Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 1
This syllabus was created in order to maintain a high level of positive training as well as meet the
minimum hours required by the Federal Aviation Regulations Part 61. There are four sections to
this syllabus; Instrument Fundamentals, Instrument Approach Procedures, IFR Cross-Country
and Checkride Preparation. This syllabus is designed under the assumption that the Pilot is a
fresh Private Pilot with no additional experience. Each section meets the minimum experience
requirements of the FAR Part 61. The sections are broken up below.
Section 1: Instrument Fundamentals
- Pilots will gain proficiency in flight training by grasping the fundamentals of flight in
simulated/actual instrument conditions and using those fundamentals to effectively use
navigational instruments.
- The amount of hours acquired at this stage is broken down below
Total FT Dual Solo Instrument Cross-Country Night Ground
28.4 18.4 10.0 10.1 14.0 0.0 10.4
Section 2: Instrument Approach Procedures
- Pilots will gain proficiency flying instrument approach procedures using the Pi Aero
Management Instrument Procedures Manual. This Section is completed when the Pilot is
able to communicate effectively with ATC, properly set up the instrument approach, and
fly the instrument approach without full-scale deflection, +/-200 feet of altitude variation,
and +/-15kts of recommended approach speed during the approach.
- The amount of hours acquired at this stage is broken down below
Total FT Dual Solo Instrument Cross-Country Night Ground
16.9 11.9 5.0 10.5 5.0 0.0 5.0
Section 3: IFR Cross-Country
- Pilots will be introduced to the fundamentals and essential elements of IFR Cross-
Country planning. Pilots will be able to master the fundamentals of IFR Cross-Country
planning, emergency procedures, lost communication procedures, and applicable
regulations.
- The amount of hours acquired at this stage is broken down below
Total FT Dual Solo Instrument Cross-Country Night Ground
25.0 15.0 10.0 13.9 25.0 0.0 8.0
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 2
Section 4: Checkride Preparation
- Pilots will be preparing for the Instrument Rating Checkride. This section will be
complete when the Pilot is able to complete all maneuvers outlined in the Instrument
Rating Practical Test Standards within the limitations outlined in the Instrument Rating
Practical Test Standards.
- The amount of hours acquired at this stage is broken down below
Total FT Dual Solo Instrument Cross-Country Night Ground
12.2 6.7 6.0 5.5 6.0 0.0 8.1
Instrument Pilot Syllabus Totals
Total FT Dual Solo Instrument Cross-Country Night Ground
82.5 52.0 31.0 40.0 50.0 0.0 31.5
Total FT Cessna
172
Cessna
152
82.5 49.4 33.1
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 3
Section 1: Instrument Fundamentals
- 18.4 Dual, 10.0 Solo, 4.0 Dual XC, 10.0 Solo XC, 10.1 Instrument, 10.4 Ground
Lesson 1 (1.0 Ground, 1.3 Flight, 1.0 Instrument) Cessna 152
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
Pilot Qualifications Unusual Attitudes
Flight Instruments
Instrument Scanning
Instrument Cockpit Check
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
Instrument Cockpit Check Unusual Attitudes
Straight and Level
Constant Speed Climbs
Constant Speed Descents
Constant Rate Climbs
Constant Rate Descents
Constant Rate Turns
Standard Rate Turns
Pattern A
Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Lesson 2 (1.0 Ground, 2.0 Flight) Cessna 152
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
VFR Cross-Country Procedures
Airspace
Weather
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
Cross-Country Procedures
Emergency Procedures
Non-Towered Airport Operations
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 4
Lesson 3 (0.5 Ground, 1.3 Flight, 1.0 Instrument) Cessna 152
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
Instrument Errors Pilot Qualifications
Pattern B Flight Instruments
Pattern C Instrument Scanning
Partial Panel Procedure (PP) Instrument Cockpit Check
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
Timed Turns to Headings Instrument Cockpit Check Unusual Atttiudes
Steep Turns Straight and Level
Pattern B Constant Speed Climbs
Pattern C Constant Speed Descents
