Instrument Rating Requirements Checklist: Are You Ready for IFR?

Earning your instrument rating is a major step toward becoming a confident, all-weather pilot. But before you file that first flight plan into the clouds, you’ll need to meet a few key milestones. This instrument rating requirements checklist breaks it all down. 

At Leopard Aviation, we guide you through each phase—flight hours, simulator time, and checkride prep—with personal attention and real-world insight. 

Whether you’re flying for fun or working toward a career, we make the path to IFR clear, focused, and achievable. Let’s see if you’re ready to take your next step.

Why Get an Instrument Rating?

Getting your instrument rating is a powerful next step in your journey as a pilot. It does more than check a box—it transforms how you fly and how you think in the cockpit. Here’s why it matters.

Expands your flying capability and safety

When you earn your instrument rating, you’re no longer limited by weather. VFR pilots must avoid clouds, low ceilings, and limited visibility. But with an instrument rating, you gain clearance to fly through challenging conditions safely and legally. You can operate in controlled airspace, stay on course in low visibility, and land at major airports under instrument conditions.

Legally fly in low visibility (clouds, rain, fog)

As a VFR pilot, if clouds roll in or fog blankets the runway, you’re grounded. With an instrument rating, you can legally fly through weather that would otherwise keep you on the ground. This opens up more flight opportunities and makes your schedule more reliable—especially useful for cross-country trips or time-sensitive flights.

Required for most professional pilot jobs

Planning to go pro? Then an instrument rating is essential. It’s required for nearly all commercial aviation careers—airlines, charter, corporate, and even many flight instructor roles. If you’re serious about a career in aviation, this step is not optional.

Builds confidence and precision

Instrument training makes you a sharper, more disciplined pilot. You’ll learn to rely on your instruments, interpret weather data, handle radio navigation, and stay focused under pressure. This builds real confidence—especially when visibility is poor or the weather gets tricky.

At Leopard Aviation, we believe instrument training is where good pilots become great. We guide students through each phase of the rating with support, structure, and a strong safety mindset.

Prerequisites: Before You Start

Before you begin working through the instrument rating requirements checklist, make sure you meet the basic entry points.

• Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate
  You need to be a licensed private pilot before you can begin instrument training.
  
• Be proficient in English
  You must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English clearly, as per FAA requirements.
  
• Hold at least a current 3rd Class Medical Certificate
  This ensures you’re healthy and medically fit to fly. If you’re planning a career, consider getting a 2nd or 1st Class Medical early.

If you’re missing one of these prerequisites, don’t worry. At Leopard Aviation, we’ll help you build a plan to meet them and move forward with confidence.

Ground School Requirements

Instrument ground school is where you build the knowledge you’ll need to operate in the IFR system. You’ll learn:

• Weather theory and interpretation
  
• IFR navigation systems (VOR, GPS, ILS, etc.)
  
• Reading and using IFR charts and approach plates
  
• FAA regulations and airspace structure
  
• Emergency procedures and systems management

Self-study vs. classroom

Some students prefer to learn independently using books or online platforms. Others want more structure and in-person guidance. At Leopard Aviation, we offer both, but what makes us stand out is our one-on-one instruction. You’re never just a face in the crowd—we personalize your ground training to how you learn best.

Our interactive ground sessions are designed to help you retain what you learn and apply it in the cockpit.

Flight Experience Needed

To qualify for the instrument rating, the FAA requires specific logged flight hours. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 50 hours of cross-country PIC (Pilot in Command) time
  These must be logged after you receive your private pilot certificate.
  
• 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time
  This can be completed in actual IMC (instrument meteorological conditions) or under the hood with a safety pilot.
  
  • 15 of those hours must be with a CFII (Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument)
    
• One long IFR cross-country flight
  This must be done under IFR and include:
  
  • A distance of at least 250 nautical miles
    
  • Use of airways or ATC-directed routing
    
  • Three different instrument approaches at three different airports
    

At Leopard Aviation, we help you plan every flight strategically, so you meet your hour requirements while building practical skills that stick.

Equipment & Simulator Use

A simulator is a powerful tool in instrument training. It lets you practice complex procedures, experience emergencies, and build hours—without burning fuel or dealing with weather delays.

FAA allows up to 20 hours of instrument time to be logged in an approved flight simulator.

At Leopard Aviation, we use real-world technology to bridge the gap between theory and flight. Our simulator is integrated into your training plan, helping you sharpen skills like:

• Approach briefings
  
• Holding patterns
  
• Partial panel navigation
  
• Cockpit workload management
  

The FAA Written Exam

Before your checkride, you’ll need to pass the FAA instrument rating knowledge test, which covers everything from weather to regulations to approach procedures.

