The Instrument rating teaches you how to fly in fog, clouds, and limited visibility. You will develop the judgment to evaluate adverse weather conditions and the ability to maneuver the helicopter by reference to instruments. In addition to increasing your capabilities as a helicopter pilot, it also enhances your confidence and safety. Today most commercial operators require you to be instrument rated even if you will not be flying IFR. One reason for this is that the operator and its insurance company like to know that in the event you accidentally flew into bad weather you would have the knowledge and skill to get yourself out safely.

Part 61 requirements:

C. Additional instrument rating, 15 hours of instrument training with an instructor for the rating sought, that includes at least:

1. 1 IFR cross-country flight of more than 250 nm. (more than 100 nm. for helicopters) in the instrument-aircraft rating sought; and

2. 3 hours of the instrument training were within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test.