Instrument Rating: Why Are You Waiting?

Richard Donaldson

Wednesday, September 07, 2022 at 12:11 PM ET

Verified

The capability and precision that an instrument rating lends to your flying opens up a new world. [Julie Boatman]

Key Takeaways:

Obtaining an instrument rating immediately after a private pilot certificate is highly recommended as it greatly expands flying capabilities, hones precision skills, and significantly boosts pilot confidence and safety.
Instrument flight training provides a deep, intensive learning experience focused on precision flying and exclusive reliance on instruments, which in turn makes VFR flying feel less complex and more simplified.
The rating teaches critical skills for navigating and handling extreme circumstances, such as lost communications in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), instilling immense confidence in a pilot's ability to fly safely and effectively.

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Does it make sense to go for your instrument rating after you complete your private pilot certificate? Honestly, I am not sure how you would justify not doing it…

I just completed my instrument rating about 10 months after finishing my private, by training under Part 61 (as opposed to going through a Part 141 curriculum). I can now say with confidence that a pilot can’t really experience all flying has to offer without it. The rating opens up so much more to you as a pilot and ensures you can fly with precision—and it will teach you to think about flying in a different way.