Ultimate Issue: 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

Friday, August 09, 2024 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: tccjeremy

Once you gain the pilot competence and proficiency that you seek, you’ve got to continue working to maintain it. [iStock]

Key Takeaways:

The article distinguishes between a "pilot with an instrument rating" (legally qualified but potentially inexperienced) and an "instrument pilot" (highly proficient, experienced, and comfortable in diverse instrument meteorological conditions).
Achieving true "instrument pilot" status requires significant commitment to continuous training, gaining broad experience in varied weather, and maintaining high levels of proficiency for safety, professionalism, and personal pride.
Paths to proficiency include flying frequently in IFR conditions (even in VMC), gradually tackling challenging weather with or without an instructor, and regularly utilizing flight simulators to practice scenarios, emergencies, and adverse conditions.
Instrument flying skills are highly perishable and demand constant practice and maintenance to prevent the loss of hard-earned competence and confidence over time.

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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.”