US-FAA14 CFR 61.65
Instrument rating requirements
Read the official ruleIn plain English
The instrument rating requires specific training and experience: a logbook endorsement, a knowledge test, 50 hours of cross-country PIC (10 in airplanes for the airplane rating), and 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, including a qualifying long instrument cross-country and recent training before the test.
Key points
- 50 hours XC PIC (10 in airplanes), 40 hours instrument time.
- Includes 15 hours of instrument training from an authorized CFII.
- A long instrument XC and a practical test (the IRA).
Common pitfalls
- Logging "simulated instrument" without a safety pilot meeting 91.109.
- Letting the required recent training lapse before the checkride.
*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation.*
This is an original plain-English explanation for training and reference, not legal advice and not for navigation. Always rely on the current official rule linked above. Last reviewed June 7, 2026.