Learn to Fly In the Clouds.
The third course in the Accelerated Pilot curriculum. Instrument rating preparation, for new candidates and returning pilots who need to rebuild their IFR proficiency.
From Private Pilot to instrument-rated.
The instrument rating is one of aviation's most demanding training programs — and one of its most valuable. It's the rating that lets you fly in clouds, handle marginal weather, and operate alongside commercial aviation in the IFR system.
Learn to Fly In the Clouds is built to deliver the deep practice that instrument training uniquely rewards. Where Private Pilot training happens mostly in visual conditions, instrument training is entirely about managing the aircraft by reference to instruments alone — and VR is arguably better suited to instrument practice than any other simulation environment.
Designed for both new instrument candidates and returning IFR pilots.
Pilots who hold a Private Pilot certificate and are pursuing their instrument rating for the first time. The course takes you from initial instrument scan development through checkride-ready IFR proficiency.
Pilots who already hold an instrument rating but haven't flown in instrument conditions recently. Instrument skills are notoriously perishable — and the insurance, currency, and safety consequences of rust are significant. The course offers a structured way to rebuild proficiency before returning to IFR flying.
Both audiences follow the same curriculum, but with different focus:
- New candidates work through the full sequence from scan development to simulated checkride performance
- Returning pilots can enter at any point based on their self-assessed proficiency gaps, with recommended starting points based on how long it's been since their last instrument flight
Four areas of focus.
The core competencies of instrument flight, built through deep practice in VR.
Instrument Scan and Aircraft Control
The foundational instrument scan patterns, control without outside visual reference, and the precision that instrument flight demands.
Instrument Approaches
ILS, VOR, GPS, RNAV, and non-precision approaches. Approach plate interpretation. Procedure turns, holding patterns, and missed approaches.
IFR Enroute and Departure
IFR flight planning, departure procedures, enroute navigation, airway systems, and the integration of ATC clearances throughout the flight.
IFR Decision-Making
Weather interpretation, approach-to-minimums decisions, go/no-go judgment, and the aeronautical decision-making that distinguishes safe IFR pilots.
Coaching delivered by CFII-qualified instructors.
Instrument coaching requires instructors certified as Instrument Flight Instructors (CFII). The In the Clouds Coached tier will be delivered by CFII-qualified Accelerated Pilot instructors.
The Coached tier will include Phase Checks at key points in the syllabus and the Instrument Rating Readiness Phase Check — the course's final evaluation of IFR proficiency. The Readiness Phase Check includes a ground review component that qualifies as FAA-loggable ground training under 14 CFR Part 61.
Full coaching structure and pricing will be announced at course launch.
Who this course is for.
In the Clouds is designed for pilots who already hold a Private Pilot certificate. For new instrument candidates, the course assumes the PPL aeronautical knowledge and basic flight proficiency.
For returning pilots, a current Private Pilot certificate (or at minimum, a currently-held medical certificate and valid biennial flight review) is the baseline — but the course content assumes you've already completed an instrument rating at some point. If you let your rating lapse but remember most of the ground material, this course will accelerate your return to proficiency.
Coming 2027.
In the Clouds is in early development. The syllabus structure is designed, and pre-production is underway on the video lessons and scenarios.
What to expect:
- Launch announcement with final pricing during 2027
- Waitlist members receive launch notifications and early access offers
- CFII recruitment and coaching team expansion will be announced ahead of launch
Be the first to know when In the Clouds launches.
Let us know whether you're a new instrument candidate or a returning IFR pilot — we'll tailor our communications to your path.