PP: Straight and Level Constant Rate Climbs
PP: Constant Rate Climbs Constant Rate Descents
PP: Constant Rate Descents Constant Rate Turns
PP: Timed Turns Standard Rate Turns
PP: Pattern A Pattern A
Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Lesson 4 (0.5 Ground, 2.0 Flight) Cessna 152
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
VFR Cross-Country Procedures
Airspace
Weather
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
VFR Cross-Country Procedures
Emergency Procedures
Towered Airport Operations
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 5
Lesson 5 (0.5 Ground, 1.5 Flight, 1.3 Instrument) Cessna 152
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
VOR Navigation Instrument Scanning Pilot Qualifications
Intercepting and Tracking Instrument Cockpit Check Flight Instruments
Instrument Errors Unusual Attitudes
Partial Panel Procedure (PP)
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
VOR Orientation Instrument Cockpit Check Unusual Attitudes
VOR Tracking Pattern A
Intercepting and Tracking Pattern B
PP: Pattern B Pattern C
PP: Pattern C PP: Straight and Level
PP: Constant Rate Climbs
PP: Constant Rate Descents
PP: Timed Turns
PP: Pattern A
Steep Turns
Timed Turns to Headings
Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Lesson 6 (2.5 Solo XC) Cessna 152
Lesson 7 (2.5 Solo XC) Cessna 152
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 6
Lesson 8 (1.0 Ground, 1.5 Flight, 0.6 Instrument) Cessna 172 Transition Training
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
Cessna 172 Systems VOR Navigation
Cessna 172 Navigation Eq. Intercepting and Tracking
Cessna 172 Cockpit Check
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
Cessna 172 Characteristics VOR Orientation
Cessna 172 Speeds VOR Tracking
Cessna 172 Stalls Intercepting and Tracking
Cessna 172 ICC (Checks) Timed Turns to Headings
Normal Takeoff and Landing
Go-Around
Lesson 9 (0.5 Ground, 1.5 Flight, 1.3 Instrument) Cessna 172
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
DME Using GPS VOR Navigation Pilot Qualifications
DME Arcs Intercepting and Tracking Flight Instruments and Errors
Instrument Cockpit Check
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
GPS Operations VOR Orientation Instrument Cockpit Check
DME Using GPS VOR Tracking Pattern A
DME Arcs Intercepting and Tracking Pattern B
Timed Turns to Headings Pattern C
Steep Turns
Unusual Attitudes
Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 7
Lesson 10 (0.5 Ground, 1.5 Flight, 1.3 Instrument) Cessna 172
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
Pattern D VOR Navigation
Intercepting and Tracking
DME Using GPS
DME Arcs
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
Pattern D VOR Orientation Instrument Cockpit Check
VOR Tracking Pattern A
Intercepting and Tracking Pattern B
Timed Turns to Headings Pattern C
GPS Operations Steep Turns
DME Using GPS Unusual Attitudes
DME Arcs Post-Flight Cockpit Check
PP: Straight and Level
PP: Constant Rate Climbs
PP: Constant Rate Descents
PP: Timed Turns to MH
PP: Pattern A
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 8
Lesson 11 (0.7 Ground, 1.3 Flight, 1.0 Instrument) Cessna 172
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
Holding Procedures VOR Navigation Partial Panel Procedure (PP)
Pattern E Intercepting and Tracking
DME Using GPS
DME Arcs
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
Pattern E Pattern D Instrument Cockpit Check
Holding Procedures PP: Straight and Level VOR Navigation
PP: Constant Rate Climbs VOR Intercepting and Tracking
PP: Constant Rate Descents DME Arcs
PP: Timed Turns Steep Turns
PP: Pattern A Unusual Attitudes
PP: Pattern B Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Lesson 12 (2.5 Ground)
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
Weather Information Holding Procedures Pilot Qualifications
Navigation Equipment Flight Instruments and Errors
Anti/De-Icing Equipment Instrument Cockpit Check
VOR Navigation
DME Arcs
Lesson 13 (2.5 Solo XC) Cessna 152
Lesson 14 (2.5 Solo XC) Cessna 152
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 9
Lesson 15 (0.7 Ground, 1.3 Flight, 1.0 Instrument) Cessna 172
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
