Instrument Rating
Instrument Rating Training at a Glance
Your instrument training is personal.
The time and investment required to earn your rating will depend on your existing flight experience, training frequency, individual progress, weather, and aircraft availability. Talk with our team and we'll help you understand what your training path could look like.
PREREQUISITE
PRIVATE PILOT
Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate
INSTRUMENT EXPERIENCE
40 HOURS
Actual or simulated instrument time
TRAINING FORMAT
GROUND + FLIGHT + SIM
THE FINISH LINE
FAA CHECKRIDE
Demonstrate your instrument knowledge and flying skills
THE ARQ APPROACH
Precision Starts with Preparation.
Flight Training
Develop precise aircraft control while learning instrument departures, enroute procedures, holding, approaches, missed approaches, and other skills required for safe IFR flight.
Ground Instruction
Build your understanding of IFR regulations, weather, flight planning, navigation systems, approach procedures, charts, and aeronautical decision-making.
Simulator Training
Use simulator sessions to reinforce instrument procedures, avionics proficiency, approaches, emergency scenarios, and decision-making in a controlled training environment.
GETTING STARTED
What do I need to earn an Instrument Rating?
To earn an FAA Instrument Rating, you'll need to:
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Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate
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Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
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Meet applicable FAA medical and general eligibility requirements
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Complete the required instrument ground and flight training
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Meet applicable aeronautical experience requirements
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Pass the FAA Instrument Rating knowledge test
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Pass the FAA practical test, commonly known as the checkride
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
INSTRUMENT FLIGHT TRAINING IN WILMINGTON, NC
Build confidence beyond clear skies.
Earning your Instrument Rating is one of the most valuable steps you can take as a pilot, expanding your skills, precision, and ability to safely fly in a wider range of weather conditions.
ARQ Aviation's Instrument Rating program builds on the foundation of your Private Pilot Certificate, teaching you to safely operate an aircraft by reference to instruments and under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
You'll develop proficiency in instrument flight planning, navigation, approaches, aircraft control, weather interpretation, avionics, and communication with air traffic control. Through ground, flight, and simulator training, you'll learn to manage increasingly complex scenarios while developing stronger situational awareness and aeronautical decision-making.
Whether you want greater flexibility for personal flying or you're working toward a professional aviation career, an Instrument Rating makes you a more capable, precise, and versatile pilot.