Includes course access for yourself with your Sporty's account immediately after checkout.

We'll ship you or the recipient of your choice an online activation code for this course. This physical gift packet includes one activation code and directions on redeeming the course.

We can email the recipient of your choice instant online access to the course. This is the easiest way to send someone else the course as a gift.

Instrument Rating Course - Online Ground School

In stock

SKU

E4200

$299.00

Ace your FAA written test, save money during flight lessons, and become a better IFR pilot with Sporty’s complete Instrument Rating Course.

Skip to the end of the images gallery

Skip to the beginning of the images gallery

2024 Edition Now Available!

This comprehensive course includes over 12 hours of HD video and animations that explain everything you need to know to earn your instrument rating and feel confident in the clouds. If you're pursuing your instrument rating, this course will help you ace your FAA written test and save money during flight training. For pilots getting back into IFR flying or preparing for an IPC, it will help you refresh your knowledge and become a safe and proficient Instrument pilot. With a comprehensive document library, convenient app options, and powerful test prep tools — it truly is aviation’s most complete IFR training course.

What's New:

New video segments: reorganized course structure and updated lessons, creating a building block approach to learning.
Powerful notes tool: organize your key takeaways in one place, and pin content from videos or documents for later review.
Windows tablet app: now you can use Sporty’s Pilot Training app for Android on your Windows device—perfect for studying on a Surface tablet.

Interactive exercises: go beyond videos with simulators and quizzes that allow you to adjust instruments, move an airplane on a map, and much more.
FAR bookmarking and study guides: streamline your studying of the Federal Aviation Regulations with time-saving tools for each certificate level.
In-course messaging: stay connected to your Sporty’s course, with contextual reminders and new content alerts.

What Hasn't Changed:

Free lifetime updates: get the latest features and content without paying a subscription; just log in and learn.
Guaranteed to pass all three tests: much more than just written test prep, Sporty’s course prepares you for the knowledge, oral, and flight tests.

Instant written test endorsement: once you’ve passed two practice tests, we’ll give you the flight instructor sign-off for the test.
Available on all your devices: study anywhere, anytime with Sporty’s convenient app options for iOS, Android, Mac, web browser, and smart TV.

Operate a Flight School? We can help.

Sporty's Learn to Fly Course provides a modern, comprehensive training solution for your flight school that is sure to increase enrollment and improve retention and performance.

Request a Quote

Dynamic in-flight video

laptop showcasing different features of course - HD flight meanuevers, Aircraft systems in 3d, New technology

Interactive Written Test Prep

laptop showcasing features of course - custom study sessions, test prep analytics, practice FAA tests

