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- Flight Instruction / Instrument Rating -

The instrument rating is the key to all advanced pilot ratings. Logically, it should be scheduled soon after the completion of the private pilot certificate, plus about 40 hours of cross-country as pilot-in-command. FAR Part 61 lists the minimum flying time for this rating.

 

Experience shows most pilots need the full 40 hours of instrument time with a qualified instrument flight instructor. We use an ATC-610J flight simulator which allows the student to log 20 hours toward their rating, plus either Cessna 152, 172N, 172SP, 172SP w/ G-1000. Each individual will take a different amount of training, but, assuming the written test has been completed in advance, the cost for the instrument rating should be close to the following:

 

Instrument flight training	Cessna 172N	Cessna 172SP	Cessna G-1000
20 hours ATC-610J (dual)	$ 1,500	$ 1,500	$ 1,500
20 hours airplane (wet)	$ 2,400	$ 3,000	$ 3,600
20 hours CFII (in flight)	$ 1,000	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
20 hours ground prep	$ 1,000	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Total	$5,900	$6,500	$7,100