Instrument Rating

Ready to Fly in All Weather

An Instrument Rating is essential for anyone looking to pursue a career in aviation and will allow you to fly into a wider variety of weather conditions under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), refine your ability to use the flight instruments, and enable you to fully utilize the National Airspace System. It is the next logical step after receiving your Private Pilot License.

Program Requirements

In order to start training for your Instrument Rating, you will need to obtain your Private Pilot’s License (PPL).

students in classroom

Chart Your Own Course

An Instrument Rating will allow you to handle a wider range of weather conditions than pilots operating under Visual Flight Rules. From thick cloud cover to fog or heavy rain, an Instrument Rating will help you to become a safer pilot. And it’s not just about taking off into clouds just because you can – it’s about knowing when it’s safe to fly and helping you to better understand risk. An Instrument Rating will allow you to make more informed decisions when the weather is questionable.

Get ready for an exciting life in the skies

Flying With Sierra Charlie

Full preparation for a career in Aviation

Customized support from Certified Flight Instructors

More in-the-sky time than other flight schools

Don’t Just Take Our Word for It

Andrew P

Andrew P

Scottsdale, AZ

“The instructors are smart, friendly and patient. The students at the school seem happy to be there and are very positive, which is refreshing. And the aircraft (C172’s) are top-notch. That was one of the big selling points for me. Safe, newer and well-taken care of airplanes.”

Garth S

Garth S

Chandler, AZ

“Sierra Charlie Aviation is a top notch flight school. Excellent instructors, excellent planes (and plenty of them), and a friendly, professional, supportive culture in which to learn.”

Patrick N

Patrick N

Scottsdale, AZ

“From my first interaction with Sierra Charlie, they have been a dream to work with! Luke reached out first after I emailed about the Multi-Engine Add-On, very easy to talk to and very helpful.”

David O

David O

Scottsdale, AZ

“Unlike other places, their planes are brand new and have the Garmin G1000 cockpit. So if you’re looking for flight lessons or a flight school in Phoenix or Scottsdale, I highly recommend Sierra Charlie Aviation.”

Melissa B

Melissa B

Scottsdale, AZ

“After spending a lot of time researching all of the flight schools in Arizona and Texas, I’m so glad I chose Sierra Charlie Aviation. The owner of the flight school, Scott, has an excellent team of experienced flight instructors with an evident passion for flying!”

Bricen B

Bricen B

Scottsdale , AZ

“I started my flight training at Sierra Charlie Aviation in January. […]They have all brand new C172S models with g1000s, a student pilot’s dream. Although the aviator program was rigorous the training I received was impeccable. Witnessing it firsthand, I can agree that the culture is different and it is by far the best school I have ever attended! 10/10”

Alexis P

Alexis P

Scottsdale, AZ

“Best flight school ever! After doing a few discovery flights at schools throughout the valley, I am so happy I went with Sierra Charlie!”

Madilyn R

Madilyn R

Scottsdale, AZ

“Sierra Charlie Aviation is a 10/10 would recommend flight school! I called them to ask about what career program they had available and as luck would have it they were launching their Aviator Program! Joe, the VP offered a tour same day.”