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What is an Instrument Pilot Certificate?
If you've ever been flying in an airplane when there were clouds everywhere and wondered, "How do the pilots know where they are when I can't see a thing out the window?" then you've just seen an Instrument Pilot's skills in action.
An Instrument Certificate, or Instrument Rating (IFR), allows a pilot to fly in conditions where a Private Pilot could not fly - mainly when there are clouds between where you are and where you want to be. In addition to the extra freedom that you get with being able to fly in more diverse conditions you become a more proficient and safe pilot.
Once you have your Private Pilot Certificate and are faced with adverse weather conditions, you'll realize that Instrument Pilot Certification is an invaluable asset.
What else can I do?
You can fly when non-IFR pilots are sitting on the ground and looking longingly at the sky!
You can fly in the flight levels (above 18 ,000 feet) where an IFR rating is required.
You can take off and land at airports where the weather is keeping non-IFR pilots on the ground.
You can avoid delays in trips by not having to wait for the weather.
You can just go up and enjoy the fact that you are piloting an aircraft where you can't see but know exactly where you are.
How long is an Instrument Rating good for?
Once earned, your rating is good for life. In order to fly IFR, however, you must meet a few requirements:
You must have a current medical certificate
You must have at least
at least six instrument approaches, have used holding procedures, and intercepted and tracked courses through the use of navigation systems within the previous six months.
You must have taken an instrument proficiency check in the previous six months.
You must not do something that angers the FAA, this may result in your certificate being suspended or revoked.
What are the requirements?
The requirements to obtain an Instrument Pilot Rating are:
You must have a Private Pilot Certificate
Be able to read, speak, and write the English language
You must have a current medical certificate from an Aviator Medical Examiner
Pass a computerized instrument rating knowledge test
Accumulate and log a specified amount of training and experience, including at least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as Pilot in Command, 40 hours of actual or simulated IFR flying, and 15 hours of dual instruction with an Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII)
Pass an oral test and flight test administered by an FAA inspector or FAA-designated examiner
