Advanced Pilot training

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An Instrument Rating (IR) is earned through intensive training focused on flying solely by reference to instruments. It is arguably one of the most valuable ratings you can add to your pilot certificate. This certificate is a fun and challenging discipline of flight training and will make you a safer pilot, especially in less-than-ideal conditions. A well-trained and proficient instrument pilot can fly an airplane from point A to point B without ever having to look out the window except for takeoff and landing; it is truly a remarkable skill to have. 

Basic Requirements 

• Hold a Private Pilot Certificate and at least a Third Class medical
• Be able to read, write, speak and understand English
• Accumulate flight experience per 14 CFR Part 61.65:
  • Must have at least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command.
  • Must make at least one cross-country flight that is performed under IFR and transits a distance of at least 250 NM total distance along airways or ATC-directed routing and includes an instrument approach at each airport so that a total of three different kinds of instrument approaches are performed.
  • Also need a total of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, including a minimum of 15 hours of instrument flight training from a Flight Instructor certified to teach the instrument rating. (CFI-I)
  • Up to 10 hours of the instrument training may be accomplished in an approved flight simulator or flight training device if the training was provided by an authorized instructor.
  • In the 2 calendar months prior to the practical test, the candidate needs to log 3 hours of instrument training in an airplane that is appropriate to the instrument-airplane rating from a CFI-I in preparation for the test.
  • Receive and log training, as well as obtain a logbook endorsement from your CFI-I on the following areas of operation: preflight preparation, preflight procedures, air traffic control clearances and procedures, flight by reference to instruments, navigation systems, instrument approach procedures, emergency operations, and post-flight procedures.
• Pass the required knowledge test and required practical test.

Ready to get paid to fly? Then it is time to earn your commercial rating which will start your career in aviation. Simply put, a commercial pilot certificate is required for any type of flying where the pilot is being compensated. Jobs such as flight instruction, corporate pilot, agricultural pilot, banner towing, pipeline patrol, traffic reporting, and more require a commercial pilot certificate. You will also have to be certified for every plane you want to fly including multiengine, jet, and more. Some career paths, such as airline pilot or Part 135 charter pilot may require more flight time, additional certificates, or both. As you look forward to the type of flying you’d like to be paid for, search job listings. Most will tell you the exact requirements and ratings needed that way you have a better idea of your career path.

Basic Requirements 

• Able to read, speak, write, and understand the English Language
• Able to obtain a 2nd class medical certificate 
• Must be 18 years of age
• Must hold at least a private pilot license
• Must have received and logged the appropriate ground and flight training for the Commercial License
• Must have 250 hours total flight time 
• Must have 100 hours flight time as pilot in command
• Must have 50 hours of cross country flight time as pilot in command
• Must pass the FAA Commercial Pilot written exam
• Must pass the Commercial Pilot Ground Examination and Flight Practical Exam