Fly with precision

Instrument Rating

Develop the skills and judgment to operate safely by reference to instruments.

Timeline

10–14 days

Estimate from

As low as $8,300

Location

Little Falls, MN

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What this rating includes

The actual training plan.

Published course hours, current estimates, prerequisites, and timing, so you can understand the commitment before you inquire.

30 hours Cessna 172 rental

15 hours flight instruction

10 hours simulator training with instructor

Course option

Accelerated Instrument Rating

Published timeline

10–14 days

Published estimate

As low as $8,300

Cost breakdown

Course fee: $500
30 hours Cessna 172 rental at $175/hr: $5,250
15 hours flight instruction at $60/hr: $900
10 hours ground instruction at $60/hr: $600
10 hours simulator rental, including instructor, at $105/hr: $1,050

Before you begin

Private Pilot certificate
The school recommends arriving with the written test complete
The school’s career-path outline notes 40–50 hours of flight time are required

How the block runs

Your training, step by step.

01
Plan
Share your certificates, hours, and dates.
02
Train
30 hours Cessna 172 rental
03
Train
15 hours flight instruction
04
Train
10 hours simulator training with instructor
05
Checkride
Practical test with an examiner.

Important cost notes

Examiner fees are additional and subject to change.
Aircraft rental is subject to tax.

Travel support

Train here without relocating.

Student housing is available for $30 per night. Student cars are available to residents for $20 per day.

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Questions

Before you call.

What do I need before I start?+

Each course option lists its prerequisites under “Before you begin.” Tell us your current certificates and hours and we’ll confirm your starting point.

Where do I stay while training?+

Student housing is available for $30 per night, and student cars are available to residents for $20 per day.

What can change my timeline?+

Proficiency, weather, aircraft availability, and examiner scheduling all affect completion. Published timelines are planning targets.

How do prepay rates work?+

Prepay aircraft rates apply automatically once your account balance is at least $500.

“I had a great experience with Lakes Area Aviation. They helped me complete CFI training and checkride in 10 days, in mid January! I went back up a couple months later and finished CFI-I in a total of 12 days!”
Andrew Cashen
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Next rating

Commercial Single-Engine

5–7 days

Figures are planning estimates published by Lakes Area Aviation and may change with proficiency, aircraft availability, weather, and examiner scheduling. Prepay aircraft rates require a balance of at least $500.

Your next rating

Build a training plan around your timeline.

Build my training plan