Pilot reference
Instrument rating requirements (61.65)
The instrument-airplane rating is mostly two numbers, 50 hours of PIC cross-country and 40 hours of instrument time, plus one long IFR cross-country. The fine print is in what simulators can count for.
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Applicants for a combined private pilot certificate and instrument rating may credit up to 45 hours of cross-country time performing PIC duties with an instructor (61.65(g)).
The 61.65(d) minimums
| Requirement | Minimum | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-country time as pilot in command | 50 h | 61.65(d)(1) |
| ... of which in airplanes | 10 h | 61.65(d)(1) |
| Actual or simulated instrument time | 40 h | 61.65(d)(2) |
| ... of which from an instrument-rated instructor | 15 h | 61.65(d)(2) |
| Instrument training in an airplane within 2 calendar months of the test | 3 h | 61.65(d)(2)(i) |
| IFR cross-country with an instructor: 250 NM, an approach at each airport, three kinds of approach | one flight | 61.65(d)(2)(ii) |
What simulators and training devices can count for
- Full flight simulator or flight training device, with an instructor: up to 30 hours if done under Part 142, otherwise up to 20 hours (61.65(h)).
- Aviation training device: up to 10 hours in a basic ATD, or up to 20 hours in an advanced ATD, if FAA-approved, with an instructor, on approved tasks (61.65(i)).
- Outside Part 142, no more than 20 hours of instrument time in any combination of devices (61.65(j)).
The rest of the path
- Hold at least a private pilot certificate (or apply for it at the same time) and log ground training or a home-study course on the 61.65(b) knowledge areas.
- Knowledge test IRA (Instrument Rating Airplane): 60 questions, 2 hours, with an instructor endorsement (AC 61-65K A.42).
- Practical test endorsement (A.43, and A.44 for the 61.39 prerequisites), then the checkride against the Instrument Rating ACS, FAA-S-ACS-8C.
How many hours do you need for an instrument rating?
Under 14 CFR 61.65(d): 50 hours of cross-country time as pilot in command (10 in airplanes) and 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, 15 of it from an instrument-rated instructor, including 3 hours within 2 calendar months of the test and a 250 NM IFR cross-country with an approach at each airport and three different kinds of approaches.
How much simulator time counts toward the instrument rating?
Outside Part 142, up to 20 hours in total across full flight simulators, flight training devices and aviation training devices, and within that no more than 10 hours in a basic ATD (61.65(h)–(j)).
Sources
- 14 CFR 61.65, Instrument rating requirements (eCFR Title 14, current as of 9 November 2026; last amended 21 November 2024).
- FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix. AC 61-65K, Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors, A.42–A.44. FAA Airman Certification Standards page: FAA-S-ACS-8C.
- Checked on 11 November 2026. If a rule has changed since, the regulation governs; tell us and we will correct the page.
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Last updated 11 November 2026.