Pattern I Weather Information Holding Procedures
Navigation Equipment Instrument Cockpit Check
Anti/De-Icing Equipment VOR Navigation
DME Arcs
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
Pattern I Holding Procedures Instrument Cockpit Check
Pattern E VOR Intercepting and Tracking
DME Arcs
Steep Turns
Unusual Attitudes
Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Lesson 16 (1.5 Flight, 1.3 Instrument) Cessna 172
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
Instrument Cockpit Check
VOR Intercepting and Tracking
DME Arcs
Steep Turns
Holding Procedures
Unusual Attitudes
PP: Straight and Level
PP: Constant Rate Climbs
PP: Constant Rate Descents
PP: Timed Turns
Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 10
Section 2: Instrument Approach Procedures
- 11.9 Dual, 5.0 Solo, 0.0 Dual XC, 5.0 Solo XC, 10.5 Instrument, 5.0 Ground
Lesson 17 (2.5 Solo XC) Cessna 152
Lesson 18 (2.5 Solo XC) Cessna 152
Lesson 19 (1.0 Ground, 1.7 Flight, 1.5 Instrument) Cessna 172
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
Non-Precision IAP Holding Procedures
Missed Approach Procedures Instrument Cockpit Check
Landing From a Straight-in Approach Navigation Equipment
Circle to Land Approach
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
VOR Approach Instrument Cockpit Check
RNAV (GPS) Approach VOR Intercepting and Tracking
Localizer Approach DME Arcs
Missed Approach Holding Procedures
Landing from a Straight-in Unusual Attitudes
Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 11
Lesson 20 (1.0 Ground, 1.7 Flight, 1.5 Instrument) Cessna 172
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
Precision IAP Non-Precision IAP Holding Procedures
Missed Approach Procedures Instrument Cockpit Check
Landing From a Straight-in Approach Navigation Equipment
Circle to Land Approach
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
ILS Approach Missed Approach Instrument Cockpit Check
VOR Approach Landing from a Straight-in VOR Intercepting and Tracking
RNAV (GPS) Approach DME Arcs
Localizer Approach Holding Procedures
Circling from an approach Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Lesson 21 (0.5 Ground, 1.7 Flight, 1.5 Instrument) Cessna 172
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
Precision IAP Pilot Qualifications
Non-Precision IAP Holding Procedures
Missed Approach Procedures Instrument Cockpit Check
Landing From a Straight-in Approach Navigation Equipment
Circle to Land Approach Flight Instruments
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
ILS Approach Missed Approach Instrument Cockpit Check
VOR Approach Landing from a Straight-in VOR Intercepting and Tracking
RNAV (GPS) Approach DME Arcs
Localizer Approach Holding Procedures
Circling from an approach Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 12
Lesson 22 (0.5 Ground, 1.7 Flight, 1.5 Instrument) Cessna 172
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
Partial Panel IAP Precision IAP Pilot Qualifications
Non-Precision IAP Holding Procedures
Missed Approach Procedures Instrument Cockpit Check
Landing From a Straight-in Approach Navigation Equipment
Circle to Land Approach Flight Instruments
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
PP: VOR Approach ILS Approach Instrument Cockpit Check
PP: Localizer Approach VOR Approach VOR Intercepting and Tracking
RNAV (GPS) Approach DME Arcs
Localizer Approach Holding Procedures
Missed Approach Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Landing from a Straight-in
Circling from an approach
Lesson 23 (0.5 Ground, 1.7 Flight, 1.5 Instrument) Cessna 172
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
Partial Panel IAP Non-Precision IAP
Precision IAP Missed Approach Procedures
Landing From a Straight-in Approach
Circle to Land Approach
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
PP: VOR Approach ILS Approach Instrument Cockpit Check
PP: Localizer Approach VOR Approach VOR Intercepting and Tracking
RNAV (GPS) Approach DME Arcs
Localizer Approach Holding Procedures
Missed Approach Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Landing from a Straight-in
Circling from an approach
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 13
