Instrument Rating
Fly Beyond Visual Conditions
The Instrument Rating (IR) allows you to fly in clouds, low visibility, and instrument meteorological conditions. An Instrument Rating is a key step for pilots who want to expand their flying capabilities and pursue a professional aviation career.
MIN INSTRUMENT TIME
40hrs
Actual or simulated IMC
WITH INSTRUCTOR
15 hrs
Of Instrument time
TRAINING PATHS​
PART 61 & 141
Both available at Bravo
PREREQUSITE
Private Pilot
Certificate required
INSTRUMENT CURRENCY​
6 Calendar
Months​
​
What Training Looks Like
Instrument training follows a structured progression from basic attitude flying to real-world IFR operations. Here's what to expect at each phase.
INSTRUMENT FUNDAMENTALS
Transition to flying solely by reference to instruments. You'll develop a disciplined scan, control pitch and bank without outside references, and build the mental habits that instrument flying demands.
NAVIGATION & PROCEDURES
Master VOR, GPS, and ILS navigation. You'll learn to read approach plates, track airways, and fly standard instrument departures and arrivals, the vocabulary of IFR flight.
APPROACH PROCEDURES
Takeoffs and landings are where most early training time is spent, and for good reason. You'll practice normal, crosswind, short-field, and soft-field techniques until they become second nature.
IFR Cross-Country
Plan and fly IFR routes using real-world ATC, weather briefings, and en route procedures. You'll file flight plans, pick up clearances, and manage the workload of actual IFR operations.
Holds & Unusual Attitudes
Holding procedures, procedure turns, and recovery from unusual attitudes are the test of your instrument scan. You'll practice until the responses are automatic.
CHECKRIDE PREP & PRACTICAL TEST
A thorough oral covering weather, regulations, and IFR systems, followed by a full mock checkride flight. When you sit with the examiner, there are no surprises.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
FAA REQUIREMENTS
You'll need a Private Pilot Certificate to begin. The remaining requirements are built up during training and must be completed before your checkride.
PRIVATE PILOT CERTIF.
Must hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate (or be concurrently enrolled in a combined program).
MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
Must hold at least a Third Class Medical Certificate (Second Class required for commercial privileges).
CROSS-COUNTRY PIC TIME
Minimum 50 hours of cross-country flight time as Pilot in Command.
INSTRUMENT TIME
Minimum 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time. At least 15 of those hours must be with an authorized instructor. Of those, at least 3 hours must be completed within 2 calendar months of your practical test.
CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT REQUIREMENTS
Must complete a cross-country flight of at least 250 nautical miles along airways or by directed routing, with an instrument approach at each airport, and three different kinds of approaches using navigation systems.
KNOWLEDGE TEST
Must pass the FAA Instrument Rating Knowledge Test with a score of 70% or higher.
HOURLY REQUIREMENTS
PART 61 vs. PART 141
Both paths lead to the same FAA Instrument Rating, but the requirements differ. Bravo operates as a Part 141 certificated school, meaning our students can complete their rating with fewer required hours and a structured FAA-approved curriculum.
PART 61
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50 hours cross-country flight time as Pilot in Command
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40 hours actual or simulated instrument time
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15 hours of instrument time with an authorized CFII
-
3 hours of instrument training within 2 calendar months of the checkride
-
250 nm cross-country flight with an instrument approach at each airport
-
Three different kinds of approaches using navigation systems
PART 141
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No cross-country PIC hour requirement
-
35 hours of instrument flight training
-
15 hours of instrument time with an authorized CFII
-
3 hours of instrument training within 2 calendar months of the checkride
-
250 nm cross-country flight with an instrument approach at each airport
-
Three different kinds of approaches using navigation systems
WHERE WE ARE
Our Locations
We operate out of two airports in the Mid-Atlantic region.