• 60 multiple-choice questions
  
• 2.5 hours time limit
  
• Minimum passing score: 70%
  

Tips to prepare:

• Use FAA-approved study guides and test prep tools
  
• Focus on understanding—not just memorizing—concepts
  
• Practice with real IFR charts and scenarios
  

We provide all the support you need. Our instructors review weak areas with you, explain tricky topics, and help you feel ready to pass the first time.

The Checkride: What to Expect

The checkride includes two parts:

• Oral exam
  You’ll discuss flight planning, IFR procedures, regulations, systems, and weather interpretation.
  
• Flight portion
  You’ll demonstrate your ability to:
  
  • Intercept and track VOR radials
    
  • Fly holding patterns
    
  • Execute precision (ILS) and non-precision (LOC, VOR) approaches
    
  • Perform missed approaches
    
  • Stay ahead of the aircraft and manage workload
    

At Leopard Aviation, we train for checkride readiness from day one. You’ll know what to expect and how to handle each task with clarity and confidence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning to fly by instruments can be tough, and there are a few things that can trip students up.

• Incomplete or inaccurate logbook entries
  Every hour must be documented correctly.
  
• Lack of experience in real weather
  Flying in actual IMC is different from simulator time. When conditions allow, we help students gain real-world IFR exposure safely.
  
• Over-reliance on GPS
  You’ll need to be just as confident with VORs, ILS, and raw data as you are with a moving map.
  
• Weak communication skills
  Clear, concise radio work is essential. We emphasize real ATC-style interactions in training to build this skill early.

How Leopard Aviation Prepares You for IFR Success

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all training. At Leopard Aviation, we customize every plan to match your learning style, schedule, and goals.

Here’s how we help:

• Custom flight plans based on your strengths and needs
  
• Experienced CFII instructors who care about your progress
  
• Real-world simulator scenarios to reinforce lessons
  
• Emphasis on safety and smart decision-making
  

We’re here to walk with you through every requirement on the instrument rating requirements checklist—and beyond.

Final Pre-Flight Checklist: Are You Ready?

As you move through this journey, ask yourself:

• Have I logged the correct flight hour minimums?
  
• Am I confident flying under the hood and interpreting instruments?
  
• Have I passed the written test and understand IFR regulations?
  
• Can I manage cockpit workload, communicate clearly, and make decisions in low visibility?
  

If the answer is yes—or close to yes—then you’re almost ready. And if not, we’ll help you get there.

At Leopard Aviation, we believe becoming an instrument-rated pilot is one of the most rewarding things you can do in aviation. We’d love to be part of that journey with you.

Take the Next Step Toward Cloud Confidence

If you’ve gone through this instrument rating requirements checklist and feel ready to take on IFR flying, we’re here to help you make it happen. At Leopard Aviation, we guide you through every phase—from ground school to checkride prep—with expert instructors and a personalized approach. 

Whether you need more flight hours, simulator time, or one-on-one coaching, we’ll help you train with purpose and precision. Instrument flying is a big leap, but you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s get you ready to fly with confidence—rain, shine, or clouds ahead.

FAQs

1. What are the minimum flight hour requirements for an instrument rating?

To earn an instrument rating, the FAA requires at least 50 hours of cross-country PIC time and 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time. Of those 40 hours, 15 must be with an instrument-rated flight instructor, and one must be a 250 NM cross-country IFR flight.

2. Do I need a specific medical certificate for instrument training?

Yes. You must hold at least a valid third-class FAA medical certificate to begin instrument flight training and complete the rating. Commercial applicants typically require a second-class certificate. The medical must be current throughout your training and when exercising IFR privileges.

 3. What knowledge tests are required for the instrument rating?

You must pass the FAA Instrument Rating Airman Knowledge Test (IFR written test), which covers regulations, navigation, procedures, and weather. Additionally, you must pass an oral exam and a practical test (checkride) with an FAA examiner to demonstrate your knowledge and IFR proficiency.

4. Do simulator hours count toward the instrument rating?

Yes. The FAA allows up to 20 hours of instrument time to be logged in an approved Aviation Training Device (ATD) under Part 61. This helps reduce total training costs and reinforces procedural knowledge, especially for approaches, emergencies, and system failures.

5. What documents do I need to start IFR training?

You’ll need a private pilot certificate, a valid medical certificate, government-issued ID, proof of citizenship (or TSA clearance if a non-U.S. citizen), and a logbook. Before the checkride, ensure endorsements from your instructor, written test completion, and logged required hours are all documented correctly.