Instrument Rating Ground School
Instrument Rating Ground School in Los Angeles
Course Schedule
CURRENT SESSION IN PROGRESS
UPCOMING COURSE
Aug 24th, 2026
6 Week Course
Mon. & Wed.
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
As a trusted instrument rating ground school in Los Angeles, we help private pilots earn their Instrument Rating through thorough FAA knowledge‑test preparation.
Our instrument rating course delivers clear instruction on IFR concepts, procedures, and regulations so you become a safe, confident instrument-rated pilot. Our instrument rating training is a fully FAA–endorsed preparation program for the FAA Instrument Rating Knowledge Test. Contact us to learn more about IFR ground school.
What our instrument rating course delivers:
- FAA Instrument Rating Training and Exam-Focused Preparation
- Clear Instructions on IFR Procedures, Regulations, and Decision Making
- Practical Instrument Rating Training That Links Knowledge to Real-World Flight Tasks
- Structured Lessons to Build Proficiency in Communications, Navigation, Weather, and Approach Execution
COURSE OUTLINE
Call Now1. The Air Traffic Control System
Introduction to ATC in the National Airspace System and IFR pilot‑controller interaction.
- Structure: TRACON, ARTCC, ATIS, Clearance Delivery, Ground, Tower, Approach, Departure
- Operations: How to get, read back, and follow ATC clearances, and when to expect amended or revised instructions.
2. Flight Instruments
Attitude Instrument
Flying Navigation Instruments
Instruments and navigation tools for flying without visual reference.
- Flight Instruments: Pitot‑static system (altimeter, airspeed, VSI) and gyros (attitude indicator, heading indicator, turn coordinator).
- Navigation Instruments: VOR, DME, ILS, GPS/WAAS, and reading CDIs, HSIs, and RMI for en route and approaches.
3. Departure Procedures
Safe runway-to-enroute transitions and obstacle clearance.
- Topics: Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs), Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs), and Radar Departures.
- Details: Climb gradients (ft/nm), “fly‑by” vs. “fly‑over” waypoints, departure minimums.
4. En Route IFR
Holding Procedures
Navigating along airways and managing delays.
- En Route: Understanding altitudes like MEA, MOCA, and MAA, as well as IFR cruising altitude rules.
- Holding: Learning the 3 standard entries (Direct, Parallel, and Teardrop), timing (1-minute inbound), and wind correction in the hold.
5. Weather Operations
Weather Services
How weather affects IFR flight and where to get forecasts.
- Theory: Icing types, thunderstorm life cycles, fog formation, and turbulence causes and avoidance.
- Services: Deciphering METARs, TAFs, GFA (Graphical Forecasts for Aviation), and PIREPs. Understanding the difference between a Standard Briefing and an Abbreviated Briefing.
6. Airport Operations
Human Factor
Airport environment and pilot human factors that are critical to IFR safety.
- Airport: Runway lighting systems (ALSF, MALSR, VASI/PAPI), signs, markings, and hot spots.
- Human Factors: Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM), CRM (Crew Resource Management), and physiological illusions like the “Leans,” “Graveyard Spiral,” and “Coriolis Illusion.”
7. Arrivals Overview
Approach Procedures
Transitioning from en route to the terminal and runway environment.
- Arrivals: Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) and the transition from the en route phase to the terminal environment.
- Basics: The four segments of an instrument approach — Initial, Intermediate, Final, and Missed Approach — and what happens at each.
8. Approach Procedures RNAV
Circling Approaches
Specifics on how to execute instrument approaches to a runway in low-visibility conditions, including modern GPS-based procedures.
- Precision vs. Non-Precision: ILS (vertical and lateral guidance) vs. VOR/Localizer (lateral guidance only); LPV and LNAV/VNAV RNAV approaches and their minimums.
- Circling: Procedures for when the approach doesn’t align with the landing runway, including protected airspace radii and circling minimums by approach category.
9. 10. Radio Communication
IFR Flight Scenarios
Practical comms and scenario practice for IFR flights.
- Airspace: CRAFT clearance components, mandatory IFR position reports, and emergency Lost Communications procedures (AVE-F/MEA).
- Scenarios: complete IFR flight role‑plays from engine start to shutdown.
10. Radio Communication
IFR Flight Scenarios
Putting technical knowledge into a conversational and situational context to simulate real IFR operations from departure to arrival.
- Communication: CRAFT clearance components, mandatory IFR position reports, and emergency Lost Communications procedures (AVE-F/MEA).
- Scenarios: Role-playing complete IFR flights from engine start to shutdown to reinforce real-time decision-making and ATC interaction.
11. F11. Flight Planning
Pilot Qualifications
Legal and logistical requirements for safe IFR operations.
- Planning: Weight and Balance, fuel requirements (45-minute reserve), and the 1-2-3 rule for filing an alternate airport.
- Qualifications: Instrument currency (6 approaches, holds, intercept/track within 6 months), required documents (ARROW).
12. Workload Management
Approach Charts
Cockpit management, automation, and chart interpretation.
- Workload: Proactive cockpit setup, managing autopilot/GPS/FMS, structured briefings (e.g., ARCH).
- Charts: Reading FAA approach chart plan/profile/minimums and inset diagrams for briefings and flying.
Instrument Rating Program
Overview & Cost Breakdown
Individual Rate
Academy Rate
Price Disclaimer:
All rates are subject to change without prior notice. Aircraft rental and instruction are billed based on Hobbs time, unless otherwise specified. Fuel surcharges may apply depending on current fuel prices. Published package prices, if any, are provided as estimates only; actual training costs will vary based on student proficiency, scheduling, weather, and FAA minimum requirements. Additional flight or ground instruction beyond minimums will be billed at the standard hourly rate. Payment is due at the time of service unless prior arrangements have been approved in writing. Unused funds on account are refundable, less any outstanding balances or fees.