Why get an instrument rating?
- Reliability. A VFR-only pilot in New England cancels a lot of trips. An instrument rating lets you launch through a low overcast and fly on top in the sunshine.
- Precision and safety. Instrument training makes you a sharper, more disciplined pilot in every kind of weather.
- Insurance and rentals. Many insurers and flight schools look favorably on instrument-rated pilots.
- Career. It's required for commercial flying and is a practical must for the commercial certificate.
FAA requirements
Under 14 CFR Part 61, to earn an instrument–airplane rating you must:
- Hold at least a private pilot certificate.
- Log 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command (at least 10 in airplanes).
- Log 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, including 15 hours with an authorized instrument instructor (CFII).
- Complete an IFR cross-country of at least 250 nm on an IFR flight plan with an instrument approach at each airport and three different kinds of approaches.
- Receive 3 hours of instrument training within the two months before your checkride.
- Pass the FAA Instrument Rating – Airplane (IRA) knowledge test and the practical test.
What you'll learn
Attitude instrument flying
Controlling the airplane precisely with a view-limiting device, with scan, trim and partial-panel skills.
Navigation and holds
GPS and VOR navigation, holding patterns, and flying published departure and arrival procedures.
Instrument approaches
RNAV (GPS), ILS and localizer, VOR and circling approaches, missed approaches, and how to brief and fly them like a professional.
The IFR system
Clearances, working with Boston Center and Boston Approach, lost-communication procedures, weather decision-making, icing and thunderstorm avoidance.
Why train IFR here
Training from KLWM puts you next to some of the busiest and most sophisticated airspace in the country. You'll get used to working with Boston Approach and have many different approaches within a short flight. New England's seasons also bring plenty of actual instrument conditions when you and your instructor are ready for them.
Using a simulator
The FAA allows some instrument time to be logged in approved training devices. Ask us how simulator time can fit into your plan to save money and practice procedures before you fly them.