Instrument Rating
Master the Skies With Confidence
earn your Instrument Rating and unlock weather freedom.
Where Modern Technology Meets Real-World IFR Mastery
Precision Begins Where Visibility Ends.
Learn to Fly Through the Clouds — Not Around Them
Expand your skills, refine your precision, and unlock true all-weather freedom.
You’ve mastered VFR. Now it’s time to take command of the weather. The Modern Pilot Instrument Rating Program is designed for pilots who want more control, more confidence, and more freedom to fly on their own terms. Built on the official Cirrus Approach™ Instrument Rating Program syllabus, this course blends advanced avionics, precision instruction, and scenario-based training that prepares you for real-world IFR missions—not just a checkride.
As a Platinum Cirrus Training Center, Modern Pilot delivers the highest standard of instruction available in general aviation. You’ll train in Cirrus SR-series aircraft equipped with Perspective™, Perspective+™, or Perspective Touch+™ avionics—learning automation management, instrument navigation, and situational awareness on the same technology you’ll use in the real world.
Your instructor guides you through the discipline and decision-making that defines a safe and capable instrument pilot. From holding patterns and ILS approaches to weather strategy and ForeFlight integration, every lesson is designed to help you think like a professional aviator.
Earning your Instrument Rating isn’t just about adding letters to your certificate—it’s about unlocking the next level of freedom. It’s the difference between canceling flights and completing them. Between flying when conditions allow and flying when your mission demands. This is where skill meets precision—and where you become a Modern Pilot.
Your IFR Journey
Why Train at Modern Pilot
The Platinum Standard in Flight Training
Platinum Cirrus Training
All Modern Aircraft
ForeFlight Expertise
Program Details
Each pilot’s journey is unique—but every flight path at Modern Pilot follows the same proven foundation of safety, skill, and innovation.
Program Timeline
Flight Hours
Ground training
Investment
Curriculum
Your IFR Training Journey
Mastering instrument flight is about precision, discipline, and confidence. The Cirrus Instrument Rating Program takes the complexity out of IFR by breaking it into structured, intuitive lessons that make each concept feel natural and achievable. You’ll learn to manage weather, workload, and automation with the calm precision expected of Cirrus pilots.
Each module combines real-world flight scenarios, simulator sessions, and ground lessons to help you develop the mindset and skills of a confident IFR pilot. Whether you’re climbing through a cloud layer or briefing an approach into Class Bravo, you’ll be learning how to think ahead, anticipate, and stay in control.
At Modern Pilot, IFR training isn’t just about earning a rating — it’s about transforming the way you fly. You’ll learn to integrate ForeFlight, automation, and the Cirrus Perspective Touch+ avionics suite to plan, brief, and execute each flight with accuracy and grace.
Where precision meets performance.
- Master attitude instrument flight and nav tracking
- Practice partial panel, holds, and approaches
- Learn missed approaches and circle-to-land
- Complete IFR cross-country and checkride prep
Build your brain before you brief your flight.
- Study weather theory, icing, and flight planning
- Learn instrument systems and holding procedures
- Build mastery of approach/departure procedures
- Prepare for your FAA written exam
Sharpen your edge. Fly with confidence.
- Time-building cross-country flights
- Advanced partial-panel and abnormal procedures
- Solo and dual IFR practice to boost confidence
- Optional modules for extra flight proficiency
Every lesson you complete is recorded through Cirrus’s digital platform and Modern Pilot’s in-house debrief system. You’ll see your growth clearly—flight by flight, approach by approach—as you master the skies with precision and confidence.
happy PILOTS
Modern Journeys
Stephen B.
I’ve visited a few pilot schools around the Houston area and after visiting Modern Pilot I can honestly say that I hadn’t visited a pilot school that was so welcoming, considerate and supportive with accomplishing my goals to becoming a pilot as much as Modern Pilot.
John S.
I recently purchased a Cirrus and Eric not only went and picked it up, he also gave me instruction for the Embark training. I would use them again and again and couldn’t recommend this place enough! Very thorough training and good company!
Jeff B.
Just finished my Cirrus transition training here. It’s an incredible facility with an incredible staff. It’s a great environment to learn in. Eric, the owner, is super passionate about safety and also a wonderful instructor. I cannot suggest this facility enough.
Rated ★★★★★ 5.0 on Google
Read All ReviewsReady For Cloud Flying?
Master precision. Conquer the Weather.
Master IFR with Modern Pilot and unlock the skill to fly safely, smoothly, and without limits—whatever the weather brings.
faq
Here are some common questions
Most pilots complete their instrument training in 3 to 6 months, depending on their schedule and flight frequency. Modern Pilot’s Cirrus-based syllabus is designed for flexibility, allowing business professionals to train efficiently without sacrificing quality.
You’ll need at least a Private Pilot Certificate, 50 hours of cross-country PIC time, and a current medical. If you’re transitioning from your Private Pilot training at Modern Pilot, your instructor will help you meet these requirements seamlessly.
No — Modern Pilot provides access to Cirrus SR20, SR22, and SR22 G7+ aircraft, all equipped with the latest avionics. You can train in our fleet or your own aircraft with instructor approval.
Yes, when weather and safety permit. Our curriculum blends simulator sessions, scenario-based training, and real-world IMC to ensure you’re confident in any environment.
Everything. As a Platinum Cirrus Training Center, we combine factory-standard instruction, expert ForeFlight integration, and real-world IFR workflows. You’ll learn to fly the same way professional pilots plan, brief, and execute every mission.
The Cirrus Instrument Rating Program includes 59 lessons, 78 training videos, and 50 quizzes — all designed to reinforce mastery in weather, navigation, and approach procedures. You’ll also receive personal mentorship and detailed flight debriefs from your instructor.