Instrument Flight Training

Instrument Flight Training at SkyWalker Flying in Adrian, Michigan

Instrument Flying Lessons Prepare for Pilot Certification

The instrument flying lessons offered through SkyWalker Flying will equip a private pilot for the demanding requirements of flying in the real world, using only on board instruments as a guide. Learning how to fly by relying only on instruments, and not on visual perception, requires additional skills and knowledge.


Single-pilot Instrument Flight Training is important for anyone who has the desire for single-pilot flying experiences. By breaking down the steps and possible scenarios, you will feel more confident when you have to deal with unforeseen weather conditions, flight plans or fuel changes that may affect your visual flying skills.


Instrument flying lessons are just one of the flight training services offered by SkyWalker Flying. You can always be assured of our personalized instruction and dedication to your success in becoming a pilot!

Instrument Flight Training at SkyWalker Flying in Adrian, Michigan

Instrument Flying Lessons Prepare for Pilot Certification

The instrument flying lessons offered through SkyWalker Flying will equip a private pilot for the demanding requirements of flying in the real world, using only on board instruments as a guide. Learning how to fly by relying only on instruments, and not on visual perception, requires additional skills and knowledge.


Single-pilot Instrument Flight Training is important for anyone who has the desire for single-pilot flying experiences. By breaking down the steps and possible scenarios, you will feel more confident when you have to deal with unforeseen weather conditions, flight plans or fuel changes that may affect your visual flying skills.


Instrument flying lessons are just one of the flight training services offered by SkyWalker Flying. You can always be assured of our personalized instruction and dedication to your success in becoming a pilot!

Instrument Pilot Rating

An instrument rating qualifies a pilot to fly in the clouds, and when the weather is not favorable.


The FAA’s Instrument Flying Handbook outlines the Instrument Flight Rules, as “Rules and regulations established by the FAA to govern flight under conditions in which flight by outside visual reference is not safe. IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flight depends upon flying by reference to instruments in the flight deck, and navigation is accomplished by reference to electronic signals.” Operating a flight in instrument conditions requires that a pilot must have filed an IFR flight plan. Flight instruments provide the necessary information commonly obtained by simply looking out the window during a VFR flight. Only a certified and current instrument rated pilot is permitted to file and fly an IFR flight plan.

Why should you get an Instrument Pilot Rating?

Without a doubt, an instrument rating will make any pilot better. Instrument flight training develops a more comprehensive understanding of many topics introduced in private pilot training while adding instrument specific knowledge into the mix. Additionally, with an instrument rating, flight opportunities are no longer restricted to only flying on clear weather days. Instrument rated Pilots can file an IFR flight plan enabling flight through clouds and making flights through difficult airspace much easier.

Instrument Pilot Rating

An instrument rating qualifies a pilot to fly in the clouds, and when the weather is not favorable.


The FAA’s Instrument Flying Handbook outlines the Instrument Flight Rules, as “Rules and regulations established by the FAA to govern flight under conditions in which flight by outside visual reference is not safe. IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flight depends upon flying by reference to instruments in the flight deck, and navigation is accomplished by reference to electronic signals.” Operating a flight in instrument conditions requires that a pilot must have filed an IFR flight plan. Flight instruments provide the necessary information commonly obtained by simply looking out the window during a VFR flight. Only a certified and current instrument rated pilot is permitted to file and fly an IFR flight plan.

Why should you get an Instrument Pilot Rating?

Without a doubt, an instrument rating will make any pilot better. Instrument flight training develops a more comprehensive understanding of many topics introduced in private pilot training while adding instrument specific knowledge into the mix. Additionally, with an instrument rating, flight opportunities are no longer restricted to only flying on clear weather days. Instrument rated Pilots can file an IFR flight plan enabling flight through clouds and making flights through difficult airspace much easier.

What are the prerequisites?

  • Hold at least a current private pilot certificate or be concurrently applying for a private pilot certificate with an airplane.
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. 
  • Hold a current Medical Certificate.

Requirements

  • At least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command. At least 10 of these hours must be in airplanes for an instrument-airplane rating.
  • A total of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time.
  • At least 15 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor in the aircraft category for the instrument rating sought. 


For instrument-airplane rating, instrument training on cross-country flight procedures that includes at least one cross-country flight in an airplane that is performed under instrument flight rules. This flight must consist of:



  • A distance of at least 250 nm along airways or ATC-directed routing. 
  • An instrument approach at each airport. 
  • Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems (Example: ILS, VOR, GPS, etc).
  • At least 3 hours of instrument training that is appropriate to the instrument rating sought from an authorized instructor in preparation for the checkride within two calendar months before the examination date.
Flying Plane

"I recently got my private pilot certificate at SkyWalker. It was an amazing experience and I’m so glad I finally did it! Everyone treats you like family at SkyWalker and you really feel supported, often when you need it most. Everyone at SkyWalker is obsessed with safety, in a good way. If your goal is to be a competent and safe pilot, it’s the place for you. The effort to get your certificate is so worth it and you won’t find a better group of folks to help you get there than Jo and her instructors. I’ve wanted to learn to fly my entire life and pinch myself every time I sit down in an airplane as the pilot now."

- Wes Vasher

Flying Plane

"I recently got my private pilot certificate at SkyWalker. It was an amazing experience and I’m so glad I finally did it! Everyone treats you like family at SkyWalker and you really feel supported, often when you need it most. Everyone at SkyWalker is obsessed with safety, in a good way. If your goal is to be a competent and safe pilot, it’s the place for you. The effort to get your certificate is so worth it and you won’t find a better group of folks to help you get there than Jo and her instructors. I’ve wanted to learn to fly my entire life and pinch myself every time I sit down in an airplane as the pilot now."

- Wes Vasher