Instrument Rating Requirements, Single-Engine Airplane (14 CFR Sec. 61.65)

1. Hold at least a private pilot certificate
2. Be able to read, speak, write and understand English
3. Log ground training from an instructor or complete a home study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas in (b) below
4. Receive an instructor endorsement certifying readiness to take the required written knowledge test
5. Log training in an airplane from an instructor on the areas of operation in (c) below
6. Receive an instructor endorsement certifying readiness to take the required practical test
7. Pass the required written knowledge test on the areas in (b) below
8. Pass the required practical test on the areas in (c) below in
   • an airplane, or
   • an approved flight simulator or flight training device (FTD) (limited to one precision and one nonprecision approach)

1. FAR's that apply to IFR flight
2. Information pertaining to IFR flight in the Aeronautical Information Manual
3. Air traffic control (ATC) system and procedures
4. IFR navigation and approaches
5. Weather reports and forecasts
6. Safe and efficient operation of aircraft under IFR
7. Recognition of critical weather situations and windshear avoidance
8. Aeronautical decision making and judgment
9. Crew resource management, communication and coordination

1. Preflight preparation
2. Preflight procedures
3. ATC clearances and procedures
4. Flight by reference to instruments
5. Navigation systems
6. Instrument approach procedures
7. Emergency operation
8. Postflight procedures

1. 50 hours cross-country flight time as PIC (at least 10 hours in airplanes)
2. 40 hours instrument time (actual or simulated) to include:
   • 15 hours IFR from an instructor in an airplane
   • 3 hours from an instructor in preparation for the practical test within 60 days preceding the test date
   • at least one cross-country flight under IFR consisting of:
     • distance at least 250 nautical miles along airways or ATC-directed routing
     • an instrument approach at each airport
     • three different kinds of approaches using navigation systems

1. Maximum of 30 hours in flight simulator or FTD if training under part 142
2. Maximum of 20 hours in flight simulator or FTD if training not under part 142

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