Instrument Rating

The information below is provided only as a quick reference guide for the required aeronautical experience requirements of Part 61. You should always refer to the Federal Aviation Regulation for the most current and complete requirements for the certificate or rating you are interested in.

Reference: §61.65 - Instrument rating requirements

For all Instrument Ratings.
Total Time: Must have logged the following:

A. At least 50 hours of cross-country flying as a PIC, of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes for an Instrument Airplane rating; and
B. Total of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time on the Instrument areas of operation, that includes at least--

1. Dual: 15 hours of instrument training with an instructor in the aircraft category, that includes at
least:

a. 3 hours of the instrument training were within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test; and
b. 1 IFR cross-country flight of more than 250 nm. (more than 100 nm. for helicopters) in the instrument-aircraft rating sought.

or, if for an

C. Additional instrument rating, 15 hours of instrument training with an instructor for the rating sought, that includes at least:

1. 1 IFR cross-country flight of more than 250 nm. (more than 100 nm. for helicopters) in the instrument-aircraft rating sought; and
2. 3 hours of the instrument training were within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test