With an instrument rating, a pilot gains the ability to fly aircraft in a wider range of weather conditions and navigate through airspace with reduced visibility. The instrument rating is an additional qualification beyond the private or commercial pilot’s license, and it allows pilots to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) as opposed to Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
The average length of time it takes a pilot to complete an instrument rating training can vary based on several factors, including the individual’s aptitude, availability for training, weather conditions, and the training program’s structure. Generally, completing an instrument rating can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.