The Instrument Rating Simply stated, learning to fly by reference to instruments will make you a better pilot. Although the Robinson helicopter is not certified to fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the skills you learn during your training can be applied to everyday flying and in the helicopters you may fly later in your career. Many employers require an instrument rating because instrument pilots are safer pilots. Private pilots who are working towards their commercial certificate are encouraged to take this course concurrently because it will save both time and money. You must possess either a private or commercial helicopter pilot certificate, meet the SFAR 73 requirements, and be endorsed to act as pilot in command of the Robinson R22 to enroll in the Instrument course. 40 hours of dual instruction are required for the initial instrument rating. If you have an airplane instrument rating, the add-on helicopter instrument rating requires a minimum of 15 hours of dual instruction. IFR Dual Instruction $260 per hour Ground Instruction $40 per hour Estimated Cost $13,000 This estimate includes flight hours, ground school, materials, and testing fees that you might expect to spend while obtaining the instrument rating.