This page is a reference checklist of the FAA instrument rating requirements for airplane pilots, written so you can check your logbook against each one. If you want the full training process from start to checkride, see our step-by-step guide on how to get an instrument rating.
Instrument Rating Requirements at a Glance
Under 14 CFR 61.65, an applicant for an instrument-airplane rating training under Part 61 needs:
| Requirement | Part 61 minimum |
|---|---|
| Pilot certificate | Private pilot certificate (or applying for one at the same time) |
| Language | Read, speak, write, and understand English |
| Cross-country PIC time | 50 hours, at least 10 in airplanes |
| Instrument time | 40 hours actual or simulated |
| Instruction from a CFII | 15 of the 40 hours |
| Checkride prep | 3 hours of instrument training in an airplane within 2 calendar months of the practical test |
| IFR cross-country | 250 NM on an IFR flight plan, an approach at each airport, three different kinds of approaches |
| Ground training | Logged ground training or a home-study course, plus an instructor endorsement |
| Tests | FAA knowledge test and practical test (checkride) |
Eligibility Requirements
You must hold at least a private pilot certificate with an airplane rating, or apply for the private pilot certificate and instrument rating together. You must also meet the FAA English language requirement.
The rules also require two instructor endorsements: one that says you are prepared for the knowledge test, and one that says you are prepared for the practical test. Either logged ground training from an authorized instructor or a home-study course satisfies the knowledge-area requirement.
To act as pilot in command during solo cross-country flights and on the checkride, you also need the medical certificate (or BasicMed eligibility) that applies to the flight. Sort out medical questions before you invest in training.
Part 61 Flight Hour Requirements
50 Hours of Cross-Country Time as Pilot in Command
At least 10 of the 50 hours must be in airplanes. For the instrument rating, a cross-country flight counts only if it includes a landing at a point more than 50 nautical miles straight-line distance from the departure airport. This is usually the requirement that catches newer private pilots, so add up your qualifying PIC cross-country time early.
If you are applying for a combined private pilot certificate and instrument rating, the rule lets you credit up to 45 hours of cross-country time performing the duties of pilot in command with an authorized instructor.
40 Hours of Actual or Simulated Instrument Time
The 40 hours can be actual instrument conditions or simulated conditions under a view-limiting device with a safety pilot. At least 15 of those hours must be instruction from an authorized instructor who holds an instrument-airplane rating (a CFII).
3 Hours of Recent Checkride Preparation
Within the 2 calendar months before your practical test, you need 3 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor in an airplane. If your checkride date slips, check that this training still falls inside the window.
The IFR Cross-Country Requirement
You must fly one cross-country flight in an airplane with an authorized instructor, under instrument flight rules, on an IFR flight plan filed with ATC. The flight must include:
- A total distance of 250 nautical miles along airways or ATC-directed routing
- An instrument approach at each airport
- Three different kinds of approaches using navigation systems (for example ILS, RNAV/GPS, and VOR)
Plan the route with your instructor ahead of time so the airports you pick have the approach types you need.
Simulator and Training Device Limits
Simulator time can count toward the 40 hours of instrument time, but only within limits, and only when an authorized instructor provides the training:
- Basic aviation training device (BATD): up to 10 hours
- Advanced aviation training device (AATD): up to 20 hours
- Full flight simulator or flight training device: up to 20 hours, or up to 30 hours when the training is completed under Part 142
Outside Part 142 training, you can credit no more than 20 total hours from any combination of devices. Aviation training devices must also be FAA-approved for the tasks you perform. Ask your school which device it uses and how it is approved before you count on the credit.
Part 141 Instrument Rating Requirements
An FAA-approved Part 141 course follows Appendix C to Part 141 instead of the Part 61 hour list. For an initial instrument-airplane rating, the approved course must include at least:
- 30 hours of ground training on the required knowledge areas
- 35 hours of instrument flight training
- An IFR cross-country flight of at least 250 NM, including one leg of at least 100 NM straight-line distance between airports, an approach at each airport, and three different kinds of approaches
You must hold a private pilot certificate before you start the flight portion of a Part 141 course. Part 141 does not carry the Part 61 requirement for 50 hours of PIC cross-country time, which is one reason some newer private pilots prefer it. Our comparison of Part 141 vs. Part 61 flight training explains the trade-offs.
Knowledge Test and Checkride Requirements
FAA Knowledge Test
The Instrument Rating – Airplane (IRA) knowledge test has 60 multiple-choice questions, and you need a score of at least 70% to pass. You need an instructor endorsement to take it, and the result is generally valid for 24 calendar months, so finish the checkride inside that window.
Practical Test (Checkride)
The checkride is graded against the FAA Instrument Rating – Airplane Airman Certification Standards. Before you schedule it, you need your knowledge test results, the practical test endorsement, the required aeronautical experience logged, and the 3 hours of recent training described above.
Staying Instrument Current After the Rating
Earning the rating is one set of requirements and using it is another. To act as pilot in command under IFR, 14 CFR 61.57(c) requires that, within the preceding 6 calendar months, you have performed and logged:
- Six instrument approaches
- Holding procedures and tasks
- Intercepting and tracking courses using navigation systems
If you fall out of currency, you have another 6 calendar months to complete those tasks with a safety pilot or in an approved device. After that, you need an instrument proficiency check (IPC) with an authorized instructor or examiner.
For official rules and guidance, review the pilot certification rules in 14 CFR Part 61 and the FAA Aeronautical Information Manual. Training in Utah? In addition, the UDOT Division of Aeronautics oversees Utah’s public-use airports.
FAQ
How many hours do you need for an instrument rating?
Under Part 61, you need 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time (15 with a CFII) plus 50 hours of PIC cross-country time. Under Part 141, the minimum is 35 hours of instrument training. For realistic timelines, see how long an instrument rating takes.
Can I get my instrument rating before 50 hours of cross-country time?
You can do the training, but under Part 61 you cannot take the checkride until you have logged the 50 hours. A Part 141 course does not have the 50-hour requirement.
Does simulator time count toward the instrument rating?
Yes, within the limits above: up to 10 hours in a BATD, 20 in an AATD, and no more than 20 combined outside Part 142 training, all with an authorized instructor.
Do I need a medical certificate for an instrument rating?
You don’t need one for the knowledge test, but you need the medical certificate (or BasicMed eligibility) that applies whenever you act as pilot in command, including solo cross-country flights and the checkride.
Check Your Logbook With Axiom Aviation
At Axiom Aviation, our CFIIs start every instrument student with a logbook review that marks each requirement as complete, short, or unclear. That way you only fly the training you actually need. Learn more about our Utah instrument rating training program, or follow our step-by-step instrument rating guide to plan your training.
Requirements summarized from 14 CFR 61.65, 61.57, and Appendix C to Part 141. Always confirm details with your instructor and the current FAA regulations before your checkride.