The RedTail Flight Academy, based at the New York Stewart International Airport, is an all-volunteer program that has impacted 861 youth to date through a diverse series of immersive aviation themed experiences and academic disciplines. RFA represents a major milestone towards furthering the organization’s goal of bringing more diversity to aviation, making world-class flight training accessible to young, aspiring minority aviators though scholarships funded by various industry and private endowments.
Our “Learn to Fly” course consists of approximately 70 hours of total on-site education – this satisfies the FAA requirements and provides you the training that you need. The majority of that time is going to be in a Cessna 172 aircraft + simulator and the rest is going to in the classroom.
What is an Instrument Rating?
Earning your Instrument Rating is the next logical step after earning your Private Pilot License. Flying with an Instrument Rating (IR)expands the flight territory in which a pilot can safely operate. You will learn how to safely fly in inclement weather and be licensed to do so. This is unlike the PPL, which operates under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The IR certification is supplementary to the Private Pilot or Commercial licenses. It qualifies the pilot to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Having this capability affords new opportunities personally and professionally. You must meet certain prerequisites to pursue your IR.
Instrument Rating Course Requirements
To be eligible to apply for your Instrument Rating Course, you must:
- Be at least 17 years old.
- Hold at least a current private pilot certificate.
- Read, speak, write, and understand English.
- Instrument Rating Course Overview
The Instrument Pilot Course is designed to teach pilots to operate aircraft in low-visibility environments, such as heavy cloud cover or heavy rain. The flight lessons in this course provide pilots with the knowledge to rely solely on instruments to navigate the aircraft in situations where they cannot rely on visual instincts.
As many pilots can attest, weather conditions do not always permit the sole reliance on visual flying tactics. This restricts the ability to fly on certain days. The Instrument Rating is essential for any pilot looking to improve flight safety. It is also the next step in the pursuit of a career in flying. Pilots without the rating are prevented from operating aircraft in certain weather conditions where visibility is greatly reduced. Therefore, this limits their maximum allowable altitude, restricts the ability to operate the aircraft at night, and more.
Holding an Instrument Rating also allows pilots the ability to operate under an IFR flight plan, which provides Air Traffic Control services not available to VFR pilots except upon special request. These include traffic advisories, airspace transitions, and vectors. When operating in high-volume airspace, these privileges are a significant advantage.
If you currently hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate (Airplane Single Engine Land) and are instrument rated, upon completion of your training and satisfactory check ride, you will hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate: Airplane Single &Multi-Engine Land with instrument privileges.
This course includes up to 8 hours of training in the Piper Seminole, the air plane rental for the check ride, the study materials, and ground instruction needed to complete the course.
Course Price: $ Examiners Fee: $
This is a 4 day training course.
If you currently hold a Private Pilot Certificate (AirplaneSingle Engine Land) and are instrument rated and do not hold a commercial pilot certificate, you can do the initial commercial in a single engine or multi engine aircraft. Upon completion of your training and satisfactory check ride, you will hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate: Airplane Multi Engine Land (or single engine land);
Prior to your training, you must pass the FAA Commercial Airplane knowledge exam.
This course fee includes 22 hours of training in the Piper Seminole (to meet the requirements of FAR 61.129 (B)), the airplane for the check ride, the study materials, and ground instruction needed to complete the course.
Course Price: $ Examiners Fee: $
Pictures of Redbird Simulator / Seminoles / C172
To Learn More About the Lee A Archer Jr. Youth Fying Program
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any program, mentoring or training question you might have. Click the button to request more information about the RedTail Flight Academy.