10 Reasons Why Pilots Prefer Sporty's Courses

Nine formats, one price. We know you’re busy, so our course is available almost anywhere. Use our online learning platform for complete access to videos and quizzes anywhere you have an internet connection. There’s no software to install – just log in and start learning. Or use our dedicated mobile apps for iPad, iPhone, Android, Apple TV, and Roku, which allow you to download videos for offline viewing. Progress automatically syncs between all formats so you can start a study session on your phone and finish on your laptop without missing a beat.
Get your written test endorsement. When you complete the course, we’ll give you the flight instructor endorsement to take the written test—instantly! You can take this endorsement to the FAA testing center, and log it in your ForeFlight logbook. It's complete preparation for the FAA Knowledge Test.
certificate
Pass all your tests—guaranteed! Our course is so complete we guarantee you’ll pass all three tests: the written, oral and flight. Our video segments make complicated subjects like aerodynamics and weather easy to understand, so you’ll impress the examiner. Plus, our Airman Certification Standards Study Guide cross-references every required task to the videos, making it easy to review for the checkride.
Dynamic in-flight video. Sporty’s courses are famous for their HD video and 3D animations. Not a boring ground school, we put you in the cockpit for a real world look at what flying is all about. You’ll see the flight maneuvers from the left seat, and you’ll hear actual communications with air traffic control. Plus, each video segment includes helpful review notes for efficient studying, and many also have review quizzes to reinforce key concepts.
27 fully-narrated HD maneuvers. In addition to the comprehensive video segments, Sporty’s Instrument Rating course also includes a detailed maneuvers guide. All 27 maneuvers you might be tested on are included, with a 3D animation of the maneuver, narrated procedures, common errors, and completion standards. It’s a great way to review for the checkride.
Powerful test prep tools. You’ll ace the written test with our interactive tools. Create customized study sessions from the actual FAA test questions and see the right and wrong answers, plus plain English explanations written by our team of CFIs. Detailed analytics show you which areas need the most help, and allow you to study only the questions you’ve missed. Then, take a practice test that simulates the real knowledge exam you'll have to pass.
Flight Instructor tracking. We make it easy for your instructor to follow your progress through the course, so you always stay in sync with your in-person lessons. Invite a CFI to see your practice test scores and review your video progress.
Ask a CFI. If you're stumped by a difficult subject, talk to the experienced flight instructors at Sporty's. We have a team of over 25 CFIs on staff at our flight school, training students every day just like you, so they can offer quick, helpful answers. Just click the Ask a CFI button to send a message.
Complete training syllabus. Research shows that pilots learn better when they use a high quality syllabus. We include a complete Training Course Outline as part of our course – the same one we use in our flight school. It includes detailed outlines for both ground and flight lessons. Think of it as a bridge between your at-home study and flight training.
Free lifetime updates. When you buy a Sporty's course, you're gaining access to a training platform that's always up to date and always improving. We are continually adding new video segments to reflect new regulations and technology. We also refresh our FAA test question database regularly, so you don't study outdated topics. There's no additional fee or subscription to receive these updates - just log in and learn!

More powerful features:

Download videos for offline viewing in the app or stream them with an internet connection.
Automatic progress sync between all formats.
Air Facts segments go beyond the textbook to make you a proficient pilot.
Review notes and quick quizzes after most videos help you review your progress.
Subtitled videos help students whose first language is not English.
Connect to your ForeFlight logbook to log your written test endorsement.
Earn FAA WINGS credit and save on your insurance.
Automatic updates mean you learn the latest information.

Platform Partners

ATTENTION FLIGHT SCHOOLS

Want to use Sporty's courses in your flight school? We can help! Sign up to be a Sporty's Dealer and enjoy attractive wholesale pricing on many Sporty's training products. Our courses are used in dozens of flight schools every day, from small Part 61 schools to large Part 141-approved schools, and can improve both customer satisfaction and completion rates. Contact Mark Wiesenhahn with questions.

Sporty's Pilot Training+

Want unlimited access to Sporty's courses plus free shipping and flight training scholarships? Join Sporty's Pilot Training+, an all-in-one membership program that includes access to our Learn to Fly Course, plus much more. Plans start at just $49/month. Click here for details

AVAILABLE ON ALL YOUR DEVICES, TRY FOR FREE:

Online Course using a web browser – Login here

iPhone/iPad in Sporty's Pilot Training app – Apple App Store

AppleTV app – 4th Generation AppleTV or newer

Android in Sporty's Pilot Training app – Google Play Store

RokuTV App – search for the Sporty's Pilot Training Channel on your Roku device

The instrument training experts

At Sporty’s, we pioneered weekend instrument ground schools over 50 years ago, traveling the country to teach pilots the keys to IFR flying in just 3 days. Today, we operate an active flight school at our home airport (I69) with over 100 flight students. This everyday practical experience with instrument students makes us uniquely qualified to offer the most complete, up-to-date training courses available. When you learn with Sporty’s, you’re learning from the best.

