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Instrument Rating
The Instrument Rating (IR) is single most largest aspect of your commercial flight training. You will learn how to operate an aircraft almost exclusively by reference to the instruments. It’s the longest and certainly the most challenging course.
Course Details
Single Engine IR
40 hours of instrument flight training in a single engine aircraft
Multi Engine IR
30 hours of instrument flight training in a single engine aircraft
15 hours of instrument flight training in a multi engine aircraft
An additional 10 hours of instrument flight training in a single engine aircraft is required if the candidate does not hold Basic Instrument Flight Certificate (BIFM).
About the course
The course is split into two sections; the Basic Instrument Flight Module and the Procedural Instrument Flight Module. As the name suggests, the Basic Instrument Flight Module teaches the fundamentals of how to fly with sole reference to the aircraft’s instruments. It also covers flying on partial panel, recovery from unusual attitudes and a small amount of radio navigation. This phase is not required if the candidate holds either a CPL or an IR(R).
The second module is the Procedural Instrument Flight Module. This section focuses on navigation by sole reference to the instruments using primarily ground based radio aids. This expands on what was taught in the previous phase allowing you to navigate to a different airport and fly a procedural or radar vectored approach. If the course is to be completed on a multi-engine aircraft there is also a small amount of asymmetric flying as well.
The Instrument Rating can technically be completed during the Hour Building phase. On paper this may look cheaper however the learning curve is incredibly steep. This can cause candidates to struggle with the test meaning further training may be required which makes it more expensive in the long run. It is for this reason that we suggest candidates complete the IR after completing the CPL.
For candidates that have previous Instrument experience we also offer the Competency Based Instrument Rating.
Pre-entry Requirements
Hold a PPL(A) or a CPL(A) or an ATPL in another aircraft category
Hold at least a class two medical
ICAO Level 4 English language proficiency
Completed all required theoretical knowledge examinations (FCL.615)
50 hours of cross-country flight as PIC of which at least 10 must be in aeroplanes
Have completed the pre-requisites for the issue of an MEP (land) class rating (ME IR only)