FAA Instrument Rating – Structured Part 141 Training
Train to safely operate in IMC and the national airspace system under IFR. Our Part 141 syllabus integrates on‑site ground school with stage‑checked flight training for efficient progress to your IR checkride.
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What Is the FAA Instrument Rating?
The Instrument Rating (Airplane) authorizes you to act as PIC under Instrument Flight Rules, fly in Instrument Meteorological Conditions, and execute instrument approaches and departures. It is a critical step for professional pilots and a major safety upgrade for private pilots.
Training Locations
Choose one of our US bases offering Part 141 IR: Miami, Florida • Corona (Los Angeles), California • Van Nuys (Los Angeles), California
Quick Facts
- Part 141 structured syllabus with stage checks
- On‑site ground school taught by experienced instructors
- IFR procedures in busy, real‑world airspace
- Preparation for the FAA knowledge test & IR checkride
FAA Part 141 Hour Requirements
Structured training with reduced minimums compared to Part 61
- IFR regulations, procedures, and clearances
- ATC communication & IFR phraseology
- Instrument navigation systems (VOR, ILS, GPS/RNAV)
- Weather theory, charts, and IFR decision‑making
- Approach plates, SIDs/STARs, alternate planning
- Holding patterns and missed approach procedures
- 15 hours minimum with CFII in aircraft
- 3 hours within 60 days of practical test
- Long IFR cross-country flight (250+ nm)
- Multiple precision & non-precision approaches
- Holds, unusual attitudes, partial panel procedures
- Stage checks at regular intervals
Theoretical Training – Part 141 (On‑Site)
For Part 141: Theoretical instruction is conducted simultaneously with flight training. Students can choose between group classes or individual one‑to‑one classes for theory on‑site.
- IFR regulations, procedures, and clearances
- ATC communication & IFR phraseology
- Instrument navigation (VOR, ILS, GPS/RNAV), holding
- Weather theory, charts, and IFR decision‑making
- Approach plates, SIDs/STARs, alternate planning
Knowledge Test & Oral
Ground school prepares you for the FAA IR knowledge test and the oral portion of the checkride. Regular progress tests and stage checks ensure you’re on track.
Flight Training – Part 141
Train with our experienced CFII team in complex, real‑world environments. You’ll practice advanced instrument procedures with scenario‑based training and regular stage checks.
- Instrument maneuvers: unusual attitudes, partial‑panel, holds
- Precision & non‑precision approaches (ILS, VOR, RNAV/GPS)
- Instrument departures (ODPs/SIDs) & arrivals (STARs)
- En‑route navigation, radar/ATC services, lost‑comm procedures
- Long IFR cross‑country (≥250 NM) with approaches at multiple airports
Final Exam – IR Checkride
The checkride includes an oral examination and practical test with an FAA DPE. Upon passing, the Instrument Rating (Airplane) is added to your pilot certificate.
Aircraft & Avionics
Train on our IFR‑equipped fleet (e.g., Cessna 172 G1000 and conventional six‑pack). Learn to manage automation, integrate ForeFlight/Jepp charts, and maintain situational awareness.
Entry Requirements
Pilot Certificate
Hold at least an FAA Private Pilot License (Airplane).
Medical
Valid FAA Class 3 Medical or higher.
Cross-Country Experience
Must have logged 50 hours cross-country PIC time as required by FAA regulations.
Why Flying Academy
Experienced CFII Team
Instructors with thousands of hours in IFR training and real‑world operations.
Busy, Real‑World Airspace
Train around Miami and Los Angeles with genuine ATC complexity.
Modern IFR Fleet
G1000 glass cockpits and classic gauges for well‑rounded skills.
Stage‑Checked Progress
Structured Part 141 milestones ensure consistency and readiness.
Test‑Ready Prep
Targeted knowledge‑test prep and mock orals for confidence on checkride day.
Flexible Schedules
Daytime/evening blocks to pair ground with flight effectively.
Training Locations
Miami, Florida
Full Part 141 IR with on‑site ground and instrument flight training.
Corona (Los Angeles), California
Southern California operations with diverse IFR procedures and terrain.
Van Nuys (Los Angeles), California
Experience complex LA airspace and busy instrument approaches.
Talk to a Flight Training Consultant
Ask about start dates, schedules, aircraft availability, and base‑specific details for your Instrument Rating under Part 141.
- Personalized IR training plan
- Next available class/flight slots
- Document & visa guidance for international students