Rating Overview

What is an Instrument Rating?

The Instrument Rating is the qualification that lets you fly by reference to instruments alone, in cloud and in poor visibility, under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) by day or by night.
It is one of the most significant steps in any pilot’s training, transforming you from a fair-weather visual pilot into one who can operate safely in instrument meteorological conditions and within the wider air-traffic system. For anyone aiming at a professional career, the IR is essential.

All Programs

Explore every training path at Sky Team Aviation.

Flight Training Requirements

Your practical training includes the instrument experience required for the skill test.

15

Instrument hours (aircraft)

10

Simulator hours

30

Total instrument time

IFR

All-weather capability
License Privileges

What You Can Do With an Instrument Rating

The Instrument Rating authorises you to fly under IFR in cloud and poor visibility by day or night.

Instrument Rating

Issued by the SA-CAA

IMC flight

Fly by instruments in cloud and poor visibility
Granted

Day & Night

Operate under VFR or IFR
Granted

Single-engine PIC

Within your licence limits
Granted

Compensation

Requires a Commercial Pilot License

Important Note

The Instrument Rating does not by itself authorise flying for compensation. A Commercial Pilot License is required to fly for pay.

Qualifications

Examinations & Your Pilot Journey

To obtain your Instrument Rating, you must complete the required examinations. This milestone sits on a structured aviation career path.
Instrument procedures written exam

01

Theory

Written Exams

Two written examinations: Instrument Flight Procedures and Radio Navigation. These build the precise, procedural knowledge that instrument flying depends on.
Two written subjects
Instrument rating skill test

02

Practical

Instrument Check

A practical skill test with a designated examiner, assessing your ability to fly accurately and safely under IFR in instrument meteorological conditions.
Skill test with examiner

Your Path Beyond PPL

Your progression follows a structured pathway toward becoming a professional airline pilot.
1

PPL

Earlier stage

2

Night Rating

Earlier stage

3

Instrument Rating

You are here

4

Multi Engine

Upcoming

5

CPL

Upcoming

6

CFI

Upcoming

7

Type Rating

Upcoming

8

ATPL

Upcoming

Current milestone

Earlier & upcoming stages

Training Duration

Time to Complete

~1 month

Your training timeline depends on how consistently you train and how quickly you progress.

Factor 01

Training frequency

Factor 02

Student availability

Factor 03

Weather conditions

Factor 04

Learning pace

Sky Team in South Africa

A short montage from Sky Team Aviation Academy.

Student Accommodation

In this video, Sky Team explains how student accommodation is arranged.
Prerequisites

Who Can Apply

To enrol in the Instrument Rating, you must hold the following prerequisite qualifications.

Prerequisite

A valid Private Pilot License (PPL).

Medical

Class 1 medical certificate
English proficiency: ICAO English language proficiency, Level 4 minimum, is required.
Training fleet: Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, Beechcraft Baron 55, Diamond DA42.

Not sure if you qualify?

Our admissions team is happy to walk you through every step, from medicals to paperwork, so you can start training with full confidence.

Entry Requirements

Full requirements checklist

1
Hold a Private Pilot License (PPL) with a Night Rating.
2
Hold a Class 1 medical certificate.
3
Pass the examinations set by the SA-CAA.
4
Obtain a General Radio Telephony License.
5
Pass a practical instrument rating test with an authorised examiner.
6
Complete 30 hours of total instrument time: 15 hours of dual instrument instruction, 10 hours on an approved simulator, and 5 hours credited from your Night Rating.
7
Submit your application to the SA-CAA and pay the required fees.
Meet the requirements? The next step is your application.
Check your eligibility and apply
Investment

Instrument Rating Cost for Students in Egypt & the Gulf

The cost of obtaining an Instrument rating depends on your training pace, flight hours, and overall progression.

Personalized Quote

Instrument Rating Training Plan

Your investment is tailored to your training plan.

Every student progresses differently, which means your total investment is influenced by how consistently you train and how efficiently you build your flight hours.
Students who train more consistently complete faster, and spend less overall.

What Influences Your Cost 4 Key Factors

01

Flight hours required

Minimum hours plus any additional time you may need to feel confident.

Variable

02

Training frequency

How often you fly each week, consistency keeps progress steady and efficient.

Variable

03

Aircraft usage

The aircraft type and total flight time used during your training.

Variable

04

Individual progress

Your learning pace, every pilot is different and we adapt to suit you.

Variable

Final Investment

Tailored to your plan

Speak with our team for full breakdown

Ready to Begin?

Get Your Personalized Cost Breakdown

Speak with our team to receive a clear, structured breakdown tailored to your training plan, no commitment required.
Request Pricing Details

No commitment

Tailored plan

We call back within 24 hours

Why Students Choose Sky Team

In this video, we explain why students choose Sky Team Aviation Academy.

Ask about the Instrument Rating

Tell us your age and schooling. The admissions team confirms whether you qualify and calls you back within 24 hours.

Instrument Rating FAQs

Common questions about IR training at SkyTeam Aviation.
Fly under IFR in instrument meteorological conditions, by day or night, within your licence and currency limits.
Two: Instrument Procedures and Radio Navigation.
Yes, around 10 hours of instrument simulator work support the aircraft training, for approximately 30 hours of instrument time in total.
Typically about a month, depending on availability, weather and student progress.