Instrument Rating Sacramento – Get IFR Certified at Skyrise Aviation

Become a safer, more capable pilot with an Instrument Rating from Sacramento’s leading flight school. Skyrise Aviation delivers structured, scenario-based training using the latest aircraft and industry-proven methods.

Why Earn Your Instrument Rating in Sacramento?

An Instrument Rating (IR) is the next level of training after earning your Private Pilot Certificate. It allows you to legally and safely fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)—even in poor visibility or challenging weather conditions. With an instrument rating, you’re not limited to Visual Flight Rules (VFR), meaning you gain more flexibility, professionalism, and safety in the cockpit.

Instrument Rating Requirements

To begin training for your instrument rating in Sacramento, you must meet the following FAA eligibility requirements under FAR 61.65:

Hold a Private Pilot Certificate
Be at least 17 years old
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
Hold a current FAA medical certificate (minimum third class)

Receive and log instrument ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course

What You'll Learn

At Skyrise Aviation, your instrument rating education begins with comprehensive ground school instruction that blends interactive digital curriculum, FAA-approved textbooks, and live classroom-style lessons. You'll dive deep into key IFR concepts, including the structure of the IFR system and airspace, the use of enroute, approach, and departure charts, as well as aviation weather interpretation such as METARs, TAFs, radar imagery, and forecasts.

You'll also develop strong communication skills for working with air traffic control and gain proficiency in Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) and Crew Resource Management (CRM). Additional topics include emergency procedures under IFR and the use of navigation systems like VOR, GPS, and ILS. This training prepares you to pass the FAA Instrument Rating Knowledge Test with a minimum score of 70%.

Frequently asked questions

Instrument Rating

Read, speak, write and understand the English language
Hold at least a current private pilot certificate, or apply for a private pilot certificate along with their instrument rating
Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or accomplish a home study course for the aeronautical knowledge required for the rating
Receive an endorsement from an authorized instructor to take, and pass, the instrument rating knowledge test
Receive and log the required flight training

Reference 14 CFR §61.65 for the entire list of eligibility requirements.

Aeronautical Experience

Candidates for an instrument rating will learn a wide array of knowledge in regards to the rating itself and aviation in general, providing a deeper level of understanding of the dynamics of flight.

Start Your Training with Skyrise Aviation

From your first discovery flight to your final checkride, our team is with you every step of the way. With a private flying license, you'll unlock the freedom of flight and open doors to endless possibilities—whether that’s weekend getaways, business travel, or building flight time toward a career.

Not sure where to start? Book a Discovery Flight today to experience what it feels like to fly a real aircraft with one of our certified instructors.