Instrument and Night Ratings Guidance

Pilots looking to add instrument and night ratings through conversion need to meet specific flight experience and training requirements. For the night rating, a valid FAA license holder must have five hours of flight time, including three hours of dual instruction and five solo landings. The instrument rating involves 50 hours of instrument experience and can be completed within FAA or EU systems.

Key points

• To obtain a night rating, applicants need a minimum of five hours of flight time including a specific dual instruction requirement.
• An FAA license with no night flying limitations is necessary for eligibility.
• For instrument ratings, a minimum of 50 hours under IFR as pilot in command is required.
• Training can be completed in either the FAA or EU systems, and must be documented appropriately.
• Language proficiency at a specific level is also necessary for rating applications.

*Plain-English summary of Federal Office of Civil Aviation (Switzerland) guidance — always consult the official source (linked above) for current, authoritative requirements.*