INSTRUMENT RATING
Our Instrument rating training course is an advanced aviation program focused on developing the skills and expertise required to safely operate an aircraft solely by reference to instruments, without relying on external visual cues. It is aimed at licensed pilots who wish to enhance their abilities and fly in challenging weather conditions or low visibility situations.
Instrument Pilot training emphasizes instrument flight rules (IFR), including flight planning, navigation, instrument approaches, and precise aircraft control. It equips pilots with the proficiency to navigate through clouds, rely on sophisticated avionics, interpret flight instruments, and effectively communicate with air traffic control. This training increases overall aviation proficiency and allows pilots to fly in a wider range of weather conditions.
Instrument Rating FAQs
1. What does an Instrument Rating allow you to do?
Allowing flight in poor weather (IMC)
Legally fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), such as fog, rain, low clouds, or low visibility, allowing for flights in conditions that would otherwise ground a non-instrument-rated pilot.
Improving safety
Learn advanced situational awareness and decision-making skills to be a more prepared and versatile pilot, significantly increasing flight safety.
Increasing flight opportunities
Fly in a broader range of weather conditions, making it easier to plan trips without being as concerned about weather restrictions.
Enabling flights in controlled airspace
Fly in Class A airspace and on Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plans, making it easier to navigate busy, controlled airspaces and fly at higher altitudes where weather conditions are often more stable and fuel efficiency is better.
Expanding career opportunities
Pursue aviation as a career, as this rating is a key step toward obtaining a Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL) or an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
- Boosting confidence and skill level
Increase confidence and precision in flying, even when conditions are less than ideal and challenging.
2. What are the eligibility requirements for the instrument rating course?
Be at least 17 years old.
Hold (at least) a current Private Pilot License (including valid medical).
Read, speak, write, and understand English.
3. What is the CFCA process for getting the instrument rating?
Ground school (IFR operations, regulations, systems).
Pass FAA written exam.
Complete a minimum of 40 hours of actual or sim flight time.
Pass your checkride with an FAA examiner.
4. What’s the next step after instrument rating?
For additional advanced flight training, the next step is to earn your Commercial Rating.
Go pro!
COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENSE
Commercial Pilot License FAQs
1. What are the benefits of earning an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate
Allows you to get paid for flying
Unlike a private pilot license (PPL), which restricts you to flying for personal or recreational purposes, a CPL lets you earn money by flying for hire or reward.
Opens the door to aviation careers
Increasing flight opportunities
Fly in a broader range of weather conditions, making it easier to plan trips without being as concerned about weather restrictions.
Airline pilot (with further qualifications)
Charter pilot
Corporate pilot
Cargo pilot
Flight instructor
Aerial photography
Skydiving operations
Agricultural pilot (crop-dusting)
Banner towing
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) flying
2. Expands flying privileges
In addition to being compensated for flying, a CPL gives you greater operational privileges, including acting as Pilot in Command (PIC) of aircraft for compensation or hire and performing tasks like aerial surveying, pipeline patrol, firefighting, and search and rescue operations.
3. What are the eligibility requirements for the Commercial Pilot License course?
Be at least 18 years old.
Get a valid second-class medical certificate.
Read, speak, write, and understand English.
4. What’s the next step after instrument rating?
There is no FAA written exam for the commercial pilot certificate.
You must have at least 20 hours of flight training with a CFI in preparation for your checkride that includes tasks such as simulated instrument flight, training in a technically advanced aircraft (TAA), a 2-hour daytime cross-country, a 2-hour night cross-country, one long cross-country greater than 300 NM with landings at 3 airports, and 5 hours of night flying with 10 takeoffs and landings at a field with an operating control tower.
Pass an oral exam and checkride with an FAA examiner.
5. What’s the next step after Commercial Pilot License?
For additional advanced flight training, the next step is to earn your Multi-Engine Rating.
Multiply your skillset.
COMMERICAL MULTI-ENGINE
Commercial Pilot License FAQs
1. What is a Commercial Multi-Engine Rating (CMEL)?
A Commercial Multi-Engine Rating allows pilots with a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) to operate multi-engine aircraft for hire or compensation. It is an add-on to your commercial certificate that qualifies you to fly aircraft with more than one engine.
2. Expands flying privileges
It enhances your career prospects, provides critical skills for handling more complex aircraft, and enables you to fly multi-engine planes professionally. It’s a vital step for pilots pursuing airline or corporate aviation jobs, including charter operations, corporate flights, commercial airline jobs, and cargo flights.
3. Do I need to have my Commercial Pilot License (CPL) before getting a Multi-Engine Rating?
You can earn a multi-engine rating on both a Private Pilot License (PPL) and a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). However, if you intend to be compensated for flying multi-engine aircraft, you will need to add the rating to your commercial license.
4. Do I need an Instrument Rating for my Multi-Engine Rating?
You do not need an instrument rating to obtain a multi-engine rating, but if you wish to fly multi-engine aircraft in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), you must hold an instrument rating for multi-engine aircraft. This allows you to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in multi-engine planes.
You must have at least 20 hours of flight training with a CFI in preparation for your checkride that includes tasks such as simulated instrument flight, training in a technically advanced aircraft (TAA), a 2-hour daytime cross-country, a 2-hour night cross-country, one long cross-country greater than 300 NM with landings at 3 airports, and 5 hours of night flying with 10 takeoffs and landings at a field with an operating control tower.
Pass an oral exam and checkride with an FAA examiner.
5. What’s the next step after Commercial Pilot License?
Hold at least a Private Pilot License or Commercial Pilot License.
Have a current medical certificate appropriate for the rating.
Be proficient in flying single-engine aircraft before transitioning to multi-engine aircraft.
6. How many hours do I need to earn a Multi-Engine Rating?
There is no minimum flight hour requirement set by the FAA for the multi-engine rating. The time needed will vary based on the pilot’s proficiency and the training program. On average, it can take 5 to 10 hours of dual instruction in a multi-engine aircraft to complete the required training and be prepared for the checkride.
7. What are the key differences between flying a single-engine and a multi-engine aircraft?
The most significant difference is the asymmetric thrust (when one engine fails or produces less power than the other), which requires advanced understanding and handling.
8. What is the checkride like for a Multi-Engine Rating?
The multi-engine checkride includes an oral exam regarding knowledge in multi-engine aerodynamics, systems, and emergency procedures, plus a flight test to demonstrate proficiency in normal and emergency operations, single-engine procedures, engine-out landings, and complex maneuvers (such as steep turns and stalls).
