Instrument Rating
Instrument rating refers to the qualifications that a pilot must have in order to fly under IFR (Instrument Flight Rules). It requires further training and instruction apart from what is required for a Private Pilot certificate or Commercial Pilot certificate, in conjunction with rules and procedures specific to instrument flying, additional instruction in meteorology and more demanding training in flight by reference to instruments only. Testing consists of a written exam and a practical test (known more commonly as the check ride). The check ride is divided into an oral component to certify that the applicant understands the theory of instrument flying and an actual flight to ensure the pilot possesses the practical skills required for safe IFR flight.
For most private pilots, the most significant value of flying under IFR is the ability to fly in instrument meteorological conditions (such as inside clouds). More so, all flights operating in Class A airspace, defined as all airspace above 18,000 feet, must be conducted under IFR. In the United States, an instrument rating is required when operating under Special visual flight rules (SVFR) at night.
Requirements For an American Instrument Rating under part 61 of the Federal Aviation Regulation
- 50 hours of Pilot in Command cross country
- 40 hours of simulated or actual instrument time
- 15 hours of flight instruction towards Instrument Rating
Just thought I would add a little more detail to your imformation on the instrument rating. You must hold at least:
Private Pilot License in category ( ex: Airplane, Helicopter )
50 hours of PIC cross country flight time in class (ex: single engine, Multi-engine. Solo cross country time in class counts too! Some of cross county PIC for the 50 hours will be obtained in your flight training say 15 hours.
minimum of 40 hours simulated or actual. (Approved simulator can be used – check regulation for allowed time)
15 hours of the instrument instruction must be from a certified instrument flight instructor. (CFII) The rest could be from a CFI.
One other point is Class A airspace starts at Flight Level 180 (18,000).
I also have a blog that discusses instrument related information and general aviation subjects.