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:

The author strongly recommends obtaining an instrument rating immediately after a private pilot certificate, deeming it essential for unlocking the full potential of flying and enhancing safety.
Instrument training significantly refines a pilot's skills, precision, and confidence, making visual flight rules (VFR) operations feel simpler and more manageable in comparison.
Despite challenges like mastering complex navigation (e.g., hold entries), the rigorous training provides a deep understanding of instrument flying, preparing pilots to handle diverse conditions and emergency scenarios with greater assurance.

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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.