INSTRUMENT RATING CALIFORNIA

The ability to control your aircraft via instruments only (without visual references) can be a life-saving skill for a pilot. Once you’ve obtained your private pilot certificate, the next step would be to receive additional training by getting an instrument rating. As an instrument-rated pilot, you open up another avenue for flying that isn’t available to many pilots. You gain the ability to fly your aircraft in non-VMC (Visual Meteorological Conditions), meaning you can now fly when visibility is reduced beyond conditions that are legal for a private pilot. But most importantly, you acquire skills that will bring an exponentially greater level of safety to your flights. Knowing how to rely on instruments when you have no visual references can be a matter of life or death, which is why we recommend an instrument rating even if you’re only a hobby aviator.