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Commercial Pilot

Instrument Rating

Aeronautical Experience Requirements

  • 50 hours cross country PIC flight time
  • 40 hours instrument time including options listed in
  • 15 hours instrument training by instrument instructor
  • 3 hours dual during the 60 days prior to the flight test?
  • 1 dual cross country flight under IFR consisting of at least 250NM along airways
  • Including 3 different approaches at 3 airports.

Other Requirements

  1. Hold at least a current Private Pilot certificate with an airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift rating appropriate to the instrument rating sought.
  2. Be at least 17 years of age when you finish your training and take your FAA practical (flight) test.
  3. Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
  4. Obtain a third class medical certificate and student pilot certificate.
    • You must undergo a routine medical examination which may only be administered by FAA – designated doctors called Aviation Medical Examiners (AME).
      • A third class medical certificate is good for 3 years if the date of the examination was before your 40th birthday or 2 years if the date of the examination was on or after your 40th birthday. The medical certificate expires on the last day of the month issued (when another examination is required).
  5. Pass the instrument pilot knowledge test with a score of 70 percent or better. All FAA tests are administered at FAA designated computer testing centers.
  6. Successfully complete a practical (flight) test which will be given as a final exam by an FAA pilot examiner.

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