Fly in clouds, low visibility and IMC with confidence. CFTAR trains instrument pilots at Marco Island Executive Airport (KMKY), combining real IFR aircraft time with our Redbird G1000 simulator.
Instrument Rating
An instrument rating lets you fly in clouds, low visibility, and IMC. CFTAR's IFR program combines real aircraft time with our Redbird G1000 BATD simulator at Marco Island Executive Airport (KMKY). You'll train in our IFR-equipped Cessna 172s: N8926V with an Aspen Evolution glass display and Garmin GNS 650, and N12875 with a full instrument stack.
See our IFR-equipped aircraft
01
Ground Training
FAR/AIM IFR rules, instrument charts, weather interpretation, IFR flight planning, and approach procedures, covering everything tested on the FAA Instrument Rating knowledge exam.
02
Simulator Hours
CFTAR’s Redbird G1000 BATD logs FAA-approved instrument time. Practice ILS, RNAV, and VOR approaches, holds, and unusual attitude recovery at a fraction of aircraft cost.
03
Instrument Flight Training
Actual and simulated IMC flight time building proficiency in approaches, holds, en route IFR navigation, partial panel operations, and IFR cross-country flights.
04
Checkride Preparation
Oral exam prep covering ATC procedures, alternate airport planning, emergency declarations, and a supervised IFR cross-country flight before your practical test with an FAA examiner.
Common Questions
What are the prerequisites for an instrument rating?
You must hold at least a private pilot certificate, or be applying for one at the same time, and log 50 hours of cross-country time as pilot in command, at least 10 of them in an airplane (14 CFR 61.65). You can begin instrument training at any point; most students build the cross-country time as they go. You will pass the FAA instrument knowledge test before your practical test.
How many flight hours does the instrument rating require?
The FAA minimum is 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, including at least 15 hours with a CFII. Completion timelines vary, with proficiency and scheduling consistency the biggest factors.
Do Redbird simulator hours count toward my instrument rating?
Yes, within limits. Under 14 CFR 61.65(i) you may credit up to 10 hours of instrument time in a basic aviation training device toward the 40-hour instrument requirement, when an authorized instructor provides the training in an FAA-approved device. Our Redbird G1000 BATD bills at a lower hourly rate than the aircraft, so it is an efficient way to use that 10 hours.
Can I fly in actual IMC during instrument training?
Where the weather and the aircraft allow, your CFII may conduct part of your training in actual instrument conditions, with the instructor acting as pilot in command. How much actual IMC you see depends on conditions during your training, and it is not something we can schedule. Southwest Florida does give us frequent opportunities.
How long does it take to earn an instrument rating?
Timelines vary widely. Students flying two or three times a week often finish in a few months, while flying less often takes longer. How frequently you fly and how consistently you study are the biggest factors, so we will not predict an individual completion time. We will give you an honest estimate once we have flown with you.
Why train for IFR at Marco Island Executive Airport (KMKY)?
KMKY is a quiet, non-towered field, so you spend your time flying approaches instead of sequencing behind airline arrivals. You will fly the RNAV (GPS) approaches to Runways 17 and 35 here, then work ILS, VOR and other approach types at nearby airports, building genuine IFR competency rather than minimum-hour compliance. As at any non-towered field, IFR departures mean picking up a clearance by phone or radio and waiting for your release.
FAA-Approved Training Device
CFTAR operates an FAA-approved Redbird G1000 Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD), a full-panel simulator with realistic controls and avionics. Use it to practice instrument approaches, hold entries, unusual attitudes, and emergency procedures in a safe environment.
Marco Island Executive Airport (KMKY)
Contact CFTAR today to schedule an introductory flight or discuss a training program tailored to your goals and schedule.