Instrument Rating (IR) — Flight Stars

Program Overview

Training is structured around where you are in your flight experience. The FAA requires three things before you can take your IFR checkride: 50 hours of cross-country PIC time, 40 hours of simulated or actual instrument time, and 15 hours with a CFII. We build your program around what you already have logged.

You can come in with your 50 hours of XC PIC already done, or we can build it during your training. If you don't have the 50 hours yet, we strongly recommend doing your instrument training while you build your XC time — you'll satisfy both requirements simultaneously, saving money and becoming a better pilot faster.

Up to 20 of your 40 required instrument hours can be completed in our AATD simulator — a significant savings compared to flying the DA40 for every hour.

FAA Requirements

Requirement	Minimum	Notes
Cross-Country PIC Time	50 hrs	Must be completed before checkride
Instrument Flight Time	40 hrs	Up to 20 hrs in AATD sim
Instrument with CFII	15 hrs	Minimum dual instrument
Cross-Country IFR	250 NM	Along airways/ATC routing
Instrument Approaches	3 different types	Required on XC flight
Written Exam (IRA)	Pass before checkride	Ground support included
FAA Medical	3rd Class minimum	Student's responsibility

What You Will Learn

ILS, VOR, GPS, and RNAV approach procedures
Holding patterns, procedure turns, and course reversals
Partial panel and unusual attitude recovery
Cross-country IFR flight planning and execution
ATC communication, clearances, and amendments
Weather analysis and go/no-go decision-making
AATD simulator proficiency for efficient training
Glass cockpit IFR operation
Garmin G1000 avionics proficiency

The Smart Approach

Fly XC routes in IFR conditions — every flight logs toward your 50-hour PIC requirement AND your 40-hour instrument requirement simultaneously
Use the AATD simulator for up to 20 hours of instrument time — significantly cheaper than DA40 time, ideal for approaches, holds, and partial panel
Reserve DA40 time for what matters most — IFR cross-countries, ATC communication, and checkride-standard maneuvers

This approach means you're never flying just to log hours — every flight is doing double duty.

Training Phases

Phase 1

Fundamentals: basic attitude instrument flying, scan technique, unusual attitudes. Introduction to the six-pack and glass cockpit instrument scan.

Phase 2

Approaches: ILS, VOR, GPS, and RNAV approaches. Precision and non-precision technique. Missed approach procedures.

Phase 3

Holds and procedures: holding patterns, procedure turns, DME arcs. Building situational awareness under the hood.

Phase 4

Cross-country IFR: IFR flight planning, filing, ATC communication. 250 NM cross-country with 3 different approach types.

Phase 5

Checkride prep: mock checkride, oral review, partial panel scenarios, weak-area polishing. Written exam completion.

Checkride

Practical test with a designated pilot examiner. Oral exam and flight test. You walk out instrument rated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need 50 hours of cross-country PIC time before starting?

Yes. The 50 hours XC PIC is an FAA prerequisite for the instrument checkride. If you haven't completed it yet, we can help you build those hours through time-building flights.

How much time is in the simulator vs. the airplane?

Up to 20 of your 40 required instrument hours can be completed in our AATD simulator. The AATD rate is lower than the DA40 rate (exact rate TBD), so this significantly reduces your investment while building core skills before transitioning to the aircraft.

How long does the program take?

Timeline depends on your starting proficiency and schedule. Most students complete in 4–8 weeks flying 3–5 days per week.

Is financing available?

Yes. Financing is available through Stratus Financial. You can apply before starting and spread the investment over time.

Why train instruments in the DA40?

The DA40's glass cockpit and Garmin G1000 avionics mirror what you'll use in advanced aircraft and at the airlines. Training on glass from day one builds habits that transfer directly to your career.

Instrument Rating

Duration

Aircraft

Prerequisites

Location