Lesson 24 (0.5 Ground, 1.7 Flight, 1.5 Instrument) Cessna 172
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
Partial Panel IAP
Precision IAP
Non-Precision IAP
Missed Approach Procedures
Landing From a Straight-in Approach
Circle to Land Approach
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
PP: VOR Approach Instrument Cockpit Check
PP: Localizer Approach VOR Approach
ILS Approach Missed Approach
RNAV (GPS) Approach Landing from a Straight-in
Localizer Approach Circling from an approach
Holding Procedures
Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 14
Lesson 25 (1.0 Ground, 1.7 Flight, 1.5 Instrument) Cessna 172
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
Weather Information Pilot Qualifications
Anti/De-Icing Equipment Flight Instrument
Navigational Equipment
Partial Panel IAP
Precision IAP
Non-Precision IAP
Missed Approach Procedures
Landing From a Straight-in Approach
Circle to Land Approach
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
Instrument Cockpit Check
DME Arcs
Unusual Attitudes
PP: VOR Approach
PP: Localizer Approach
ILS Approach
RNAV (GPS) Approach
Localizer Approach
Instrument Cockpit Check
VOR Approach
Missed Approach
Landing from a Straight-in
Circling from an approach
Holding Procedures
Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 15
Section 3: IFR Cross-Country
- 15.0 Dual, 10.0 Solo, 15.0 Dual XC, 10.0 Solo XC, 13.9 Instrument, 8.0 Ground
Lesson 26 & 27 (2.5 Solo XC) Cessna 152
Lesson 28 (3.5 Ground)
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
IFR Publications Weather Information
IFR Clearances Navigational Equipment
DPs, SIDs
En Route Procedures
Arrival Procedures
Approach Procedures
Lost Communication
IFR Nav Logs
Emergency Operations
Lesson 29 (1.0 Ground, 2.5 Flight, 2.5 Dual XC, 2.3 Instrument) Cessna 172
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
IFR Publications Weather Information
IFR Clearances Navigational Equipment
DPs, SIDs
En Route Procedures
Arrival Procedures
Approach Procedures
Lost Communication
IFR Nav Logs
Emergency Operations
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
Obtaining a Clearance Radar Vectors Instrument Cockpit Check
IFR XC Procedures Intercepting and Tracking ILS Approach
Lost Communication Proc. GPS Navigation VOR/LOC/RNAV Approach
VOR Navigation Landing from a Straight-in
Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 16
Lesson 30 (1.0 Ground, 2.5 Flight, 2.5 Dual XC, 2.3 Instrument) Cessna 172
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
IFR Publications IFR Nav Logs
IFR Clearances Weather Information
DPs, SIDs Navigational Equipment
En Route Procedures
Arrival Procedures
Approach Procedures
Lost Communication
Emergency Operations
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
Obtaining a Clearance Instrument Cockpit Check
IFR XC Procedures ILS Approach
Lost Communication Proc. VOR/LOC/RNAV Approach
Radar Vectors Landing from a Straight-in
Intercepting and Tracking Post-Flight Cockpit Check
GPS Navigation
VOR Navigation
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 17
Lesson 31 (0.5 Ground, 2.5 Flight, 2.5 Dual XC, 2.3 Instrument) Cessna 172
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
IFR Publications
IFR Clearances
DPs, SIDs
En Route Procedures
Arrival Procedures
Approach Procedures
Lost Communication
Emergency Operations
IFR Nav Logs
Weather Information
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
Obtaining a Clearance
IFR XC Procedures
Lost Communication Proc.
Radar Vectors
Intercepting and Tracking
GPS Navigation
VOR Navigation
Instrument Cockpit Check
ILS Approach
VOR/LOC/RNAV Approach
Landing from a Straight-in
Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Lesson 32 (2.5 Solo XC) Cessna 152
Lesson 33 (2.5 Solo XC) Cessna 152
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 18
Lesson 34 (0.5 Ground, 3.0 Flight, 3.0 Dual XC, 2.7 Instrument) Cessna 172
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
IFR Publications
IFR Clearances
DPs, SIDs
En Route Procedures
Arrival Procedures
Approach Procedures
Lost Communication
Emergency Operations
IFR Nav Logs
Weather Information
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
Obtaining a Clearance
IFR XC Procedures
Lost Communication Proc.
