Instrument Rating vs. Instrument Pilot

Many start with a private pilot certificate, then add an instrument rating, but how can you become a true instrument pilot?

Frank Bowlin

Wednesday, July 03, 2024 at 09:19 AM ET

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Small airplane against blue sky

Key Takeaways:

The article differentiates between a "pilot with an instrument rating" (legally qualified but often inexperienced) and an "instrument pilot" (highly proficient, comfortable, and competent in diverse IMC conditions).
Achieving "instrument pilot" status requires dedicated experience, either by flying as a co-pilot with experienced captains or, for private pilots, through consistent and frequent IFR flying.
Key strategies for proficiency include flying IFR often (10+ hours/month), gradually tackling challenging weather (with an instructor if necessary), and regularly using flight simulators that closely emulate your aircraft.
Maintaining instrument proficiency is critical as these skills are highly perishable and demand continuous practice to prevent regression.

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There’s no differentiation in the eyes of the FAA, but I’m going to make a distinction.

Once a pilot adds an instrument rating, they’re legal to fly an ILS in blowing snow all the way to 200-foot minimums with an 1,800 RVR. But few of us would actually attempt such a demanding task with only our training and perhaps a bit of experience in actual conditions under our belt. I’ll call those folks “pilots with an instrument rating,” differentiating them from someone with more experience who would confidently undertake that operation. I’ll call that person an “instrument pilot.”