IFR Training: More Than Just a Requirement

Here's why those three hours of instrument training are critical for VFR pilots.

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 11:21 AM ET

Verified

The purpose of the three hours of flight by instruments is not to encourage the applicant to intentionally fly into low-visibility conditions, but to keep them out of harm's way. [Credit: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

Private pilot applicants often neglect or delay the mandatory three hours of instrument flight training, believing it unnecessary if they don't plan to fly in instrument conditions.
This instrument training is crucial for safety, enabling pilots to maintain control and prevent spatial disorientation if they inadvertently encounter instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
Effective instrument flight training should use a "building block" approach, incorporating short segments into regular lessons to improve learning and retention, rather than a single, fatiguing session.
Pilots without an instrument rating should continue to practice instrument flight skills in VFR conditions with a safety pilot to maintain proficiency and enhance safety.

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The private pilot candidate was in the polish-up stages of his training. I was tasked with performing a mock check ride. He did well in the knowledge portion, but a review of his logbook revealed he was missing the required three hours of flight training solely by reference to instruments as required under cFAR 61.109.

The applicant was disappointed and argued he never intended to fly in instrument conditions, so the training would be a waste of time and money.