Instrument Rating vs Commercial Pilot
Should you do IR before CPL, or CPL before IR? Costs, FAA path strategy, and the smartest order for your career timeline.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Instrument Rating
Commercial Pilot License
Allows IFR
Yes
No (need IR)
Allows paid
No
Yes
Hours req
Add to PPL
250 total
Order in path
Step 2
Step 3
Pricing
Instrument Rating
$8-12k
Commercial Pilot License
$30-50k incremental from PPL
Pros & Cons
Instrument Rating
Pros
- +Allows IFR flight in IMC
- +Required for any pro career
- +Better safety / utility immediately
Cons
- –Doesn't allow you to be paid
- –Doesn't fulfill aeronautical experience for ATP alone
Commercial Pilot License
Pros
- +Allows you to be paid for flying
- +Required for all professional flying
- +Includes complex/high-perf endorsements
Cons
- –Requires 250 total hours
- –Doesn't allow IFR without IR
Best For
Instrument Rating
Add to PPL for any cross-country or career-track pilot
Commercial Pilot License
Final step before paid flying career
Our Verdict
Standard order: PPL → IR → CPL. The IR is foundational and many CPL maneuvers are easier with IR-trained discipline. Most US schools follow this order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip IR before CPL?
Technically yes, but you'll lose the multi/IFR/Commercial cost-stacking benefit. Almost all schools recommend IR → CPL order for both cost and safety reasons.
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