How to Transition to IFR flying with an Instrument Rating

Unlock your ticket to all-weather flying

If you’re a Private Pilot ready to take your skills to the next level, there’s no better way than earning your Instrument Rating. It’s a game changer—not just for your flying confidence, but for the freedom and utility it unlocks. You’ll no longer be bound by VFR weather minimums. Instead, you’ll gain the ability to fly safely through clouds, navigate complex airspace with ease, and operate in a wider variety of conditions.

More than a box to check, the Instrument Rating is about becoming a sharper, more precise aviator.

Steps to Earning an Instrument Rating

1) Ensure Eligibility

Before diving in, make sure you meet the FAA requirements. According to 14 CFR 61.65, you must:

• Hold at least a current Private Pilot certificate

• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English

Simple enough—but it’s important to verify you’re ready to begin.

2) Complete your ground school & written test

The Instrument Rating has its own FAA Knowledge Test, and preparation is key. You’ll need to complete either:

• Ground training with a qualified instructor, or

• A structured home-study program

Looking for a proven, flexible option? Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course makes it easy to learn at your pace. With over 12 hours of HD video, animations, and real-world scenarios, you’ll get the insight and confidence needed to master IFR flying. Built-in test prep, FAA documents, and interactive quizzes help ensure you’re not just memorizing facts—you’re becoming a safer, smarter pilot.

3) Log your IFR flight training

Next comes the fun part—getting in the airplane. To qualify for the checkride, you’ll need to log:

• 50 hours of cross-country PIC time (at least 10 hours in an airplane)

• 40 hours of instrument time (actual or simulated), including at least 15 hours with an instructor

Your training will cover essential IFR skills like:

• Flight planning and ATC clearances

• Attitude instrument flying

• Instrument navigation (VOR, GPS, ILS, etc.)

• Holding patterns and approaches

• System failures and emergency procedures

Need help finding the right school or instructor? Check out Sporty’s Flight School Directory.

4) Complete your practical test (checkride)

With the training complete, it’s time to show what you’ve learned. Your instructor will endorse you for the checkride once you’ve met all the requirements. Then:

• Schedule your checkride with a DPE (your instructor can assist)

• Review the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for the Instrument Rating

• Complete and sign your IACRA application (8710 form)

• Prepare for both the oral and flight portions—this includes weight and balance, IFR flight planning, weather interpretation, and systems knowledge

Sporty’s course includes a full checkride prep module, with oral exam flashcards, study tips, a practical test checklist, and the latest ACS—all designed to boost your confidence going into the big day.

Ready for the Challenge?

Earning your Instrument Rating is one of the most rewarding milestones in your aviation journey. It takes commitment and focus—but the payoff is huge: safer flights, expanded opportunities, and the confidence to go beyond the horizon.

Stay tuned to IFR Focus this month as we share more tips, techniques, and stories from pilots who’ve made the leap into instrument flying.

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IFR Focus Team

The IFR Focus Team is made up of experienced flight instructors, professional pilots, and editors dedicated to helping instrument pilots sharpen their skills. Drawing on decades of real-world flying and teaching experience, the team curates practical tips, training resources, and scenario-based content to make IFR flying safer and more enjoyable.

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