The next step after earning your Private Pilot Certificate is obtaining an Instrument Rating. Flying with an Instrument Rating (IR) greatly expands the conditions in which a pilot can safely operate, including the ability to fly in reduced visibility and inclement weather. The IR is an add‑on to either a Private Pilot or Commercial Pilot certificate and qualifies you to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
We strongly recommend completing all ground school requirements before beginning flight training.
For students interested in our 12‑day intensive instrument course, all ground school must be completed in advance, and you must have passed the FAA IFR written exam.
| Requirements | Resources |
| 3rd class medical | MedXPress |
| Renter’s insurance | BWI AOPA AVEMCO |
| ForeFlight | ForeFlight |
| iPad mini | Apple |
| -E6B -Paper chart VFR sectional and Seattle Terminal Area -Paper chart IFR low altitude | mypilotstore.com |
| Headset | BOSE Light Speed David Clark |
| Online training – Instrument Ground School | Flight Insight (Preferred) Gold Seal King School Pilot Institute The Finer Points |
| Books: -Airplane Flying Handbooks ASA-8083-3C -FAR/AIM -Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge ASA-8083-25C -Instrument Flying Handbook ASA-8083-15B -Instrument Procedures Handbook ASA-8083-26B | mypilotstore.com |