Seattle Flight Training | Instrument Rating

Instrument Rating

Take your flying skills to the next level by earning your Instrument rating at Rainier Flight Service. Few people seek out the bad weather to go fly in, but that’s exactly how we prepare you for your Instrument rating at Rainier. There is no substitute for training in actual Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), so we expose you to as much variety as possible.

Our custom Instrument syllabus trains you for real-world flying. Instead of performing approach after approach at the same airport, students will plan and execute a mission during each of their lessons. This ensures risk management and aeronautical decision making is incorporated into every lesson to help you develop judgment, in addition to the procedural skill of instrument flying.

Additionally, Rainier integrates simulation throughout the Instrument course. Simulator training allows rapid learning in a low-stress environment where you can pause, discuss and practise procedures without external distraction. Skills are then transferred and applied to the real-world flying. This is a proven method to improve training effectiveness while saving time and money.

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.

Eligibility Requirements

A person who applies for an instrument rating must:

Hold at least a current private pilot certificate, or be concurrently applying for a private pilot certificate, with an airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift rating appropriate to the instrument rating sought;
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet any of these requirements due to a medical condition, the Administrator may place such operating limitations on the applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft;
Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or accomplish a home-study course of training on the aeronautical knowledge areas of paragraph (b) of this section that apply to the instrument rating sought;
Receive a logbook or training record endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the person is prepared to take the required knowledge test;
Receive and log training on the areas of operation of paragraph (c) of this section from an authorized instructor in an aircraft, full flight simulator, or flight training device that represents an airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift appropriate to the instrument rating sought;
Receive a logbook or training record endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the person is prepared to take the required practical test;
Pass the required knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas of paragraph (b) of this section; however, an applicant is not required to take another knowledge test when that person already holds an instrument rating.

Ground School

Study Assignments in our curriculum reference official FAA Handbooks and Manuals covering all knowledge areas for this course. However, online or in-house classes may be a better fit for your learning style and to supplement official materials. Discuss with your instructor options available that best meet your needs.

Cost Sheet

This sheet 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.

Charts and Supplies: $100
Charts, tools and/or tablet application subscription.

FAA Knowledge Exam: $175
Multiple-choice exam administered on computer at testing center.

*Aircraft Rental: 40 Hrs Min / 65 Hrs Avg
Time varies greatly for each individual due to previous experience, preparation and training frequency. See Aircraft page for available aircraft and rates. Up to 20 hours instrument training may be completed in AATD simulator which we highly encourage and integrate in curriculum.

*Flight Instruction: 60 Hrs Avg
Dual instruction including flight training, preflight and postflight briefings. Time varies greatly for each individual due to previous experience, preparation and training frequency.

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

*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.