your training process and use the airplane and instructor time efficiently.  Through self-study and preparing for each lesson the instructor can focus on practical application of your knowledge.

Aircraft Rental
The course is written to be completed in 45 hours as a realistic average.  The range includes a +-20% margin.
Cessna 172: $7,524 - $11,286   36-54 Hours
Simulator: $1,280 - $1,920   16 - 24 Hours

Flight Instruction
Most students require about 105 hours of instruction including flight training, preflight and postflight briefings, including a +-20% margin.
Instruction: $7,140 - $10,710   84 - 126 Hours

Online Ground School
The Gold Seal Online ground school subscription.
Online Ground School: $229

FAA Knowledge Exam
Required computer knowledge test
Knowledge Exam: $175

FAA Practical Exam
Oral and flight evaluation with FAA Designated Examiner
Examiner Fee: $800

Instrument Rating Gear
In addition to gear you obtained for primary training, there may be a few more items you need at some point.  Check our Online Store for options we recommend for quality and value.  If you already have some items, check with your instructor to verify it is adequate for flight training use.

*Prices are estimate only and do not account for club enrollment, rates per location, and other individual factors.

Instrument Rating Course