Earning your airplane instrument rating is one of the most valuable steps you can take in your aviation journey. It enhances safety, permits you to fly in more challenging conditions, and is a necessary step toward advanced certifications like the commercial pilot certificate. However, one major challenge for many pilots in Colorado is figuring out how to complete their instrument rating training quickly and affordably without sacrificing quality.
At Summit Wings Aviation, we believe in helping pilots find the most efficient and cost-effective way to earn their instrument rating. Let’s compare two primary paths:
- Full-Time Instructor-Led Instrument Training (Traditional Route)
- Hybrid Approach: Instructor-Guided & Safety Pilot Time-Building (Cost-Saving Route)
Traditional Instrument Training: Paying an Instructor for Every Hour
One option for earning your instrument rating is to complete the entire training with a flight instructor. This path ensures:
Pros
✔ A structured and controlled training environment
✔ A focused approach with minimal distractions
✔ Thorough and guaranteed preparation for the check ride
✔ No need to coordinate with other pilots for safety pilot time
Cons
✔ Higher Costs
✔ Instructor Availability vs. Other Motivated Pilots
While this approach is effective, it requires paying for an instructor for every flight hour (in addition to aircraft rental). Here’s how the costs break down:
- 40 Hours of Instrument Flight Time ($150/hr aircraft rental) → $6,000
- 40 Hours with a CFII ($65/hr instruction) → $2,600
- 10-15 Hours of Ground Training ($65/hr instruction) → $650 – $975
- Check Ride Prep & Examiner Fees → $1,000
💰 Total Cost Estimate: $10,250 – $10,575
For pilots who have a larger budget and want the most structured approach, this is an excellent way to ensure comprehensive IFR training with minimal logistical headaches. However, there is a more cost-effective way to achieve the same result while still maintaining quality training.
The Smartest Way to Earn Your Instrument Rating – The Cost-Saving Hybrid Approach
For pilots in Colorado, looking to earn their instrument rating quickly and affordably, a hybrid training model is the best solution. This approach balances structured training with an instructor and cost-effective time-building using a safety pilot.
Step 1: Start with a CFII to Build a Solid Foundation (10-15 Hours)
✔ Learn fundamental IFR procedures: instrument scan, holds, approaches, and ATC communication.
✔ Get comfortable flying under the hood with an experienced instructor.
✔ Ensure you’re confident in real-world IFR scenarios before time-building.
💰 Estimated Cost:
- Aircraft Rental (Cessna 172/Piper Archer @ $150/hr, 10-15 hrs) → $1,500 – $2,250
- CFII Instruction ($65/hr, 10-15 hrs) → $650 – $975
Step 2: Time-Building with a Safety Pilot (30-40 Hours)
✔ Fly with another instrument or commercial student as a safety pilot.
✔ Log simulated instrument time (hood time) while reducing expenses.
✔ Share rental costs, cutting flight hour expenses in half.
💰 Estimated Cost:
- Split Rental Cost (~$75/hr, 30-40 hrs) → $2,250 – $3,000
Step 3: Return to a CFII for Check Ride Prep (5-10 Hours)
✔ Complete required 250-NM instrument cross-country flight with an instructor.
✔ Fine-tune approaches, holds, and enroute IFR procedures.
✔ Complete mock check rides to ensure readiness for the FAA practical test.
💰 Estimated Cost:
- Aircraft Rental (5-10 hrs @ $150/hr) → $750 – $1,500
- CFII Instruction (5-10 hrs @ $65/hr) → $325 – $650
- Check Ride Prep & Examiner Fees → $1,000
Total Estimated Cost (Hybrid Approach): $6,475 – $9,375
💡 Savings vs. Traditional Training: $3,000 – $4,000!
Which Path Is Right for You?
✔ Choose the Traditional Route if you prefer a fully structured training program, can afford higher costs, and want an instructor guiding every moment of your training.
✔ Choose the Hybrid Route if you want to save thousands of dollars, take a more flexible approach, and can coordinate with other pilots for time-building.
At Summit Wings Aviation, we encourage students to use structured instructor training alongside safety pilot time-building to get the most value for their money. By following the hybrid approach, you can achieve a high level of proficiency while saving thousands on your instrument rating.
Whether you want a structured, instructor-led experience or the cost-efficient hybrid model, Summit Wings Aviation has you covered. Our experienced CFII instructors, high-quality aircraft, and structured IFR syllabus will help you earn your instrument rating efficiently and affordably.