Flight Training

Instrument Rating

Don’t let the fog or clouds stop you from flying! Learn to fly the airplane, and find your destination runway, with no visibility outside. We offer instrument flight training and can train you in our 3-screen Redbird simulator, Cessna 172s & 172RGs, Piper Twin Comanche, and we can train you in your own airplane.

We can train you in the latest GPS techniques too – we have airplanes equipped with the Garmin 430/530 and GTN650 GPS navigators. Our Redbird simulator counts toward 10 of the required 40 hours for an instrument rating. It is equipped with analog gauges and Garmin 530 WAAS.

The San Francisco and Monterey Bay areas are very well suited to instrument flight training. We frequently have low-lying cloud and fog layers nearby to train in, yet nearby airports are VFR almost all the time.

Summary Requirements for Instrument Rating
  • At least 17 years of age
  • Valid US Driver’s License
  • Private Pilot Pilot Certificate
  • FAA Instrument Rating Knowledge Test (passing grade is 70%)
  • FAA practical test

Flight Hour Requirements for Instrument Rating

Time: 40 hrs instrument time, including one 250 nautical mile dual cross-country trip. Additional requirements as per FAR 61.65 include 50 hours of PIC cross-country flight time.

Instrument Ground School

We recommend our Instrument Rating Ground School to prepare you for the knowledge and practical test. Classes run based on demand. Check with the office for the next available class.

Estimated Cost
  • Total hours for Instrument rating: 50 hours of cross country time and 40 hours of simulated or instrument time. 15 hours of dual required with a CFII.
  • Total cost based Instrument requirements (includes airplane rental and dual instruction) – approximately $6000 – $8000.
  • Rates: Please select your location for Aircraft and Instructor Rates

San Jose Aircraft
San Jose Instructors

Monterey Aircraft
Monterey Instructors
  • Cost of ground school (optional) – $300 tuition for the complete course or $35 per session for twelve sessions. Tuition does not include cost of books and materials (approximately $100-150).
  • Books and materials – a supply of recommended study materials, references, study kits, plotters, computers, charts, approach plates, etc. is available at AeroDynamic Aviation. We have our own syllabus or can use one of your choosing.

Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC)
Out of currency? We can complete your Instrument Proficiency Check at any of our locations. Review these links for requirements and guidance.

Prices and rates are subject to change without notice. All training and rentals are subject to the terms and conditions in the Renter’s Agreement. Minimum 24 hours’ notice required for cancellation or you may be charged for the rental time.

C Flight training, california, pilot, monterey, san jose, salinas, private pilot, tailwheelome fly with us in the beautiful San Francisco and Monterey Bay Areas of California. Our flight school facilities are located at Reid Hillview airport in San Jose (KRHV), at the south end of San Francisco Bay, and Monterey Regional Airport (KMRY). We offer ground and flight training for sport pilot, private pilot, instrument rating, commercial pilot, multi-engine, ATP, CFI, tailwheel, aerobatics, and mountain flying.

Ready to schedule a flight? Have a question? Give us a call!

San Jose (408) 320-9614

Monterey (831) 373-8320

You can also reach us via email with our Contact Form