Instrument Pilot Rating (IFR)

Your Next Step: The Instrument Rating (IFR)

If you’ve earned your Private Pilot License (PPL), an Instrument Rating helps you fly more confidently when visibility is limited. At Paragon Flight Training, we offer customized training with one-on-one instruction to help you earn your Instrument Rating efficiently. 

Instrument flight rules (IFR) are flight rules and procedures that allow qualified pilots to fly by reference to instruments in low-visibility conditions. An instrument-rated pilot can fly using flight deck instruments when clouds, low visibility or other conditions limit outside visual references. 

IFR training teaches you to use the altimeter, heading indicator, artificial horizon and navigation tools to maintain orientation and navigate. You also learn the rules of flying in controlled airspace using IFR and practice communicating with air traffic control (ATC).

Schedule A Consultation 239-274-3170

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Your Next Step: The Instrument Rating (IFR)

If you’ve earned your Private Pilot License (PPL), an Instrument Rating helps you fly more confidently when visibility is limited. At Paragon Flight Training, we offer customized training with one-on-one instruction to help you earn your Instrument Rating efficiently. 

Instrument flight rules (IFR) are flight rules and procedures that allow qualified pilots to fly by reference to instruments in low-visibility conditions. An instrument-rated pilot can fly using flight deck instruments when clouds, low visibility or other conditions limit outside visual references. 

IFR training teaches you to use the altimeter, heading indicator, artificial horizon and navigation tools to maintain orientation and navigate. You also learn the rules of flying in controlled airspace using IFR and practice communicating with air traffic control (ATC).

Schedule A Consultation 239-274-3170

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IFR Requirements 

With an Instrument Rating, you can enjoy greater freedom to maintain your flight plans, even in conditions that would ground visual flight rules (VFR) pilots. If you’re considering aviation as a career, an Instrument Rating is required for many professional aviation paths.

To apply for IFR training, you will need the following:

  • A valid PPL
  • A current medical certificate
  • English proficiency
  • Willingness to study

As part of your training, you will get the instrument time and required instruction you need to become an instrument-rated pilot. Most students complete training in 35 to 45 hours of flight time as part of our FAA-approved Part 141 program. 

Optionally, the student can elect to use our Level 5 FTD simulator to substitute up to 40% of their flight lessons (14 flight hours). That’s a significant cost savings.

Schedule A Consultation 239-274-3170

Paying for IFR Training

Paragon Flight helps keep IFR training efficient with flight simulator time and lightweight, fuel-efficient aircraft, which can lower your overall training costs.

IFR Investment Range

$15K – $20K

Why Choose Paragon for Instrument Training?

An Instrument Rating is one of the most important steps in becoming a safer, more capable and confident pilot. At Paragon, your instrument training combines structured training, modern technology and the resources to build real IFR proficiency.

  • A Part 141 Advantage: Complete your Instrument Rating through Paragon’s FAA-approved Part 141 program and you can bypass the separate 50 hours of cross-country pilot-in-command time required under the traditional Part 61 path—helping you progress more efficiently toward your rating.
  • Advanced Simulator Training: Build instrument proficiency using our advanced and desktop flight simulators to practice approaches, procedures, holds and challenging IFR scenarios. Simulation allows you to repeat and refine critical skills in a controlled environment while helping offset the overall cost of your Instrument Rating.
  • Modern Aircraft & Avionics: Train in Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) equipped with modern avionics and navigation systems, giving you practical experience with the technology you’ll use while flying in the IFR environment.
  • An Environment Built for Consistent Training: With three locations, a standardized fleet, favorable year-round flying weather and dedicated maintenance support, Paragon is built to keep your training moving and minimize unnecessary delays.

Schedule A Consultation 239-274-3170

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Customized Training Program

You get one-on-one training to develop the skills you need to earn your Instrument Rating. You can also choose different types of training. For example, if you have zero flight experience or have started your training elsewhere and want to finish up, our Professional Pilot (P3) Program can help you get a Commercial Pilot License in about 10-14 months, with the IFR portion taking two to three months. 

You can also complete IFR training as a stand-alone option, even if you have earned your PPL at another flight school or if you can only work toward an Instrument Rating part-time.

Meet Our Graduates

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Micah D.

My name is Micah Doane, I trained through Paragon Flight for nearly all of my training until I became a Paragon Flight Instructor. From day one I could tell that Paragon was a place where I could learn about aviation at the highest level without wasting my time or money. Apart from the incredible instruction I received, I also had a blast learning to fly! I met many great friends along the way whom I still keep in contact with, most of which also fly for airlines or large charter companies now. I found instructing at paragon to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I wouldn’t trade my time at the school for any other job. Training at Paragon taught me the importance of balance and showed me how to operate at an extremely high level and how to have fun while doing it. My time with Paragon fully prepared me for my next steps in an airline career and I will be forever grateful for this flight school and its community.

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Will H.

The great environment that paragon made. Focusing on customer experience still stands true today. I also met my now wife while working at Paragon!

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Kelsey M.

There are too many memories to list for me since I was there for about 9 years. I will say the biggest memory/experience while working there would be the lifelong friends that we all made. Paragon was just one big family unit and was literally the most fun job to go to everyday, especially since I was working with all of my friends!

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Adam T.

When I worked at Paragon we were a small group of just 5 instructors. That really made it feel like a family and we had a lot of fun together sharing our passion for flying with our students. I believe that family vibe as coworkers steered me toward the corporate world of flying. My current job is a continuation of that family environment and we work very hard to fly the most important people of our company safely to their destinations and we have a lot of fun doing it at the same time!

Chris-Pflieger

Chris P.

Having been able to spend a lot of time with Paragon while I was there, I was able to form many great friendships with other Instructors, Employees, and Students.  Many of whom we all stay in contact with to this day.  My most memorable experience though by far was having our Wedding Reception in the Hangar surrounded by Friends, Family, and Various Aircraft.  

Contact Us and Expand Your Freedom to Fly

If you’re a pilot with a PPL, earning an Instrument Rating can allow you to fly more often in different weather, with less worry about being grounded for cloudy or rainy skies. Get started today. Call us at 239-274-3170 or contact us to discuss instrument training and your aviation goals so we can create a customized training plan for you.

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