INSTRUMENT RATING PROGRAM
OUR INSTRUMENT RATING TRAINING PROGRAM
At Azure Aviation Academy, our Instrument Rating Program is designed for pilots ready to take their skills and safety to the next level. Whether you're working toward a professional career or simply want to become a more capable and confident aviator, this program provides the structure, advanced instruction, and real-world preparation you need to master flight by reference to instruments.
With experienced instructors, one-on-one mentorship, and a focus on precision and sound decision-making, we’ll help you develop the skills, knowledge, and certifications required to fly safely in a wider range of weather and airspace—unlocking new opportunities and elevating your abilities as a pilot.
From Visual Flight to Instrument Confidence
Our step-by-step training roadmap outlines the exact path to earning your Instrument Rating. Each stage builds on your Private Pilot foundation, providing the skills, knowledge, and experience required to fly safely and confidently in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). From ground training to flight lessons and check ride preparation, this roadmap shows how we guide you through every milestone on your way to becoming an instrument-rated pilot.
GROUND TRAINING
Ground training equips you with the knowledge needed to pass both the FAA Knowledge Exam and the FAA Practical Exam. This portion of your training ensures you're fully prepared for the written test and confident for the oral portion of your check ride.
- Estimated 15 Hours of Ground School
Covers essential topics such as instrument flight rules (IFR), flight planning, weather interpretation, instrument procedures, navigation systems, and aircraft systems.
FLIGHT TRAINING
During instrument training, you’ll develop the skills needed to safely and confidently operate an aircraft by reference to instruments—starting with basic procedures and building toward approaches, holds, and real-world IFR flying.
- 55 Hours of Flight Training
45 Hours of Cross Country PIC
40 Hours Simulated/Actual
10 Hours of Local PIC
CHECK-RIDE PREP
The final phase of your training ensures you're fully ready to earn your certificate. We’ll make sure all FAA time and experience requirements are met, and focus on refining your skills and knowledge so you feel confident and prepared to pass your check ride—the practical exam that puts everything you've learned to the test.
- The last ~10 Hours of Flight Training
We’ll spent time in the local KSLN area shooting approaches
Verify Eligibility Requirements
Before beginning your Instrument Rating training, we’ll help you verify that you meet all FAA eligibility requirements. This includes confirming that you hold at least a Private Pilot certificate and meet the necessary experience, medical, and English proficiency standards to begin instrument training.
EXPERIENCE
Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate
MEDICAL
Hold at least a Third-Class Medical Certificate
CITIZENSHIP
U.S. Citizen (International Students, Click HERE)
What Our Students Are Saying
At Azure Aviation Academy, we’re proud of the success and experiences our students achieve. But don’t just take our word for it—hear directly from the students who have trained with us. Their stories and feedback reflect our commitment to quality instruction, personalized support, and helping every student reach their aviation goals.
“When it came to flexibility and being helpful I found that there was no better instructor then Sebastian as he taught me many different tip and tricks when it came to flying as well as worked around my complicated schedule would highly recommend him to anyone in the area.”
- Tanner Hubbard
“Sebastian was great I came from another flight school and he filled all the gaps and worked diligently to get me a checkride. I feel that I was over prepared for the checkride which is always great.”
- Connor Shumate
Cost Breakdown
We believe in full transparency when it comes to your training costs. Earning your Instrument Rating is a critical step toward becoming a safer, more capable, and more versatile pilot—and with the right program, it’s a straightforward, rewarding process.
At Azure Aviation Academy, we make it easy to understand what you’ll pay, what’s included, and how to plan for each step of your instrument training. Below is a typical breakdown of costs for a student completing their Instrument Rating.
Instrument Pilot (IR) - Total: $15,150
| Activity Type | Hours | Rate | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Rental | 55 | $180/hr | $9,900 |
| Flight Instruction | 55 | $75/hr | $4,125 |
| Ground Instruction | 15 | $75/hr | $1,125 |
*These are estimated costs based on FAA minimums and typical student progression. Actual costs may vary depending on your pace, consistency, additional training needs, aircraft availability, maintenance, weather and other factors. This price estimate does not reflect any additional third-party costs acquired throughout flight training.
Take Your Skills — and Confidence — to the Next Level
Earning your Instrument Rating is more than just meeting requirements—it’s expanding your abilities, improving your safety, and unlocking the freedom to fly in a wider range of conditions. At Azure Aviation Academy, we provide the structured training, personalized instruction, and real-world preparation you need to achieve this next milestone.
Whether you’re pursuing a professional pilot career or simply want to become a more capable and confident aviator, it all starts here. With experienced instructors, a focus on safety, and a clear, proven training path, we’ll help you take the next step toward becoming a truly well-rounded pilot.
The sky doesn’t always wait for clear weather—be ready for wherever your journey takes you.