NOTICE: GCA will be raising rates effective August 1, 2021. New rates are reflected in the quotes below.
Privileges of an Instrument Rated Pilot
There is nothing more exhilarating than enjoying the incredible freedom that earning a private pilot certificate brings. Unfortunately, mother nature doesn’t always agree with your plans to go to the business meeting or vacation spot when you want. An instrument rating lets you fly even when the sky is not clear, day or night. Earn an instrument rating and you will not be impeded by cloudy skies!
| Privileges | Instrument Pilot Rating |
|---|---|
| Fly in the Daytime | Yes |
| Fly at Night | Yes |
| Fly Clear of Clouds | Yes |
| Fly in the Clouds | Yes |
| Can Take a Passenger | Yes |
| Can Take Multiple Passenger | Yes |
| Sport Pilot Aircraft | Yes |
| Single Engine Aircraft | Yes |
| Multiple Engine Aircraft | |
| Get Paid for Piloting | |
| Teach Others |
What GCA offers to your advantage:
- GCA is the only flight school in the State that offers Garmin G1000 equipped aircraft for instruction and rental.
- Picturesque Pontchartrain Lake and New Orleans Skyline.
- Conveniently located at the Lakefront Airport: a demanding yet relaxed airspace with high tolerance for students and new pilots.
- Location allows training (and instructor signoff) in Airspace Classification B, C, and D.
- A full motion simulator that allows a level of Emergency Procedures and System training that is typically not available at other schools.
Personal Requirements:
- Be 17 Years of Age
- Read, write, speak and understand English
- Hold a Medical Certificate
- Pass a FAA Private Pilot Written Test
- Pass a FAA Private Pilot Practical Test
Training Requirements (By MINIMUM FAA Standards):
In a Cessna 172 G1000 Skyhawk
Study Kit: $384
Dual: 21 Hours @ $176 / Hr (See Aircraft Page N2473Z)
Dual: 14 Hours @ $85 / Hr (See Aircraft Page NSIM)
Solo: Not required per Part 141 Curriculum
Instructor-Flight: 35 Hours @ $68 / Hr
Instructor-Ground: 35 Hours @ $68 / Hr
Total: $9,820
In a Cessna 172 Analog Skyhawk
Study Kit: $384
Dual: 21 Hours @ $160/ Hr (See Aircraft Page N65331)
Dual: 14 Hours @ $85 / Hr (See Aircraft Page NSIM)
Solo: Not required per Part 141 Curriculum
Instructor-Flight: 35 Hours @ $68 / Hr
Instructor-Ground: 35 Hours @ $68 / Hr
Total: $9,484
In a Cessna 172 Analog Skyhawk – AND with our Unlimited Flight Simulator Package
Study Kit: $384
Dual: 21 Hours @ $160/ Hr (See Aircraft Page N65331)
Dual: 14 Hours @ $500 Unlimited (See Aircraft Page NSIM)
Solo: Not required per Part 141 Curriculum
Instructor-Flight: 35 Hours @ $68 / Hr
Instructor-Ground: 35 Hours @ $68 / Hr
Total: $8,794
It is typical for private pilots to earn their instrument ratings as listed. However, this can vary depending on your proficiency and your ability to fly! The rule of thumb: Flying more often equates to faster progress. Gulf Coast Aviation offers a program ideal for both the career pilot and the life pilot.
You can read more about the detailed requirements and the privileges various licenses give you on the FAA’s Becoming a Pilot Web Page.
Please note that the cost above is for the course alone. Students will experience other charges prior to obtaining an instrument rating such as: renter’s insurance, headset purchase or rentals, written exam, medical, checkride fees, etc.
Our Curriculum
We train using the state-of-the-art, scenario-based training program that is exclusively available only to Cessna Pilot Centers. Produced by John and Martha King and their team, this multimedia, internet training program allows students to progress at their own pace and delivers amazing retention of information. The program makes excellent use of the building blocks of learning approach. First simple skills are taught. Then with each proceeding lesson those skills are reviewed and then combined to form more advanced skills. An efficient learning system is formed which will get you through your training with confidence and minimal expense.
While most schools offer a dedicated ground school class which covers course information separate from flight lessons, this program integrates each ground school lesson with its corresponding flight lesson. In addition, the program offers a video preview of each lesson so that the student already knows exactly what to expect before they start spending money in the airplane. This ensures the best allocation of time and money to move the student toward realizing the dream of flying. Cessna/King training programs are available for Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Multi-Engine Ratings. We welcome you to stop by to receive more information and a preview of the program.
Our Guarantee
We will provide you with the best flight training experience available. If at any time you do not feel that we are offering you the best training that you can receive, we will happily refund you all funds on account not yet used.
We will readily provide you with references from current and past students who have completed their rating in many less hours than the national average. Be sure you ask how many hours it takes students to complete ratings when shopping for flight training, and be sure that the school is able to provide you solid student references.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available through our partners at:
Liberty University
Pilot Finance
Please feel free to click on their respective links to learn more.