Whats the difference between a private and instrument pilot?

Question

im 13 and interested which do you suggest? see my other questions about flying and answer them please!!!!

Answer 1

I just need to chime in here and say auto glide and Cessna 172 man have no clue what the h**l they are talking about and should (if they are reading this) never comment on this subject again.  I am not going to bother answering your question, because thom and john R have done that already, and done it quite beautifully I might add.  Stick to your dreams, good luck and I hope you make it one day.

Answer 2

The term "private pilot" refers to the type of license the pilot has, "instrument" is a rating attached to a license.   It's not a choice of one or the other.  You will have to have at least a private license to get the instrument rating.

    A private pilot  is not allowed to fly for profit.  A commercial pilot can fly for profit.  This is much like the difference between a regular drivers license and a chauffeurs license, or a commercial truck drivers license.

    An instrument rating can be earned for ether type of license.  Without an instrument rating, ether type of  pilot can only fly under visual flight rules (VFR).   Pilots flying VFR cannot enter the clouds, there must be at least 3 miles of visibility.  The bottom of the clouds must be high enough to allow you to maintain a safe altitude without entering the clouds.  . Commercial pilots without an instrument rating can not carry passengers farther than 50 mile from the departure airport.

Answer 3

I second Clydesda - says it all.

Answer 4

Almost as stated above me , you cannot choose between them , as a Private pilot you may fly in "good' weather which is classified as VFR weather minimums in the specific airspace. You generally fly a small , four sear single engine fixed gear piston aircraft for personal recreation. To fly for a living you must posses a Commercial certificate with and Instrument rating * which is an add-on rating to the Private certificate . If you have any other questions , email me.

Answer 5

A pilot with a private license flies by looking out and visually recognizing landmarks to know where he is.  An instrument rated pilot has received additional training to use the navigation instruments to determine his heading with out visual cues from the ground.  The airplane has to be properly equipped to perform this kind of flight.

If interested in aviation get Microsoft Flight Simulator.  It has training lessons you can take as if you were in a real plane.

Welcome to aviation!

Answer 6

i suggest instrument pilot.

Answer 7

Okay, for all you folks that are calling it a 'Pilot's License' - It's a CERTIFICATE.

The first step toward being a pilot is getting your Private Pilot Certificate.  You can then get an Instrument 'Rating' on it.

What the Instrument Rating allows you to do, is fly in less favorable weather conditions, and days with more clouds.  It also makes you a better pilot, primarily in terms of safety, since an Instrument Rated pilot (who is current) will generally be safer than a 'VFR' pilot.

You can get your Student pilot Certificate when you are 16.  You get it by passing your 3rd Class Medical exam.  You can train prior to that, but you cannot solo without your student pilot certificate.

You can get a Private Pilot Certificate when you are 17 years old, and have the 3rd class medical, passed your written exam (in the last twelve months), have the necessary flight hours (some dual, some solo, some night, and some instrument) and have passed the flight exam or 'Check Ride' as it is called with an FAA Examiner.

After getting your Private Pilot Certificate, you can add the Instrument Rating with additional training, passing an additional written exam, and passing an Instrument check ride.

If you'd like, you can usually find a flight instructor at a local airport that will be glad to answer your questions.  Get your Mom or dad to help you with that.  It's a lot of fun...

Good luck!