# Beginning Instrument Flight ## The Brave New World Welcome, fellow private pilot! Earning your instrument rating is a challenging yet highly rewarding journey. You build on the foundation from your private pilot training, sharpen your stick and rudder skills, and becoming intimately familiar with flying in the system. Before long, flying VFR can feel odd, without that steady guiding hand leading you from takeoff to touchdown. ### VMC and VFR As a quick recap, **VMC** stands for _Visual Meteorological Conditions_. These are weather conditions that provide enough visibility, ceiling, and cloud clearance for pilots to navigate primarily by visual reference. In other words, fly by looking outside rather than relying on instruments to keep the greasy side down. Flying in **VMC** means operating under **Visual Flight Rules (VFR)**, which establish specific minimum cloud clearances and visibility to ensure aircraft can maintain visual separation. These cloud clearance requirements may seem arbitrary at first, but they exist for a simple reason: to give pilots enough space and time to see and avoid other aircraft sharing the sky. As you climb to higher altitudes, these minimums increase because you’ll typically encounter faster-moving aircraft. More speed means less reaction time, so greater separation is required giving you a better chance to spot that jet piercing through the cloud in front of you before it becomes a problem. You are not required to file a flight plan if you chose to fly under VFR in VMC. **VFR and MVFR Weather Categories:** - **VFR:** Ceilings greater than 3,000 feet AGL and visibility greater than 5 statute miles - **MVFR (Marginal VFR):** Ceilings between 1,000 and 3,000 feet AGL and/or visibility between 3 and 5 statute miles ### IMC and IFR When the weather deteriorates, we can no longer rely on outside visual references and must depend on our instruments to control the aircraft. As you can guess, these conditions are known as **Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC)**, and flights conducted in them operate below VFR minimums and are under **Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)**. In controlled airspace, flying in IMC requires filing an IFR flight plan and receiving an ATC clearance. In uncontrolled airspace, an instrument-rated pilot may legally operate in IMC without an IFR clearance; however, doing so is an excellent way to earn yourself a permanent spot on the hazardous attitudes chart. **IFR and LIFR Weather Categories:** - **IFR:** Ceilings between 500 and 1,000 feet and visibility from 1 to 3 statute miles - **LIFR (Low IFR):** Ceilings below 500 feet and/or visibility less than 1 statute mile ## Let's Play by the Rules (14 CFR) In aviation, we primarily reference **Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations**, affectionately known as the **Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)**. Within Title 14, there are three parts directly affect instrument training and operations and these are: - **Part 61 — Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors** Governs how pilots and instructors are trained, tested, and certificated. This includes aeronautical experience requirements, knowledge tests, practical tests, and currency. - **Part 141 — Pilot Schools** Establishes standards for FAA-approved flight schools that operate under structured training syllabus. These schools may offer reduced flight-time requirements due to their approved curriculum and training oversight. - **Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules** Contains the day-to-day operating rules for most general aviation flights, including weather minimums, fuel requirements, equipment requirements, right-of-way rules, and IFR procedures. ## What's Required of the Pilot ### Rating Requirements You should become familiar with [14 CFR § 61.65 - Instrument rating requirements](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-61.65). Below is a more logical, pilot-friendly breakdown of the major requirements outlined in §61.65(a): 1. **Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate** Although uncommon, some pilots pursue private and instrument training concurrently under certain training programs. 2. **Demonstrate English language proficiency** You must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the English language. 3. **Prepare for and pass the knowledge (written) test** - Receive and log ground training, either through a home-study course (such as an online ground school) or in-person instruction at a flight school. - Obtain an endorsement from an authorized instructor confirming you are prepared to take the knowledge test. - Pass the FAA instrument knowledge exam. 4. **Prepare for and pass the practical (checkride) test** - Receive and log flight training from an authorized instructor in the areas of operation specified in the Airman Certification Standards (ACS). - Obtain an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying you are prepared for the practical test. - Pass the practical test with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). ### Knowledge Portion When enrolling in an online or in-person ground school, ensure these topics are included in the syllabus and covered to a depth that matches your learning goals. Always cross-check the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) to make sure you are fully prepared, not just for the knowledge exam, but for instrument flying in the real world. Here's the outline of §61.65(b) (no need to memorize this): 1. Federal Aviation Regulations applicable to IFR flight operations 2. Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) chapters related to IFR 3. Air traffic control system and IFR procedures 4. IFR navigation and instrument approaches using ground-based and satellite navigation systems 5. Use of IFR en route charts and instrument approach procedure charts 6. How to obtain, interpret, and apply aviation weather reports and forecasts 7. Recognition of critical weather hazards, including windshear, and appropriate avoidance strategies 8. Safe and efficient operation of aircraft under IFR 9. Aeronautical decision-making (ADM) 10. Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles, adapted for most GA pilots as Single-Pilot Resource Management (SRM) ### Flight Portion Now for the fun part. The flight training requirements can be grouped into two broad categories: 1. skill areas that must be taught and practiced in flight, and 2. aeronautical experience requirements that must be met before taking the practical test. #### Training Areas Before your practical test, you must have received and logged training in the following areas, and yes, it will be pretty obvious: 1. Preflight preparation and procedures 2. Air traffic control clearances and procedures 3. Flight by reference to instruments 4. Use of navigation systems 5. Instrument approach procedures 6. Emergency operations 7. Post-flight procedures #### Experience Requirements (Part 61) 1. 50 hours cross-country PIC (10 in airplanes)  2. Minimum 40 hours instrument time  - 15 hours with a CFII  - 3 hours within 2 calendar months of check-ride  - 1 IFR cross-country (250 NM, 3 approaches, airways/ATC routing/nav systems) The national average time to earn an instrument rating is typically higher than the 40-hour minimum, and that’s perfectly normal. Instrument flying leaves no room for impulsivity, and rushing training can have serious consequences in IMC. You may notice that only 15 hours of instruction with a CFII are required. This allows you to log the remaining time with a safety pilot while practicing approaches and procedures. Just be sure you and your CFII are aligned on training goals and standards. ### Currency vs Proficiency #### What is required? This section tends to trip people up more than it should. Many pilots start drawing boxes and arrows, which often overcomplicates a simple concept. Instead, think of it this way: 1. Look at the current month and the six calendar months before it. 2. Ask yourself: Have I completed the 6 HITS within that window in an airplane or a FAA certified simulator? 1. **6** instrument approaches 2. **H**olding procedures and tasks. 3. **I**ntercepting and **T**racking courses through the use of navigational electronic **S**ystems. 3. If you haven't, you have six more months to get current. You can use a certified simulator and you don't need a CFII since you are not training. 4. If not, then you need an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC). #### What you should strive for Everyone has different goals, and you should define yours when it comes to flying in IMC. AOPA highlights an important truth every pilot should understand: **currency and proficiency are not the same thing**. Don’t aim to merely be legal—aim to be confident and proficient. [Pilot Skills: Currency vs Proficiency](https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/active-pilots/safety-and-technique/currency-vs-proficiency) ### Pay a visit to the doctor #### FAA Medical **Under 40** - 1st/2nd: 24 months - 3rd: 60 months **40 and over** - 1st: 6 months - 2nd: 12 months - 3rd: 24 months Higher classes can substitute for lower. #### BasicMed **DR MED** - **D**river’s license - **R**egistry (Nation Driver Registry check) - **M**edical course (24 mo) - **E**xam (48 mo) - **D**iagnosed conditions addressed **LASSOW Limits** - **L**ocation: U.S. only - **A**ltitude ≤ 18,000 ft - **S**peed ≤ 250 KIAS - **S**eats: 7 total - **O**versight allowed: DPE can be under BasicMed - **W**eight ≤ 12,500 lbs --- ## Aircraft Requirements (PIC Responsibility) **ARROW** - **A**irworthiness certificate - **R**egistration - **R**adio license - **O**perating limitations - **W**eight & balance ### Inspections (AV1ATE) - **A**nnual – 12 months - **V**OR – 30 days (IFR) - **1**00-hour (if for hire) - **A**ltimeter/transponder – 24 months - **T**ransponder – 24 months - **E**LT – 12 months / battery limits ### Minimum Equipment I hate TOMATOFLAMES as my logical organized brain couldn't make sense of it. So here's a new acronym that I can't stop laughing about abut also is logical. Without further ado....eat LES HAM and TOFU --- ## Lights & Safety Equipment — **LES** **L** – Landing Gear Position Indicator (if retractable) **E** – ELT **S** – Seatbelts & Shoulder Harnesses --- ## Flight Instruments — **HAM** **H** – Height (Altimeter) **A** – Airspeed Indicator **M** – Magnetic Compass --- ## Engine Instruments — **TOFU** **T** – Tachometer (and Manifold Pressure, if equipped) **O** – Oil Pressure Gauge **F** – Fuel Quantity Gauge **U** – Temperat**U**re Gauge (oil and/or liquid-cooled engine) ### **GRABCARD** **G** – Generator / Alternator **R** – Radios (navigation & communication appropriate to route) **A** – Altimeter (pressure sensitive) **B** – Ball (slip/skid indicator) **C** – Clock (sweep second or digital) **A** – Attitude indicator **R** – Rate of turn indicator **D** – Directional gyro / Heading indicator #### When something breaks - Use the MEL if available - If no MEL → §91.213 (R2DP logic) **R2DP** **R**1 - Not required by 91.205 (day/night VFR equipment list), nor other applicable rules: IFR, transponder airspace **R**2 - Not required by aircraft type certificate, KOEL (Kinds of Operation Equipment List), POH limitations, nor ADs **D** - deactivated **P** - placarded and logged ## Why Go Through All The Trouble? After looking at the sections above, you might be wondering why you should bother pursuing an instrument rating at all? Why not just stick to flying on clear, sunny days? For some pilots, that may be the right choice. But for many others, the instrument rating opens the door to a whole new level of capability and confidence: 1. **Fly when others can’t** You gain the ability to fly in weather conditions below VFR minimums. In other words, when most of your friends are grounded due to weather, you may still have the option to launch, climb through the clouds, and go find some sunshine. Here in the Pacific Northwest, this often means popping above low-level stratus layers and enjoying spectacular scenery with mountain peaks poking through the cloud deck. 2. **Operate within the IFR system** Flying under IFR means you’ll have a watchful guide, your friendly ATC team, providing clearances, routing, and separation for the duration of the flight. 3. **Access higher altitudes** If your aircraft is capable, you can climb into the flight levels and share airspace with the big jets in Class A airspace. 4. **Special VFR at night** With an instrument rating, you may conduct Special VFR operations at night, giving you an additional tool to get out of a bind.