Instrument training prepares you to test for the Instrument Rating Certificate, which significantly adds to the value of a Private Certificate by removing "bad weather" limitations. Holders of the Rating are permitted to fly in virtually any weather conditions, limited only by their own judgment and the equipment installed in their aircraft.

Flight experience

An applicant for an Instrument rating must have 40 hours of "instrument" time. Fifteen hours of this requirement can be accomplished in an approved Flight Training Device. Students must also log 50 hours of pilot-in-command cross-country time.

Aircraft

The FAA Approved Instrument course at DRG Aviation is taught in Cessna 172's and in Flight Simulators. The aircraft are all equipped with intercoms and headsets to assist you in communications with Air Traffic Control (ATC).

Syllabus

Our training provides for mastery of the necessary skills for the Instrument Rating in 35 to 45 hours of airplane and simulator time, a realistic range for the student who flies intensively (two to three times a week). The course is divided into three stages, with checks by the Chief CFI's to assure that each level has been thoroughly taught.

Theory and knowledge testing

DRG Aviation offers two choices for mastering IFR theory: a full IFR classroom ground school and the Cessna Computer based interactive Instruction System. Both are designed to complement the flight instruction syllabus and greatly reduce the time spent in one-on-one instruction. For your convenience, we have a Test Center that offers FAA Computer Exam testing on the premises.

Estimated cost of a private pilot certificate