Radar Vectors
Intercepting and Tracking
GPS Navigation
VOR Navigation
Instrument Cockpit Check
ILS Approach
VOR/LOC/RNAV Approach
Landing from a Straight-in
Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 19
Lesson 35 (1.0 Ground, 4.5 Flight, 4.5 Dual XC, 4.2 Instrument) Cessna 172
** Must meet regulatory requirements of 14 CFR 61.65 (d) (ii) (A-C) **
A flight of 250NM along airways or by directed routing from an air traffic control facility;
An instrument approach at each airport; and Three different instrument approaches with
the use of navigation systems.
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
IFR Publications
IFR Clearances
DPs, SIDs
En Route Procedures
Arrival Procedures
Approach Procedures
Lost Communication
Emergency Operations
IFR Nav Logs
Weather Information
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
Obtaining a Clearance
IFR XC Procedures
Lost Communication Proc.
Radar Vectors
Intercepting and Tracking
GPS Navigation
VOR Navigation
Instrument Cockpit Check
ILS Approach
VOR/LOC/RNAV Approach
Landing from a Straight-in
Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 20
Section 4: Checkride Preparation
***Ensure Written Exam Complete Prior to Beginning***
- 6.7 Dual, 6.0 Solo, 0.0 Dual XC, 6.0 Solo XC, 5.5 Instrument, 8.1 Ground
Lesson 36 (3.0 Solo XC) Cessna 172
Lesson 37 (3.0 Solo XC) Cessna 172
Lesson 39 (3.0 Ground)
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
IACRA Pilot Qualifications
Practical Test Standards Weather Information
Cross-Country Flight Planning
Aircraft Systems Related to IFR
Flight Instruments
Navigation Equipment
Instrument Cockpit Check
ATC Clearances
Compliance with Departure, En Route,
and Arrival Procedures and Clearances
Lesson 40 (0.3 Ground, 1.7 Flight, 1.5 Instrument) Cessna 172
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
Instrument Cockpit Check
DME Arcs
Unusual Attitudes
PP: VOR Approach
PP: Localizer Approach
ILS Approach
RNAV (GPS) Approach
Localizer Approach
VOR Approach
Missed Approach
Landing from a Straight-in
Circling from an approach
Holding Procedures
Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 21
Lesson 41 (0.3 Ground, 1.3 Flight, 1.0 Instrument) Cessna 172
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
Instrument Cockpit Check
DME Arcs
Unusual Attitudes
PP: VOR/LOC Approach
ILS Approach
Missed Approach
Landing from a Straight-in
Circling from an approach
Holding Procedures
Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 22
Lesson 42 (1.5 Ground, 1.7 Flight, 1.5 Instrument) Cessna 172
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
Pilot Qualifications
Weather Information
Cross-Country Flight Planning
Aircraft Systems Related to IFR
Flight Instruments
Navigation Equipment
Instrument Cockpit Check
ATC Clearances
Compliance with Departure, En Route,
and Arrival Procedures and Clearances
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
Instrument Cockpit Check
DME Arcs
Unusual Attitudes
PP: VOR Approach
PP: Localizer Approach
ILS Approach
RNAV (GPS) Approach
Localizer Approach
VOR Approach
Missed Approach
Landing from a Straight-in
Circling from an approach
Holding Procedures
Post-Flight Cockpit Check
Pi Aero Instrument Rating Syllabus
Revision January 2016 Page 23
Lesson 43 (3.0 Ground, 2.0 Flight, 1.7 Instrument) Cessna 172
Ground
Introduce Review Evaluate
Pilot Qualifications
Weather Information
Cross-Country Flight Planning
Aircraft Systems Related to IFR
Flight Instruments
Navigation Equipment
Instrument Cockpit Check
ATC Clearances
Compliance with Departure, En Route,
and Arrival Procedures and Clearances
Flight
Introduce Review Evaluate
Instrument Cockpit Check
DME Arcs
Unusual Attitudes
PP: VOR Approach
PP: Localizer Approach
ILS Approach
RNAV (GPS) Approach
Localizer Approach
VOR Approach
Missed Approach
Landing from a Straight-in
Circling from an approach
Holding Procedures
Lost Communications
Post-Flight Cockpit Check
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