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.
Examinations & Your Pilot Journey
To obtain your Instrument Rating, you must complete the required examinations. This milestone sits on a structured aviation career path.
Written Exams
Two written examinations: Instrument Flight Procedures and Radio Navigation. These build the precise, procedural knowledge that instrument flying depends on.
Instrument Check
A practical skill test with a designated examiner, assessing your ability to fly accurately and safely under IFR in instrument meteorological conditions.
Your Path Beyond PPL
Your progression follows a structured pathway toward becoming a professional airline pilot.
Who Can Apply
To enrol in the Instrument Rating, you must hold the following prerequisite qualifications.
A valid Private Pilot License (PPL).
A current aviation medical.
Full requirements checklist
Hold a Private Pilot License (PPL) with a Night Rating.
Hold a Class 1 medical certificate.
Pass the examinations set by the SA-CAA.
Obtain a General Radio Telephony License.
Complete at least 50 hours of cross-country flying as Pilot in Command (PIC).
Pass a practical instrument rating test with a Grade 1 Designated Flight Examiner (DFE).
Complete at least 40 hours of instrument flying, up to 20 of which may be done on approved simulators. If you are pursuing a multi-engine instrument rating (ME-IR), 5 hours must be flown in a multi-engine aircraft.
Submit your application to the SA-CAA and pay the required fees.
What You Can Do With a Instrument Rating
The Instrument Rating authorises you to fly under IFR in cloud and poor visibility by day or night.
Fly by instruments in cloud and poor visibility
Operate under VFR or IFR
Within your licence limits
Requires a Commercial Pilot License
Time to Complete
Your training timeline depends on how consistently you train and how quickly you progress.
Training frequency
Student availability
Weather conditions
Learning pace
Training Cost
The cost of obtaining a Private Pilot License depends on your training pace, flight hours, and overall progression.
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.
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 DetailsInstrument Rating FAQs
Common questions about IR training at SkyTeam Aviation.
