When Is the Best Time to Begin Training for an Instrument Rating?

Pilots don’t need to wait for winter to build an IFR foundation.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, July 08, 2026 at 01:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

IFR conditions at an airport [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

While actual IFR conditions are highly recommended for instrument rating training, they are not strictly required, and skill development is the primary goal.
Even if taking a break from formal lessons, pilots should use the time to accumulate the 50 hours of cross-country PIC experience required for the instrument rating.
Simultaneously, study for the IFR knowledge test, focusing on VOR/GPS navigation, and practice using VFR flight following to become comfortable with controlled airspace.
These preparatory steps will make the formal instrument training process significantly easier and more efficient.

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Question: I just earned my private pilot certificate and I am debating on if I should roll right into training for the instrument rating or take a break? I am a little burned out on training and since fall and winter is when most of the instrument weather happens, does it make more sense to wait to train in actual IFR conditions?

Answer: While the purpose of the instrument rating is to give you the skills to fly in the clouds that would keep a VFR pilot on the ground, there is no rule that states you must log actual time in IFR conditions during training. I highly recommend it, however, as long as you stay away from icing conditions.