Instrument Rating

Advantages

As a Private Pilot you are limited to flying VFR (Visual Flight Rules.) With an instrument rating you are no longer grounded due to weather. With an instrument rating you will be able to fly in the clouds and Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC.)

Instrument Rating Requirements

  • Hold a private pilot certificate
  • Have a valid 3rd Class Medical
  • Must be 17 years old
  • You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English Language
  • Completed and logged the FAA approved ground and flight training for the instrument rating.
  • 35 hours of flight training
  • Pass the FAA Instrument Rating written exam
  • Pass the Instrument Rating Oral and Practical Exam

Commercial

Advantages

Are you ready to make money flying? With a Commercial Pilot’s License you can.

Commercial License Requirements

  • Hold a valid private pilot certificate
  • Hold a valid 2nd Class Medical
  • Must be 18 years old
  • You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English Language
  • Instrument Rating – Not required by law but 95% of employers will require it
  • Completed and logged the appropriate ground and flight training for the commercial training.
  • 100 hours pilot in command (PIC)
  • 250 hours total logged flight time
  • Pass the FAA Oral and Practical Exam
  • Pass the FAA Written Exam

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

Flight instructors in the United States must hold at least a commercial pilot certificate or ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) certificate. Individuals wishing to give instruction in airplanes or powered-lift aircraft are additionally required to hold an instrument rating in the desired category and class. Holders of a sport pilot certificate may obtain a flight instructor certificate with sport pilot rating, allowing them to give instruction for the sport pilot certificate in light-sport aircraft. All individuals desiring flight instructor privileges must pass two additional written exams (Fundamentals of Instruction, or FOI; and a knowledge test specific to the category of aircraft in which instructional privileges are desired, such as fixed-wing) as well as a practical test. Flight Instructors must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible.

Multi-Engine

Advantages

Larger planes generally have two engines, can fly longer distances and carry more passengers. More capability makes a twin engine rating the next step in your progression as a pilot.

Multi-Engine Requirements

  • Hold a valid private pilot certificate or commercial rating
  • Have a valid 3rd Class Medical
  • Must be 17 years old
  • You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English Language
  • Completed and logged the appropriate ground and flight training for the multi engine rating.
  • Operate the aircraft to FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
  • Pass the FAA Oral and Practical Exam
  • No minimum flight hours required
  • Since there are no minimum flight hours required to qualify for the FAA exam, you must demonstrate the ability to operate the aircraft to FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS). This is generally obtained in 8-15 hours of ground and flight training.

Other Training

Bi-Annual Flight Review

Has it been over 2 years since you had a flight review or flight review qualifying activity? We can help you regain your proficiency and get you flying again. A flight review consists of a minimum of one hour of ground and one hour of flight. Our instructors take a personal approach in tailoring your flight review to the type of flying you are interested in doing. By concentrating on the areas in which you feel you need the most help, you come away from the flight review with renewed confidence in your abilities. At the conclusion of your flight review, you will receive an endorsement from one of our instructors certifying you accomplished your Flight Review.

A flight review is not required if the pilot, within the 24-calendar-month period:

  • Completed one or more phases of the FAA “Wings” program;
  • Received a new pilot certificate (sport, recreational, private, commercial, flight instructor, or ATP;
  • Passed a practical test to renew, reinstate, or add an additional rating to their Instructor Certificate.
  • Received a new rating (instrument, multiengine, or glider);
  • Flies for a Part 121 (air carrier) or 135 (air taxi) operation and satisfied the appropriate proficiency checks.

Complex Aircraft

A complex aircraft is defined as an aircraft with retractable landing gear, a constant speed propeller, and flaps (or if the aircraft is driven by a turbine engine).

Cost: instructor plus complex aircraft rental (if needed.)

CFII, MEI and ATP Ratings

Contact us for more information about CFII, MEI and ATP ratings.