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 (IR) soon after a private pilot certificate, considering it essential for experiencing the full scope of flying.
IR training significantly enhances precision flying, navigation, and overall foundational piloting skills, leading to increased confidence and safety.
The rigorous IFR curriculum refines a pilot's way of thinking, particularly for complex navigational tasks, and makes visual flight rules (VFR) flying feel simpler by comparison.

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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.