Instrument Rating Training at High Flight Academy

An Instrument Rating qualifies you to fly in clouds, low visibility, and instrument conditions. These skills are essential for both professional and recreational pilots.

What Does Instrument Rating Training Include?

High Flight Academy offers Instrument Rating training under both FAA Part 141 and Part 61 curricula. Part 141 students benefit from a structured, FAA-approved syllabus with reduced minimum flight hours.

Training includes instrument approach procedures, holding patterns, VOR/GPS/ILS navigation, emergency procedures under instrument conditions, and cross-country instrument flight planning. You’ll also log time in our Redbird FMX simulator, which counts toward your instrument hours and reduces cost.

Prerequisites

You must hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate before beginning instrument training. If you’re starting from scratch, our High Gear Accelerated Program includes both your Private Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating in one structured curriculum.

Instrument Rating FAQs

What are the Part 141 requirements for an insturment rating?
Under Part 141, the minimum is 35 hours. Most students complete in 40–55 total hours. Our Redbird simulator can be used for a portion, reducing aircraft costs.
What are the Part 61 requirements for an instrument rating?
Under Part 61, the FAA requires at least 50 hours of cross-country time as pilot in command and 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, including at least 15 hours with an authorized instructor. Our team will review your logbook and build a training plan around the hours you already have.
Can I use the simulator for instrument training?
Yes. Simulator time in our Redbird FMX is built into the instrument program. A significant portion of your instrument hours can be logged in the sim at a lower rate than aircraft time.