Why an instrument rating matters
As a VFR-only private pilot, a layer of clouds or a hazy afternoon can ground you — or worse, tempt you into conditions you're not trained for. An instrument rating removes that ceiling. You'll learn to interpret your instruments precisely, fly published approaches, hold, and navigate the IFR system with air traffic control. Most pilots describe it as the rating that made them truly competent.
What you will learn
- Attitude instrument flying — controlling the airplane by reference to instruments alone.
- IFR navigation, holds, and en-route procedures with ATC.
- Precision and non-precision approaches, including GPS/RNAV.
- Weather analysis, risk management, and real-world IFR decision-making.
Training is flown in our IFR-equipped Cessna 172, with a mix of actual and simulated instrument conditions — and the Salt Lake basin offers plenty of real weather to learn in.
The KSVR advantage for instrument students
Because South Valley Regional sits beneath Salt Lake Class Bravo and near multiple instrument approaches, you'll practice in exactly the kind of busy, structured airspace that builds confident IFR pilots. You finish ready to file and fly IFR into real airports, not just pass a test.