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.

To be eligible for an Instrument Rotorcraft Pilot Certificate, you must:

1. Hold. at least a current private pilot certificate with rotorcraft  category and class rating that applies to the instrument rating sought.

2. Be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language.

3. Hold at least a third class medical certificate.

Part 61 requirements:

Total Time: Must have logged the following:

A. At least 50 hours of cross-country flying as a PIC, of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes for an Instrument Airplane rating; and

B. Total of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time on the Instrument areas of operation, that includes at least--

1. Dual: 15 hours of instrument training with an instructor in the aircraft category, that includes at least:

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

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

 

Part 141 requirements:

A. 35 hours of instrument training, that includes training with an authorized instructor on the following areas of operation:  

1. Preflight preparation;

2. Preflight procedures;

3. Air traffic control clearances and procedures;

4. Flight by reference to instruments;

5. Navigation systems;

6. Instrument approach procedures;

7. Emergency operations; and

8. Post-flight procedures.

1. Dual: 1 dual cross-country of at least 100 nm. in a helicopter