Instrument Rating Certification Requirements
Here are the aeronautical experience requirements for Part 61 Instrument Rating, for the latest information, consult the current regulations.
NOTE 9: Per § 61.65(a)(1), must “Hold at least a current private pilot certificate with an airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift rating appropriate to the instrument rating sought;”
XVIII. For all instrument ratings.
Total Time: Must have logged the following:
A. At least 50 hours of cross-country flying as a PIC, of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes for an Instrument Airplane rating; and
B. Total of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time on the Instrument areas of operation, that includes at least--
1. Dual: 15 hours of instrument training with an instructor in the aircraft category, that includes at
least: (See Note 9)
a. 3 hours of the instrument training were within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test; and
b. 1 IFR cross-country flight of more than 250 nm. (more than 100 nm. for helicopters) in the instrument-aircraft rating sought.
or, if for an
C. Additional instrument rating, 15 hours of instrument training with an instructor for the rating sought, that includes at least:
1. 1 IFR cross-country flight of more than 250 nm. (more than 100 nm. for helicopters) in the instrument-aircraft rating sought; and
2. 3 hours of the instrument training were within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test.
