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Instrument Rating
in Van Nuys, Los Angeles

Fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and conquer adverse weather conditions

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Expand Your Horizons
with an Instrument Rating

After getting your Private Pilot License, the next step is getting your Instrument Rating. It allows you to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), meaning you can operate an aircraft solely by referencing instruments.

This rating is essential for flying in adverse weather conditions, such as low visibility, clouds, or at night, when relying on visual references is not feasible.

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Program Summary

Time to Complete

2 - 3 Months

Investment Range

$16,078 - $17,350

ActivePILOT Rating

5.0 (See reviews)

Instrument Rating
Requirements

Before starting your instrument rating training, ensure you meet the FAA minimum requirements.

1

Hold at least a current private pilot certificate

2

Read, speak, write, and understand the English language

3

Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor

4

Receive an endorsement to take the instrument rating knowledge test

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How Your
Training Progresses

1

50 Hours of Flight Time

Train in our Piper Cherokee PA-28 and achieve proficiency in piloting an aircraft under IFR.

2

X-Plane Simulator Practice

Use our basic non-FAA-approved X-Plane simulator with PilotEdge capability to practice instrument procedures and radio communication.

3

30 Hours on The Ground

Work together in a classroom environment for aviation concept learning and practice.

4

15 Hours of Online Videos

Reinforce your learning and study fundamental concepts critical for instrument flying.

The ActivePILOT
Advantage

We don't just teach you how to fly; we prepare you for the real world of aviation.

Personalized instruction

One-on-One Mentorship

Learn from active airline captains who bring real-world experience to your cockpit.

High success rate

Proven Success

Our students have a consistently high pass rate on their first attempt.

Flight simulator training

Free Simulator Access

Active students get free access to our X-Plane simulator to build muscle memory and perfect instrument flows without paying for aircraft rental.

Flexible payment options

Pay As You Go Training

No large advance deposits are required. You strictly pay for the instruction and aircraft time you actually use after the completion of each lesson.

Van Nuys Airport runway

Premier Training Airspace

Gain real-world confidence by training at Van Nuys Airport, exposing you to complex airspace and parallel runways at one of the world's busiest general aviation hubs.

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Meet Your
Training Fleet

Train in modern, well-maintained aircraft equipped with the latest glass cockpit technology.

Cockpit interior view of TAA Piper Warrior N40057

TAA Piper Warrior (N40057)

Dual GI-275, Garmin GNX 375, GFC 500 Autopilot
Front exterior view of Piper Twin Comanche N7738Y

Piper Twin Comanche (N7738Y)

GNX 375, Garmin 345, GI-106A VOR
Front exterior view of Piper Warrior N41380

Piper Warrior (N41380)

Dual Garmin G5, Garmin G650 GPS

Free Simulator Access

Practice your skills anytime with unlimited access to our state-of-the-art flight simulators.

Start Your Journey From
Van Nuys Airport (KVNY)

Training at one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world prepares you for any airspace complexity.

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Van Nuys Airport operations

Pricing &
Financing

We offer transparent pricing and flexible payment options to help you achieve your goals.

Detailed Pricing

View our comprehensive pricing guide to see exactly what's included in your investment.

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Pay As You Go

No large upfront fees required. Pay for your training as you progress through the program at your own pace.

Financing
Partners

Stratus Financial

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AOPA Financing

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Columbia Bank

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Real Pilots
Real Results

Hear from our students who have successfully earned their wings at ActivePILOT.

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Frequently Asked
Questions

Our Zero-1500 Airline Training Program is the quickest and most cost-effective way of getting to the airlines faster, or we can cater a specific flight training program to fit your individual needs.
You can use our flexible pay-as-you-go strategy without large upfront deposits. Alternatively, you can utilize our competitive flight school loan options through our partnership with Stratus Financial.
The cost depends on the specific flight school, aircraft rental rates, and instructor fees. ActivePILOT offers highly competitive rates in California and provides transparent cost breakdowns for every program.
The timeline varies depending on how often you fly. While intensive full-time training can be completed in a few months, many pilots take longer if they are training part-time.
The FAA mandates specific minimum flight hours depending on the certification. These range from 40 hours for a Private Pilot License up to 250 total hours for a Commercial Pilot License.
General requirements include meeting specific age minimums, being able to read and speak English, and obtaining an FAA medical certificate. You must also pass both an FAA written knowledge test and a practical checkride.
Earning a new rating is a challenging but achievable goal that requires dedication and practice. You must develop new skills, manage a higher cockpit workload, and master complex procedures.
The checkride is the final practical test with an FAA examiner. It consists of an oral exam testing your theoretical knowledge and a flight test where you must demonstrate your skills and handle emergencies under pressure.
Each rating is a specific certification that expands your piloting capabilities. This includes learning to fly solely by reference to instruments, managing multi-engine aircraft, or learning how to instruct other pilots.
Adding a new rating enhances your skill set, boosts your confidence, and increases your versatility and safety as a pilot. It also opens doors to advanced flying opportunities and professional career advancement.

Ready to
Earn Your Wings?

Your journey from student to pilot starts today. Enroll now and take the first step toward the cockpit.

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