Helicopter Academy Helicopter Flight School

 

Instrument Rating

About the helicopter IR rating

With your Instrument rating you will be qualified to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR). ... In the United States, an instrument rating is required when operating under special visual flight rules (SVFR) at night.

The instrument rating course is for helicopter pilots who wish to enhance their flying skills and learn more about navigation, weather and the air traffic control system. It is also for commercial pilots who want to gain a competitive edge in the job market, and meet the employment requirements of many EMS, offshore and corporate operators.

Get your instrument rating! Fill out a pilot application today!

Pilot testimonial: Called Tom, learned about the school and a couple weeks later I was flying. I went from 0 to 300hrs and got the job just as promised. It was a great experience and now I'm flying tours and moving up in the helicopter world! Thank you Helicopter Academy for getting me started and all the help along the way!

- Scott Reas

Helicopter training prerequisites:

1. Hold at least a current private pilot certificate with an aircraft category and class rating that applies to the instrument rating sought.

2. Be able to read, speak write and understand the English language.

Steps to get a IR(H):

1. Pass a written test given by the FAA.

2. Fulfill the minimum requirements of flight time and training specified by the FAA.

3. Pass an oral, and flight test given by the FAA or an approved Designated Pilot Examiner.

Minimum requirements for a IR(H) - Part 61:

1. Have logged at least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command, of which at least 10 hours must be in helicopters for an instrument-helicopter rating.

2. Have a total of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time including:

a. at least 15 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor in the aircraft category for which the instrument rating is sought

b. at least 3 hours of instrument training that is appropriate to the instrument rating sought from an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test (check ride) within the 60 days preceding the date of the test.

c. Instrument training specific to helicopters on cross-country flight procedures that includes at least one cross-country flight in a helicopter that is performed under IFR and consists of:

1. A distance of at least 100 nautical miles along airways or ATC-directed routing.

2. An instrument approach at each airport.

3. Three different kinds of approaches with use the of navigation systems.

Course price example based on standard prices fulfilling the MINIMUM requirements. The average student will need more training. Verify the current price at your preferred training location.