Earn Your Instrument Rating in Dayton
Build the precision, judgment, and cockpit discipline to fly safely by reference to instruments.
Advanced Pilot Training
Instrument Rating
The Instrument Rating is one of the most valuable additions a private pilot can earn. It expands what you can safely do with an airplane by teaching you to fly by reference to instruments, work within the IFR system, and make disciplined weather decisions.
At Dayton Aviation Services, instrument training is built around practical IFR skills, not rote procedure memorization. You will learn to maintain precise aircraft control, brief and fly approaches, communicate with air traffic control, manage workload, and understand when conditions are beyond your personal or aircraft limits.
Whether your goal is safer personal travel, more consistent cross-country flying, or a professional aviation path, this program helps you develop the scan, judgment, and procedural confidence required for instrument operations.
- Training Type
FAA Part 61
- Duration ¹
2 to 4 months
- Cost
Contact us for program pricing
¹ Individual performance may vary based on personal diligence, flying full-time or part-time, aptitude, and weather.
Program Benefits
- Focused training for real-world IFR procedures, weather decisions, and cockpit workload
- Instruction that builds precision in altitude, heading, airspeed, navigation, and communications
- Dayton-area training based at Moraine Airpark with access to varied airports and approaches
Requirements
- Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
- Hold the required FAA medical or qualifying BasicMed eligibility before acting as pilot in command
- Meet applicable FAA and TSA eligibility requirements before beginning training activities
Add Capability
Train for the Weather Decisions That Matter
Instrument training gives you more than the ability to fly in the clouds. It teaches you how to evaluate weather, plan alternates, manage risk, and stay organized when the workload increases.
If you already hold a private pilot certificate and want to become a more capable, disciplined pilot, the instrument rating is the natural next step.
Syllabus Overview
From VFR Pilot to IFR Proficiency
Instrument training develops in layers. You begin with aircraft control by reference to instruments, then build into navigation, holding, approaches, cross-country operations, and practical test preparation.
Your instructor will pace the program around FAA requirements, weather, aircraft availability, and your demonstrated ability to manage procedures while maintaining precise control of the airplane.
Phase One
Instrument Fundamentals
The first phase builds the instrument scan and control discipline that everything else depends on. You will practice basic attitude instrument flying, standard-rate turns, climbs, descents, unusual attitude recovery, and partial-panel procedures.
The goal is to make aircraft control steady and deliberate when outside visual references are reduced or removed.
- Instrument scan and aircraft control
- Straight-and-level, climbs, descents, and turns
- Full-panel and partial-panel procedures
- Unusual attitude recovery
Phase Two
Navigation, Holds, and IFR Procedures
Once the basic instrument scan is reliable, training shifts toward navigating in the IFR system. You will learn to brief procedures, copy clearances, intercept and track courses, fly holds, and manage avionics without falling behind the airplane.
Ground discussion and flight lessons connect regulations, weather, charts, and cockpit workflow so IFR procedures become usable decision-making tools.
- IFR clearances and ATC communication
- VOR, GPS, and published procedure use
- Holding entries and course tracking
- Weather, alternates, and fuel planning
Phase Three
Approaches and Cross-Country IFR
Approach training brings together aircraft control, navigation, communication, and decision-making during the highest workload portion of IFR flight. You will practice precision and non-precision approaches, missed approaches, circling procedures when appropriate, and realistic cross-country planning.
As proficiency improves, lessons focus on consistency, workload management, and recognizing when to continue, divert, hold, or discontinue an approach.
- Instrument approach briefing and execution
- Missed approach and diversion procedures
- IFR cross-country planning and operations
- Scenario-based weather and risk decisions
Phase Four
Checkride Preparation
The final phase focuses on the FAA Airman Certification Standards, oral exam topics, weak-area review, and checkride-style flights. Your instructor will help refine procedures until you can explain and fly them with consistency.
By the end of training, you should be prepared to demonstrate sound IFR judgment, precise aircraft control, and clear procedural understanding during the practical test.
- FAA Airman Certification Standards review
- Oral exam and scenario preparation
- Approach, hold, and emergency procedure refinement
- Practical test readiness with instructor guidance
You Are Ready for IFR Operations
After successful completion of the FAA practical test, the Instrument Rating is added to your pilot certificate and allows you to operate under instrument flight rules within the privileges and limitations of your certificate.
More importantly, you leave training with stronger weather judgment, better cockpit organization, and a higher standard of precision that carries into every flight.
Clear Your Doubts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I train part-time?
Yes. Dayton Aviation supports both full-time and part-time students with flexible scheduling.
Got any more questions? Contact us and we will be happy to answer.
Enroll
Begin Training at Dayton Aviation
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Contact Information
Dayton Aviation Services
Location
3800 Clearview Rd, Dayton, OH 45439Phone
(937) 372-2460Hours
Hours may differ on holidays.