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Flight Training · Next Level

Instrument
Rating

Fly through clouds. Navigate by instruments alone. The Instrument Rating makes you a safer, more capable pilot — and opens the door to commercial aviation. Train in the IFR-equipped Piper Arrow.

IFR Certified 40 hrs Instrument Piper Arrow Part 61
50Min. XC PIC Hours
40Instrument Hours Req.
~$12,000Est. Total Cost
PrivatePrerequisite
3rd ClassMedical Req.

Overview

Fly in Any Weather

The Instrument Rating allows you to fly in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) — clouds, low visibility, and weather that would ground a VFR-only pilot.

At Harford Air, Instrument training is conducted in the Piper Arrow III — a retractable-gear, IFR-certified aircraft with real-world IFR equipment.

The FAA requires 50 hours of cross-country PIC time and 40 hours of instrument time, with at least 15 hours dual with a CFII.

1

Private Pilot Certificate

Begin with your private pilot certificate and cross-country PIC time.

2

Instrument Ground Study

Learn IFR regulations, charts, clearances, and procedures.

3

CFII Flight Training

Fly approaches, holds, intercepts, tracking, and partial-panel work.

4

IFR Cross-Country

Complete a long IFR cross-country with multiple approaches.

5

Written Test

Pass the Instrument Airman Knowledge Test.

6

Checkride

Complete the oral and practical test with an examiner.

FAA Requirements

What You Need

✓
Private Pilot CertificateInstrument Rating adds to your existing certificate.
✓
50 Hours Cross-Country PICAs Pilot in Command in any aircraft category.
✓
40 Hours Instrument TimeUnder the hood or in actual IMC conditions.
✓
15 Hours Dual with CFIIInstrument instruction from a Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument.
✓
IFR Cross-Country Flight250 nm total, via airways, with 3 different instrument approaches.
✓
3rd Class FAA MedicalCurrent medical certificate required.
✓
Pass FAA Written TestInstrument Airman Knowledge Test.
✓
Pass Oral & Practical CheckrideWith an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner.

Why Get Instrument Rated?

  • Fly in clouds and low visibility legally
  • File IFR flight plans through busy airspace
  • Required for commercial and ATP certificates
  • Dramatically improves pilot decision-making

Aircraft & Rates

Train in the Piper Arrow

The Piper Arrow is our dedicated IFR training aircraft. Equipped with an Avidyne IFD 540 GPS/NAV/COM, Mode S transponder, and JPI EDM 830 engine monitor, it is a capable real-world IFR platform.

AircraftSoloDual
Piper Arrow$194/hr$259/hr
CFII Fee—Included above

Take Your Flying Further

Already a private pilot? Talk to our CFII instructors about starting your instrument training.

Get Started View the Arrow