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Ground & Flight Instruction
- 120 hours of ground instruction and flight briefings
- 35 hours of single-engine flight time
- Use of technically advanced aircraft
Instrument Rating (IR)
Master the art of precision flying. Our Part 61 Instrument Rating course equips you with the skills to fly safely in varying weather conditions using advanced avionics and meticulous decision-making protocols.
Instrument Airplane Rating
The Instrument Rating is often considered the most important safety rating a pilot can earn. It is the bridge between flying as a hobbyist in fair weather and operating as a professional aviator who commands the aircraft regardless of visibility.
At M2A Aviation Academy, we don't just teach you to pass a written test. We teach you to trust your instruments, manage complex avionics, and make sound aeronautical decisions when the horizon disappears.
This structured course leverages our instructors' extensive military and commercial backgrounds to instill a level of precision and situational awareness found in professional flight decks.
Program Benefits
- Structured curriculum for efficiency and consistency
- Training in technically advanced aircraft
- Heavy emphasis on emergency procedures and system knowledge
- Access to senior instructors with Parts 91, 121, and military experience
Prerequisites
- Hold a Private Pilot Certificate
- FAA Third Class Medical Certificate
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or TSA approval
- Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English
Key Details
Training Type Part 141
Timeline 8 Weeks
Program Cost $14,000
A Higher Standard of Precision
Instrument flying is a cerebral discipline. It requires meaningful learning of regulations and procedures, followed by the ability to correlate that knowledge with precise 'stick and rudder' skills.
We expect you to treat this training with professional dedication. You will be challenged to maintain strict altitude and heading tolerances while communicating with ATC and managing navigation systems.
- You will perform emergency procedure drills on every syllabus flight
- Homework and study are required daily to keep up with the 8-week timeline
- We emphasize 'never accepting good enough'—we train until you are proficient
What is Included in the Tuition
Our Instrument Rating course is a comprehensive package designed to take you from a VFR pilot to a competent IFR aviator in 8 weeks.
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Education Materials & Tests
- Sporty’s Online Ground School
- 1 FAA Written Test fee included
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Important Note on Gear
- Housing is NOT included in customizable selections
- Headsets and iPads are NOT included (Student must provide)
- Pilot supplies (charts/approach plates) are student responsibility
Why Train for IFR with M2A?
Real-World Experience
Instrument flying is about more than chasing needles on a gauge. It is about understanding weather, ATC systems, and personal limits.
Our senior instructors have decades of collective experience in the USAF, airlines, and corporate aviation. They have flown in the conditions you are learning to handle, providing mentorship that goes far beyond the textbook.
Our Approach
We combine our structured syllabus with the personalized care of a family-run Academy. We are 'paying it forward' to the next generation of pilots.
- Zero-cancellation record for checkrides (12+ years)
- Technologically advanced fleet
- Mentorship from active airline and military pilots
10+
Years of
Instrument Rating
Training
Instrument Rating
Training
~8
Weeks to Complete
Instrument
Rating
Instrument
Rating
10,000+
Hours of
CFII Flying
Experience
CFII Flying
Experience
Who Should Take This Course?
- Private pilots looking to enhance safety and utility
- Career-track pilots building toward their Commercial rating
- Aircraft owners who need lower insurance rates and travel reliability
- Pilots ready to develop a professional-grade instrument scan
Note:
This course is not for those looking for a 'quick pass' without learning the deeper systems and weather theory required for safe IFR flight.
8 Weeks to IFR Proficiency
The course is broken down into logical phases, ensuring you master basic attitude instrument flying before progressing to complex approaches and cross-country procedures.
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Phase 1: Basic Attitude Instrument Flying
- Control and performance method
- Full panel and partial panel flying
- Recovery from unusual attitudes
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Phase 2: Navigation & Systems
- Intercepting and tracking navigational courses (VOR/GPS)
- Holding procedures and entries
- IFR flight planning and clearance copy
3
Phase 3: Approaches
- Precision approaches (ILS)
- Non-precision approaches (RNAV/GPS, VOR)
- Missed approach procedures and circling
4
Phase 4: Cross-Country & Checkride Prep
- IFR Cross-country flight under ATC control
- Final stage checks and mock checkrides
- Outcome: Instrument Airplane Rating
Final Outcome: A proficient, safe instrument pilot ready for real-world IFR operations.
Steps to Enroll
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Schedule a Tour
Come see our fleet and meet the team. Call (910) 900-8043 if you are out of town.
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Verify Documents
Ensure your Medical Certificate and Passport/Citizenship documents are valid and ready.
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Schedule Program
Contact us to secure your slot. We will assign your primary instructor and set your start date.
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Secure Financing
You may pay out-of-pocket or apply for a loan through our partner, Stratus Financial.
On-Site
Affordable Housing
Accelerate your journey to the airlines with convenient living options. For students enrolled in our Professional Pilot Track, we offer fully furnished comfortable apartments for a minuscule fee as part of our affordable housing options. Located a short 10 minutes away from our training facility. Allowing you to focus 100% on your flight hours and ground school.
Instrument Rating FAQ
Can I do this part-time?
While we specialize in full-time professional training under Part 141 regulations, we also specialize in Part 61 instruction.
Is housing included in the $14,000 cost?
No, housing is not included in the $14,000 cost. Please call us at M2A at your earliest convenience to discuss your options.
How long does it take to complete the course?
The Part 141 instrument course is designed to be completed in eight weeks. The Part 61 instrument course depends on the student's availability.
Do I need to own my own plane?
Although you can earn your instrument rating with us in your own plane, it's not required.
Master the Skies
Don't let the weather ground you. Gain the skills, precision, and confidence to fly in the clouds with M2A Aviation Academy.
Your instrument rating is the most rewarding challenge you will face as a pilot. Let's get started.