Instrument Rating Program in Des Moines

Take your flying to the next level with our structured Instrument Rating program

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FAA Part 61 Training

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18 Lesson Ground Class

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90-Hour Typical Total at Checkride

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Est. 40 Hrs Training with a CFII

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Vertical Vision's Instrument Rating Program

Take your flying to the next level with our structured Instrument Rating program. Designed to build confidence and precision, this course trains pilots to navigate and operate safely in low visibility and complex airspace. With a modern fleet and experienced instructors, you’ll master IFR procedures, approach charts, and real-world decision making, setting the foundation for advanced ratings and a professional aviation career.

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Ground Class — Total Lessons: 18

At Vertical Vision Flight Academy, our Ground Class is designed to provide all the technical knowledge required to become a safe, confident, and competent instrument-rated pilot. Students will explore:

  • IFR regulations and procedures

  • Weather interpretation and decision making

  • Navigational systems

  • Instrument approaches and holding procedures

  • IFR flight planning

  • ATC communication and clearances

Flight Training

Stage 1: Foundational IFR Flight Skills

Stage 2: Holding Procedures & Instrument Approaches

Stage 3: IFR Flight Planning & ATC Integration, followed by the End-of-Course Check & FAA Checkride.


Steps To Attain Your Instrument Rating

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Our Instrument program combines in-depth ground instruction with focused flight training to ensure you're fully prepared for IFR operations. You'll gain proficiency in instrument navigation, holding procedures, precision and non-precision approaches, and managing in-flight weather scenarios.

Training includes both simulator sessions and real-world IFR flights using our modern fleet equipped with Garmin G1000 NXI avionics, giving you the tools and confidence to fly safely.

Why Vertical Vision's Instrument Rating Course Stands Out

  • Flight Training: 20 hrs with a CFII

  • Simulator Training: 20 hrs with a CFII

  • Cross Country Flight Training: 50 hrs

  • Total Hours at Checkride: 90 hrs

Disclaimer: The estimated training hours provided are based on student averages and may vary. Actual hours may be less or more, depending on individual performance and learning pace.

Estimated Training Hours

Modern Aircraft for Your Instrument Rating Training

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At Vertical Vision, we train students using a modern fleet equipped with industry-leading Garmin G1000 NXI glass avionics technology that transforms the training experience. These advanced systems replace traditional gauges with real-time navigation, weather, and traffic data, giving students a clearer, more intuitive understanding of the IFR environment.

By flying aircraft that mirror the technology used in today’s commercial and corporate cockpits, our students learn faster, build confidence sooner, and gain the situational awareness needed to succeed. The result is a more efficient and effective path to becoming a proficient instrument-rated pilot.