02 / Instrument Rating
Instrument rating in Chandler, AZ
Learn to fly by reference to instruments alone: in clouds, low visibility, and the real-world IFR system. The biggest safety upgrade a private pilot can make. Estimated $11,690, everything included.
Why earn your instrument rating
An instrument rating lets you fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), through clouds and in weather that would ground a VFR pilot. It makes you a sharper, more precise, and safer pilot, even on clear days.
If you're on a career path, it's essential: a commercial pilot without an instrument rating is heavily restricted, and the airlines require it. Our program combines airplane time, simulator sessions, and time building to meet every FAA requirement efficiently.
FAA requirements (14 CFR 61.65)
- PPLPrivate pilot certificateYou must already hold at least a private pilot certificate.
- 50Hours cross-country PICAs pilot in command. Our time-building budget covers what most new private pilots still need.
- 40Hours instrument timeActual or simulated, including at least 15 hours with an instrument instructor (CFII).
- 250NM IFR cross-countryA long IFR cross-country with an instrument approach at each airport and three different kinds of approaches.
- 2FAA testsInstrument knowledge test and practical test (checkride).
The training
From VFR to IFR.
Attitude instrument flying
Build a disciplined instrument scan and precise aircraft control by instruments alone.
Navigation & holds
VOR and GPS navigation, holding patterns, and working within the IFR system with ATC.
Approaches
Precision and non-precision approaches, missed approaches, and partial-panel emergencies.
IFR cross-country & checkride
Plan and fly the long IFR cross-country, then pass your knowledge and practical tests.
Itemized estimate
Every line item.
Time building (splitting time) is how you log the cross-country pilot-in-command hours the FAA requires, at a fraction of the cost, by sharing the airplane with another pilot.
| Item | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Plane rentalIFR-equipped, fuel included | $4,290 | ||
| Dual instruction | $1,800 | ||
| Ground instruction | $900 | ||
| Simulator | $350 | ||
| Time building (splitting time)Cross-country PIC hours | $2,800 | ||
| Practical and written test | $1,500 | ||
| Online ground school | $50 | ||
| Grand total | $11,690 | ||
Next step after instrument
Commercial pilot.
Turn your flying into a profession. Estimated $12,480 for the commercial single-engine certificate.
Discovery flight · KCHD
Take the controls. Not the back seat.
No commitment
A discovery flight is the perfect first step. Experience what it feels like to pilot an airplane firsthand with this no-commitment flight lesson. And yes, you will actually be the one flying.
- You fly the airplane, with me right beside you
- Departs Chandler Municipal Airport (KCHD)
- Ask anything about cost, timelines, and which certificate fits your goals
- Great first step for future career pilots and hobbyists alike