Instrument Program

Take it up a notch

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.

What you’ll Learn

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 & G3X touch avionics, giving you the tools and confidence to fly safely.

Our Superior Fleet

At Vertical Vision, we train students using a modern fleet equipped with industry-leading Garmin G1000 & G3X 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.

Your Roadmap

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. With a total of 18 in-person lessons, students will explore critical topics such as:

IFR regulations and procedures
Weather interpretation and decision making
Navigational systems
Instrument approaches and holding procedures
IFR flight planning
ATC communication and clearances

Program Highlights:

Structured curriculum for progressive learning
Focus on real-world application and safe IFR decision making
Prepares students thoroughly for the FAA Instrument Written Exam

Flight Training

Stage 1: Foundational IFR Flight Skills

Basic maneuvers solely by reference to instruments
Systems and equipment malfunction procedures
Partial panel operations
Use of navigational equipment and GPS
Utilization of IFR-capable aircraft & FAA-approved full-motion sim

Stage 1 Check
Stage 1 focuses on flying by sole reference to instruments. Students progress from standard operations to emergency scenarios, including unusual attitudes, system malfunctions, and navigation using only flight instruments.

Stage 2: Holding Procedures & Instrument Approaches

VOR, ILS, RNAV, and other approach types
Holding entries, timing, and pattern execution
Instrument approach briefing and execution techniques

Stage 2 Check

Stage 3: IFR Flight Planning & ATC Integration

IFR cross-country flight planning and execution
ATC clearances, routing, and communication
Final preparation flights

End-of-Course Check & FAA Checkride

Estimated Training Hours

Flight Training: Approximately 20 hours of Flight Training with a CFII

Simulator Training: Approximately 20 hours with a CFII

Cross Country Flight Training: Approximately 50 hours

Total Hours at Checkride: 90 hours

With your Instrument Rating from Vertical Vision Flight Academy, you’ll unlock the ability to fly confidently in low visibility and expand your range, safety, and opportunities as a pilot.

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.