Many pilots come to us seeking an instrument rating, some go through their private pilot or even commercial training thinking if it is something worth getting. Others have been VFR pilots for years and are looking to expand their capabilities when it comes to flying. We get lots of questions regarding the training process as well as what the advantages of getting an instrument rating will be.
It will make you a safer pilot
The skills you will acquire during your training and continue to develop while flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) will undoubtedly make you a safer and a more knowledgeable pilot. You will learn new skills such as various instrument scanning techniques, IFR regulations and procedures, mastery of controlling the aircraft by sole reference to instruments, as well as a full understanding of how all those gauges or screens in your aircraft are actually acquiring the information. In addition to this, you will continue to work on various emergency and abnormal procedures with your flight instructor throughout your training. All of these together help develop a more knowledgeable and safe pilot.
It will give you a lot more confidence as a pilot
We have all been there, maybe it’s on a perfectly clear VFR day or there are some marginal cigs around your airport. You decide to go up flying and the weather makes a turn for the worst while you are up. Maybe you were meant to go visit family or friends in a different state, and the weather being on the edge has you questioning your ability to make it safely to your destination. Having an instrument rating will give you a lot more confidence to fly in such conditions. If you find yourself flying into some questionable weather or simply need to get to your destination when the ceilings are low, having an Instrument rating will give you both the ability and confidence to safely operate your aircraft in such conditions.
It will open up new horizons
If pilots are only trained to operate under VFR (Visual flight rules), this prevents them from flying on days where ceilings are too low. Any ceiling below 1000FT or visibility below 3SM is considered IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), and you will need to have an instrument rating and file an IFR flight plan to legally fly in these conditions. Having an instrument rating will allow you to fly on days when IFR conditions prevail. No more days of waking up to check the weather only to be disappointed that you have to cancel that trip up to the cabin or now have to get in your car for a 4 hour drive to your meeting. The new possibilities are endless and will undoubtedly change your flying options.
Better Job Opportunities
If being a pilot is something you are looking to do as a career, having an instrument rating is vital for future job opportunities. Almost all employers look for pilots who have an instrument rating and are instrument current. Pilots who hold a commercial pilots certificate only and no instrument rating, are prohibited from carrying passengers at night as well as on flights that exceed 50(NM). Unless you are planning to operate under a commercial certificate locally and under day VFR conditions, you will have to get an instrument rating for all other operational areas.
It is very affordable
You’ve already completed the hardest part of your training, that is learning to fly an airplane. The instrument rating is simply an additional rating onto your certificate, and it is surprisingly affordable to do so. In a C172 , expect to spend between $6000 to $7000 for your training. Inflight Pilot Training now offers students the opportunity to complete their instrument rating in our new IFR Certified C152 sparrow hawk, which will reduce training costs even more. Visit the link below to find out more or contact the school for a personalized quote.
Now that you have learned a little more about the advantages of getting an instrument rating, give us a call to schedule a tour or speak to your current CFI if you are interested in pursuing an instrument rating. The skills and knowledge you will gain during your training will undoubtedly make you a better pilot overall and will open a whole new world of flying.
