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sun city aviation academy trains professional pilots in south florida

Instrument
Rating Course

Master the art of flying without visual references. Our Instrument Rating course will teach you how to navigate through clouds and the skies with precision. Move ahead in your aviation career with Sun City Aviation Academy.

What is an IR?

An Instrument Rating (IR) is a rating that most pilots get after their private pilot certificate. Having an instrument rating allows you to safely operate aircraft under conditions of reduced visibility and adverse weather.

With an instrument rating, a pilot gains the ability to fly and navigate using the aircraft's instruments alone without external visual references. This level of expertise represents a significant milestone in a pilot's career, demonstrating their capacity to handle complex and challenging situations with precision and confidence.

An Instrument Rating is not just about adding another credential to a pilot's resume. But rather, it represents a mastery of the precision flying and a commitment to safety. Having an instrument rating allows pilots to handle challenging scenarios and navigate the skies safely, when weather is less than ideal.

Roadmap

Instrument Rating Course

Obtaining an Instrument Rating not only expands a pilot's capabilities but also broadens their horizons in the world of aviation. It opens up opportunities to fly in a wider range of weather conditions when visual flight is not feasible. This rating is particularly valuable for those pursuing careers in commercial aviation, as it is a requirement for airline transport pilots.

1

Start Flight Training

Starting your Instrument Rating journey is an exciting step in your pilot training. At Sun City Aviation Academy, we'll pair you up with a certified flight instructor instrument (CFII) who specializes in instrument flight training.

During this phase of your training, you'll need to accumulate a minimum of 50 hours of cross country flight time as the pilot in command (PIC), including 40 hours of dedicated instrument training.

Throughout your Instrument Rating training, you'll focus on developing the skill of flying solely by reference to instruments. This includes guided practice in navigating various instrument approaches and holding patterns.

Our comprehensive training program is designed to build your confidence and skills, allowing you to operate an aircraft safely and effectively in diverse weather conditions and airspace. With the guidance of our experienced CFII instructors, you'll be well prepared to excel in your instrument rating exams and become a proficient instrument rated pilot.

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2

Written Exam

This exam covers a wide range of topics crucial for safe and knowledgeable instrument flying. As you embark on your journey, you'll dive into detailed subjects such as aviation regulations, flight procedures, and meteorology, gaining an understanding of aircraft systems, navigation, and how to interpret weather information.

These comprehensive lessons will equip you with the knowledge needed to fly confidently and safely, even in challenging conditions governed by IFR (instrument flight rules) weather.

The knowledge test will also look at your understanding of aircraft performance, aerodynamics, and airspace. As you delve into these topics, our experienced instructors will provide guidance and support, ensuring you grasp each concept thoroughly.

At Sun City Aviation Academy, we are dedicated to helping you excel in the written exam, providing you with the solid foundation required to become a skilled and safe pilot.

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3

Long Cross Country

A major step in your aviation journey is completing what is commonly known as the long instrument cross country flight. It's a significant milestone where you'll complete a cross country covering a minimum of 250 nautical miles along airways or ATC directed routes.

During this flight, you'll be immersed in the practical application of your instrument training, putting your skills to the test in a dynamic and ever changing environment.

This experience equips you with invaluable capabilities, allowing you to confidently navigate under IFR (instrument flight rules) conditions, where you'll encounter a myriad of weather and navigation challenges.

From navigating through complex airspace to briefing approach charts and procedures, this flight will solidify your proficiency in real world instrument navigation, emphasizing your ability to make sound decisions and adapt to a wide range of in flight scenarios.

Successfully completing this significant flight not only marks a pivotal point in your training but also underscores your dedication and readiness to become a skilled and competent pilot.

sun city aviation student completing a long cross country flight over miami

4

Pass the Checkride

The checkride represents the culmination of your extensive training and dedication, serving as a comprehensive evaluation of both your theoretical knowledge and practical instrument flying skills.

During this rigorous examination, you'll need to successfully navigate two distinct components: the oral portion and the flight test, both of which are designed to thoroughly assess your proficiency.

In the oral exam, you'll be tasked with demonstrating your profound understanding of aviation regulations, procedures, and decision making processes.

This section serves as a platform to showcase your comprehensive knowledge and the ability to apply it in real-world scenarios.

Following the oral portion, the flight portion of the exam is next. You'll be required to conduct instrument maneuvers, complete different types of instrument approaches, and communicate effectively throughout the evaluation.

Once you pass and complete the flight exam, you'll emerge as a highly capable and confident instrument rated pilot, well prepared to fly in instrument conditions with confidence and proficiency.

sun city aviation students celebrating after passing their checkride

At Sun City Aviation Academy, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality training and support throughout your Instrument Rating journey. Our experienced instructors and comprehensive training programs are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your instrument rating exams and become a proficient instrument rated pilot.

Still looking for more information on pilot training?

Get Your FREE
Pilot Training Guide!

We have a free booklet which explains everything you need to know for your pilot certificate.

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Our Programs

Your aviation dreams take center stage here. Whether pursuing a professional career, building flight hours, or seeking leisurely adventure, we have the perfect path for you.

Professional Pilot Course

Comprehensive program covering private, instrument, commercial, and multi-engine flight training.

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Private Pilot

Your passport to the skies! Learn to pilot your dreams with our Private Pilot Course.

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Youth Programs

Inspire the next generation of aviators with our youth programs. The sky is the limit!

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Instrument Rating

Navigate through clouds and the skies with precision through our Instrument Rating course.

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Commercial Pilot

Start your pilot career with our Commercial Pilot Course. Your path to the captain's seat is here.

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Airline Transport Pilot

For many this is their goal. The ATP certificate is a minimum requirement to join the airlines.

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Multi-Engine Rating

Master the art of multi engine flying and unlock new horizons in your aviation career.

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Certified Flight Instructor

Become a trusted guide in the world of aviation. Become a CFI and teach others to fly.

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Flight Review

Recurrent training requirement for pilots to ensure they maintain proficiency and safety standards.

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Instrument Proficiency Check

Stay current with our Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) to ensure your instrument flying skills are up to date.

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Wingman Course

Equip your loved ones with essential aviation safety skills through our Wingman Course.

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Sea Plane Safari

Seaplane flying opens up an extraordinary new world for pilots. Start SES training here.

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Start Your Aviation Journey
With a Discovery Flight

Doing a discovery flight is the best way to determine if being a pilot is right for you. Whether you're trying it out for fun or want to fly professionally, doing a discovery flight will allow you to see the Ft. Lauderdale and Hollywood from a new perspective.