Instrument Rating

What is an instrument rating? Simply put you are flying the helicopter using instruments to navigate without outside references. This flight condition is referred to as instrument flight rules (IFR) or instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).

The best time to work on your instrument rating is between your private and commercial license. This allows you to build Pilot in Command (PIC ) time and acquire another rating leading to your commercial license.

The value in an instrument rating is that it is an investment in your future. The rating makes you more employable and viewed as a safer pilot in the eyes of the insurance companies. Career opportunities with an instrument rating include emergency medical service (EMS), off shore, corporate transport, law enforcement, and overseas work.

Requirements:

• Need to be a rated pilot
• Initial- Minimum 40hrs flight instruction, Ground school estimate of one hour ground for every hour of flight.
• Add on- 15hrs flight instruction, ground as needed
• Must show proficiency in operations, instrument procedures, normal and emergency procedures in a helicopter.
• Hold a current FAA third class medical
• CFII- Skill based/ currency

Cost:

• Helicopter rental-dual $285 per/hr
• Ground - $45 per/hr
• Written test $90
• Examiner fee $500

Instrument pilot kits are available. Please call for a cost break down between initial instrument rating and add on rating.