Instrument Rating

Instrument flight training deepens your understanding of subjects covered in private pilot training and incorporates specific knowledge related to flying in instrument meteorological conditions. Instrument-rated pilots can file IFR flight plans, allowing them to fly through clouds and navigate challenging airspace in a safer way and with greater ease.

Course Description

At First Landings Aviation Pilot Center, we will teach you to perfect your instrument flying skills by flying in actual weather conditions, as well as what factors to consider when making a go/no-go decision. Our instructors have experience in almost all weather conditions and we encourage students to gain that experience with us before attempting it on their own voluntarily or involuntarily. We try to cater our training to each individual student. Depending on your schedule you may be interested in our self-paced training option or our accelerated immersion course.

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Your Roadmap

Aviation pathways can be very overwhelming, don't worry, we'll be with you every step of the way

Time Building

Instrument Training

Instrument Checkride

Instrument Add-on Acheived

What Do You Need to Start?

In order to obtain your instrument rating, you must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language proficiently and be at least 17 years of age. You will also need a medical certificate (third class or better) from an FAA approved aviation medical examiner (AME), proof of U.S citizenship or TSA approval, as well as a private pilot certificate.

Checkride Information

A check-ride is an essential part of the pilot certification process that includes both a flight test and an oral exam. During a check-ride, a designated pilot examiner (DPE) assesses the pilot's ability to operate an aircraft safely and proficiently. The examination covers various aspects, including flight maneuvers, navigation, emergency procedures, communication skills, and a thorough understanding of aviation regulations.

Pilot instrument check-ride pass

Checkride Prerequisites

There's just a few things for you to check off before we can get your checkride scheduled

Eligibility Requirements

  • Hold at least a current private pilot certificate
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language proficiently
  • Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas that apply to the instrument rating sought
  • Have an instructor certify that you are prepared for the required knowledge test
  • Receive and log training on the areas of operation
  • Have an instructor certify that you are prepared for the required practical test
  • Pass the knowledge test on aeronautical knowledge
  • Pass the practical test

Flight Proficiency

  • Preflight preparation
  • Preflight procedures
  • Air traffic control clearances and procedures
  • Flight by reference to instruments
  • Navigation systems
  • Instrument approach procedures
  • Emergency operations
  • Post-flight procedures

Aeronautical experience

  • 50 hours of cross-country as pilot in command, 10 hours in an airplane
  • 40 hours of instrument time of which 15 hours must have been dual received from an instructor who holds an instrument-airplane rating and the instrument time includes:
  • (a) 3 hours of instrument flight training from an instructor in an airplane that is appropriate to the instrument-airplane rating within 2 calendar months before the date of the practical test
  • (b) Instrument flight training on cross country flight procedures, including one cross country flight in an airplane with an instructor, that is performed under instrument flight rules, when a flight plan has been filed with an air traffic control facility, and that involves:
  • (i) A flight of 250 nautical miles along airways or by directed routing from an air traffic control facility
  • (ii) An instrument approach at each airport
  • (iii) Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems
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Pilot programs

Aircraft rental


Flight instruction


Ground instruction


Included


Cost (USD)

Private pilot

Aircraft rental

40hrs


Flight instruction

25hrs


Ground instruction

10hrs


Included

Pilot kit


Cost (USD)

$13,222.00

Instrument rating

Aircraft rental

20hrs


Flight instruction

15hrs


Ground instruction

10hrs


Included

Foreflight


Cost (USD)

$7,555.00

Commercial SEL

Aircraft rental

25hrs


Flight instruction

25hrs


Ground instruction

10hrs


Included

N/A


Cost (USD)

$9,841.00

Multi-Engine Add-On

Aircraft rental

10hrs


Flight instruction

10hrs


Ground instruction

10hrs


Included

CBT


Cost (USD)

$5,783.00

Rental & service rates

Hourly rental


Block (50+ hrs)


Instruction

Cessna 172S

cessna 172S

Hourly rental

$199/hr


Block (50+ hrs)

$184/hr


Instruction

$79/hr

Piper 100i

piper pilot 100i

Hourly rental

$235/hr


Block (50+ hrs)

$209/hr


Instruction

$79/hr

Tecnam P2006t

tecnam p2006t

Hourly rental

$345/hr


Block (50+ hrs)

$320/hr


Instruction

$99/hr

discovery flight orlando

DISCOVERY FLIGHT

KICK START YOUR AVIATION EXPERIENCE

We offer a 1-hour discovery flight to give you the opportunity to experience taking to the air. A certified flight instructor will demonstrate preflight and flying techniques before you climb aboard, will taxi down the runway and before you know it, you are in the air! During the flight, you will have the opportunity to control the plane through the sky and try out several maneuvers before the pilot takes over again for landing. At the subsequent debriefing, guests pen their first logbook entry and review their performance.

Financing Available!

Wondering how to pay?

First Landings offers financing options with the ability to finance 100% of your flight training for reasonable rates. The application process is fairly quick and most applicants have received short response times. Feel free to ask us questions about our partner financing programs.

Apply for financing

Frequently asked questions

What is IFR in aviation

IFR is a set of regulations and procedures that govern flying in conditions where visual flight references are not sufficient. This involves flying with reference to instruments and navigation aids rather than relying solely on visual cues. IFR allows pilots to fly in low visibility, clouds, and adverse weather conditions, ensuring safety and accurate navigation.

Can I work while taking the course?

Many students work part-time while pursuing their PPL. However, it's essential to balance your time effectively to ensure successful completion of the course.

Can I choose when to schedule my flight lessons?

Yes, flight lessons are often flexible and can be scheduled to fit your availability, as long as your flight instructor is available.

Hear from our clients

“These group of pilots and trainers are professional and experienced. They have a diverse training staff. So whether it’s age, gender, or personality you are seeking then First Landings may be the place for you. As an executive of this firm my schedule is packed. The team here works with me all the time to ensure I have consistent flight time flying the aircraft I prefer. I am satisfied i choose them for my flight instruction. Come and try a discovery flight.“

- Mark Anderson

“I want to thank everyone on the first landings team for everything that they did for me to get me to my private pilots certification. Everyone was great to work with and be around. The energy they bring is awesome. I want to give a special shout out to Sean. I did most of my training with him. This guy knows his stuff! He has experience, professionalism and most of all patience. Awesome instructor.“

- Ryan Gonzalez

“Started my aviation training here and had an amazing experience. I was able to pass my written test and private pilots check-ride on the first attempt for both, due to the amazing training i received. They have very experienced flight instructors there that want to see you strive. The pricing is very reasonable and the aircraft are well maintained. Any issue I found they addressed it right away and get it safely resolved.“

- Bradley Doss
Yoda ripping - piper cherokee runaway life
certified flight instructor (cfi) with student

What are you waiting for?

Contact one of our instructors today

Want to start exploring your flight training or career track in aviation? Reach out to us and one of our Training Advisors will address any inquiries you may have. We're are here to provide you with comprehensive insights and guide you through the exciting possibilities that aviation training and careers have to offer. Your aspirations are important to us, and we're committed to assisting you every step of the way.