Instrument Rating Course

Head in the Clouds

Boost your weather confidence, lower your insurance premiums, and experience the joys of cloud surfing.

Instrument Flying

On instruments, flying is only half the job. By aviating, navigating, communicating, planning, and briefing without outside visual reference, instrument pilots are rewarded with the view of a runway emerging from the cloud bases—and with the confidence that they can stay safe, even when they can’t see outside.

An instrument rating reduces insurance premiums, polishes us as aviators, and introduces the procedural world where most professional pilots operate.

Our Training Philosophy

Instrument flying is busy and complex, and demands situational awareness. We prioritize building pilots’ instrument flying mental models to emphasize aircraft control, situational awareness, contingency planning, and decision-making.

Here’s what’s in your course.

Simple, Effective Lectures

Concise online lectures that use a virtual blackboard style to help you grasp complex aviation concepts.

Full access to our resources library.

Access to our extensive resource library, featuring over 40 visual handouts, more than 200 review questions, and comprehensive study guides.

Knowledge Test

Graduates are endorsed for the FAA Instrument Rating Airplane Knowledge Test.

Expert Instructors

Learn from real-world IFR pilots in the airlines and corporate world.

Progress Tracking

Easily monitor your course progression.

Hands-On Practice

Apply theory through real-world scenarios and practice exercises.

Mobile Learning

Study on the go with our iOS App.

Flexible Schedule

Customize your study pace to fit your schedule.

Peer Support

Join classroom groups for collaborative learning.

Messaging System

Ask your instructors questions through our built-in messaging system.

Resource Library

Access an extensive library of custom-made learning resources.

FAA References

Fortify your knowledge with official FAA references.

Lifetime Updates

We routinely improve and update course material.

Cancel Anytime

Cancel your subscription at any time.

Course Overview

Learning Objectives

  • Understand how to translate VFR stick-and-rudder skills to the instrument environment
  • Improve weather proficiency to include knowing when it’s not safe, even with an instrument rating
  • Competence in IFR planning and decision making
  • Understanding the general structure of the instrument environment, including regulations
  • Proficiency in IFR procedures including ground operations, takeoff, departures, en-route, arrivals, and approaches

Time Commitment

Dedicate 30-40 hours of study in total. 5 hours per week, for 8 weeks total is a good pace.

Quizzes & Exams

Test your knowledge with 10 review quizzes and 2 comprehensive end of course exams.

Graduation

Once you score 90% or better on at least two end of course exams, you’ll be issued a graduation certificate and written test endorsement!

Graduation

Students graduate when all course material has been completed and they pass two end of course exams with 90% or better

Instructor Team

Experienced CFIIs who’ve flown IFR in everything from a steam-gauge Cessna 152 to a Boeing 737.

Practical Focus

Instrument training tends to be “bookish” but not prepare students for the real IFR environment. We’re changing that.

Course Content

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Instructor

Andrew Moon

Andrew is an experienced Certificated Flight Instructor — Instrument (CFII) and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) and spends lots of time in challenging weather flying a variety of light singles, twins, and jets.

Bio

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is an instrument rating?

    An instrument rating is a qualification added to a Private or Commercial certificate that allows the pilot to act as PIC under instrument flight rules (IFR). It enables pilots to navigate and fly in adverse weather conditions, using only their instruments and without visual reference to the ground.

  • What are the prerequisites for this course?

    There are no course prerequisites, but earning an instrument rating requires meeting the eligibility requirements in 14 CFR §61.65 which includes at least a Private Pilot certificate and (with exceptions) 50 hours of cross-country time.

  • What are the benefits of earning an instrument rating?

    Earning an instrument rating offers several advantages, including increased safety, reduced insurance premiums, and refined piloting skills. Approached wisely, it’s a valuable addition to a pilot’s skill set.

  • What written test will this course prepare me for?

    This course prepares students for the FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA) written test.

  • How long does the course take to complete?

    The exact timeframe will vary by student, but plan for 40-50 hours between watching lectures, making flashcards, and studying the content.

  • Do I need to complete the course in a specific timeframe?

    Nope, one major advantage of IFR online ground school is the freedom to study at your own pace!

  • Does having an instrument rating mean it’s safe to fly in all weather conditions?

    No, and it’s very important to recognize this. A significant part of instrument training involves learning when it is safe to fly and when it is not. Our IFR ground school focuses on developing the skills to navigate in adverse weather while recognizing the importance of making informed decisions about when to fly based on specific conditions and their individual capabilities.