Train at Sporty's Academy

Ready to put that instrument knowledge to work? You can earn your instrument rating at the home of Sporty’s Pilot Shop in Cincinnati, Ohio. Train with the same instructional staff that brings you Sporty’s Complete Instrument Rating Course on DVD or online. Based at Clermont County Airport (I69), Sporty’s Flight Training Center offers accelerated instrument training in an impeccable fleet of well-equipped aircraft. SportysAcademy.com or email Fly@SportysAcademy.com

Accepted for FAA Wings Credit

Works with:

Avemco insurance company - safety rewards partner - this Sporty's course qualifies for a premium saving under Avemco Insurance Company's Safety Rewards Program

Real world training

Anyone can spend a weekend cramming and pass the FAA written test; safe IFR flying requires a whole lot more than just memorizing answers to a multiple choice test. Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course goes far beyond test prep, with real world video segments and pro tips for safer flying. We’ll help you pass that test—we guarantee it—but we’ll also teach you how to be a confident and polished instrument pilot.

10 reasons pilots prefer Sporty's courses:

1. Nine formats, one price

We know you’re busy, so our course is available almost anywhere. Use our online learning platform for complete access to videos and quizzes anywhere you have an internet connection. There’s no software to install – just log in and start learning. Or use our dedicated mobile apps for iPad, iPhone, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV, which allow you to download videos for offline viewing. Progress automatically syncs between all formats so you can start a study session on your phone and finish on your laptop without missing a beat.

2. Get your written test endorsement

When you complete the course, we’ll give you the flight instructor endorsement to take the written test—instantly! You can take this endorsement to the FAA testing center, and log it in your ForeFlight logbook. It's complete preparation for the FAA Knowledge Test.

3. Pass all your tests—guaranteed!

Our course is so complete we guarantee you’ll pass all three tests: the written, oral and flight. Our video segments make complicated subjects like aerodynamics and weather easy to understand, so you’ll impress the examiner. Plus, our Airman Certification Standards Study Guide cross-references every required task to the videos, making it easy to review for the checkride.

4. Dynamic in-flight video

Sporty’s courses are famous for their HD video and 3D animations. Not a boring ground school, we put you in the cockpit for a real world look at what flying is all about. You’ll see low instrument approaches from the left seat, and you’ll hear real world communications with air traffic control. Plus, each video segment includes helpful review notes for efficient studying, and many also have review quizzes to reinforce key concepts.

5. 27 fully-narrated HD maneuvers

In addition to the comprehensive video segments, Sporty’s Instrument Rating course also includes a detailed maneuvers guide. All 27 maneuvers you might be tested on are included, with a 3D animation of the maneuver, narrated procedures, common errors, and completion standards. It’s a great way to review for the checkride.

6. Powerful test prep tools

You’ll ace the written test with our interactive tools. Create customized study sessions from the actual FAA test questions and see the right and wrong answers, plus plain English explanations written by our team of CFIs. Detailed analytics show you which areas need the most help, and allow you to study only the questions you’ve missed. Then, take a practice test that simulates the real knowledge exam you'll have to pass.

7. Flight instructor tracking

We make it easy for your instructor to follow your progress through the course, so you always stay in sync with your in-person lessons. Invite a CFI to see your practice test scores and review your video progress.

8. Ask a CFI

If you're stumped by a difficult subject, talk to the experienced flight instructors at Sporty's. We have a team of over 25 CFIs on staff at our flight school, training students every day just like you, so they can offer quick, helpful answers. Just click the Ask a CFI button to send a message.

9. Complete training syllabus and ACS

Research shows that pilots learn better when they use a high quality syllabus. We include a complete Training Course Outline as part of our course – the same one we use in our flight school. It includes detailed outlines for both ground and flight lessons. Think of it as a bridge between your at-home study and flight training. Our course also includes the full text of the FAA’s Airman Certification Standards (ACS) - your guide to the checkride - and cross-references each task to the video segments.

10. Free lifetime updates

When you buy a Sporty's course, you're gaining access to a a training platform that's always up to date and always improving. We are continually adding new video segments to reflect new regulations and technology. We also refresh our FAA test question database regularly, so you don't study outdated topics. There's no additional fee or subscription to receive these updates - just log in and learn!