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Confused of when the instrument rating is required

Asked by: 2721 views FAA Regulations, Instrument Rating, Student Pilot

Hello, I've been studying for my exam and got stuck in the middle of this problem.

As far as I've searched for it, need instrument rating when under IMC or flying IFR. (61.3(e))

And what is confusing me is that I thought need the rating when flying in Class A (91.135) or flying SVFR at night (91.157), but the instructors in here say that is not correct.

Also I heard that need the rating when flying at the speed faster than subsonic/transonic. What is correct?

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1 Answers



  1. Kris Kortokrax on Oct 18, 2016

    91.135 does contain a provision for deviation authority. However, if you are in an airplane and want to fly in class A airspace you will not likely get a deviation from the requirement to conduct the flight under IFR (which would imply that you have an instrument rating and are current under 61.57 for instrument flight).

    91.157 (b)(4) is clear in that you need the instrument rating for night SVFR, unless you are flying a helicopter.

    There are some other examples of an instrument rating being required that are not related to instrument flight.

    61.55 (a)(2) requires that you have an instrument rating if you want to serve as an SIC in an aircraft that requires more than one pilot.

    61.133(b) contains a limitation stating that if you hold a Commercial Pilot certificate for airplanes or powered lift and no Instrument Rating, you may not carry passengers for hire on flights longer than 50 NM or at night.

    61.183(c)(2) requires that you hold an instrument rating on your pilot certificate, if you are applying for a Flight Instructor certificate with an Airplane, Powered Lift or Instrument rating.

    The instructors who are telling you that you are not correct, are not themselves correct.

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