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Instrument Rating

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(863) 344-5301
Instrument Rating

Expand Your Flying Capabilities

The Instrument Rating course builds on your private pilot skills, allowing you to fly in a wider range of weather conditions and under instrument flight rules (IFR). This rating is essential for advancing your career as a professional pilot and opens up new opportunities for safer, more versatile flying.
Book a Discovery Flight
(863) 344-5301

FAA Training Requirements

The FAA requires a minimum of:

  • 40 hours of instrument flight time, including:
  • 15 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor
  • 3 hours of instrument flight training within 60 days of the practical test
  • 250 nautical miles of cross-country flight under instrument flight rules

Prerequisites

  • Private Pilot Certificate
  • 50 hours of cross-country pilot-in-command time

How Training Works at Dobbs Flight Service

Ground School Phase

To save you money, we've partnered with Gold Seal, the industry leader in online ground schools. You'll work through comprehensive instrument ground school lessons that cover all crucial topics needed for successful IFR flight training. While you progress through the material independently, your instructor is always ready to help when you request it.

Time Building Phase

Before starting instrument flight training, students will be partnered up and split the costs of their aircraft to time build the required 50 hours of cross-country time while working through their Gold Seal ground school. Upon completion of ground school, you'll take your FAA written test, which is a prerequisite to take your check ride.

Flight Training Phase

After passing your written test and completing your cross-country requirements, you'll begin instrument flight training. Flight training is proficiency-based, and your success depends on consistent practice. Therefore, once training starts, we require you to attend flight training three times per week to maintain momentum and ensure efficient progress toward your rating. After you meet FAA minimums and standards, you will take your check ride just like the PPL.

What's Included in Your Training Quote

Our comprehensive Instrument Rating program quote includes:

  • Pre and post-flight briefings for every lesson
  • FAA minimum instrument flight training requirements
  • Wet fuel rates included
  • Designated Pilot Examiner fees covered 
  • Non-split time building for focused, efficient training

Why Our Comprehensive
Quote Matters

For full transparency, we include every cost you could possibly incur during training to give you a clear picture of your total investment. Our efficient training methods and personalized instruction typically see students complete their certification at the FAA minimums for this certificate.

No hidden costs or inaccurate quotes—these are the worst obstacles to your long-term success when it comes to completing your Instrument Rating. We believe honest, upfront pricing sets you up for success from day one.
(863) 344-5301

Investment in Your Aviation Future:

Total Program Cost:
(C172): $11,822
This all-inclusive pricing ensures no surprise fees or hidden costs throughout your training journey. full lessons
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Download the Student Pilot Survival Starter Kit

Ready to Start Flying?

Earn your Instrument Rating at our Central Florida flight training facility. Our experienced instructors and personalized approach will help you achieve your Instrument Rating efficiently and safely
Not ready yet? Contact us with questions—we’re happy to walk you through it.
Helping Aspiring Pilots Achieve Success Through Expert Flight Instruction at an Affordable Price.

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Courses

Private Pilot Instrument Rating Commercial Pilot Certificate Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII)

Location

We operate out of Shelt Air at Lakeland Linder International Airport. 3440 Airfield Dr W, Lakeland, FL 33811

Email us at:

trainingsupport@dobbsflightservice.com
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