The Basic Instrument Rating (BIR) is a modern and flexible rating developed specifically for general aviation. It offers pilots the opportunity to acquire basic IFR skills without having to fulfil the comprehensive requirements of a full instrument rating (IR). The BIR was introduced by EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) to facilitate access to instrument ratings while ensuring high safety standards.
It can be said that in a way it replaces the former "Enroute IR", which authorised cross-country flights according to IFR rules, but not IFR approaches or departures.
The BIR, on the other hand, does allow IFR arrivals and departures, although higher minima are prescribed here than for CB-IR, for example.
However, the BIR is purely an EASA authorisation and not an ICAO authorisation. You can therefore only fly with a BIR rating in the EASA area according to instrument flight rules, but not in the entire ICAO area. Validation or conversion to an FAA licence (see the corresponding articles in the Pilot Hub) is also not possible with the BIR.
However, the BIR rating can also be "upgraded" at a later date, e.g. to a competency-based IR, which we will discuss later.
Fundamentals of the Basic Instrument Rating
The BIR enables pilots to operate under instrument flight rules (IFR). This authorisation is specifically designed to reduce entry barriers and offer practical training that meets the individual needs of pilots in general aviation. The modular structure of the BIR allows for flexible training that can be easily integrated into the everyday life of recreational pilots.
Requirements for obtaining the BIR
The requirements for the Basic Instrument Rating are designed in such a way that they are accessible to a broad target group.
Requirements for obtaining the BIR
The requirements for the Basic Instrument Rating are designed in such a way that they are accessible to a broad target group.
Licence requirements
In contrast to the other instrument ratings, no minimum hours are required to start the training. You only need a PPL (A) licence (or a higher rating such as CPL) and can start the Basic IR training immediately after obtaining the licence.
Medical requirements
Proof of a valid class 2 medical fitness certificate with IR-specific requirements is required.
Modular structure of the BIR
The BIR is divided into four modules, which can be completed separately. Each module covers specific aspects of instrument flying and allows the training to be organised flexibly.
The theoretical training should be customised by the flight school and no minimum hours are actually prescribed. As a rule, however, you will find that this is congruent with the CB-IR training (many flight schools are currently still making it easy for themselves here) and thus comprises 80 hours of instruction in a flight school (some of which can also take place as a distance learning course). However, the theoretical examination and also the practical training and examination are then cut according to the modules listed below.
In contrast to the other IR ratings, no fixed minimum hours are specified for practical training. The duration of the training is then determined individually by the flight school, depending on the student's level of training and competence.
In addition to theory and practical training
- The ICAO language level for English must be at least level 4 (see also our article in the Pilot Hub)
- The general radiotelephony certificate (AZF) must be passed, which is specifically designed for IFR flights. We go into this in detail in a separate article.
Module 1: Basics of instrument flying
Module 1 is about teaching the basic knowledge and skills for flying under IFR conditions. You must always start with this module, as this is where the basics are taught. The subsequent combination of modules can then be determined individually.
This is about things like
- Flight preparation, charts, performance calculations, take-off and landing distance calculations
- IFR Taxi Procedures
- Flight under instrument conditions, airwork in IFR
- Communication with ATC
- Recovery from "unusual attitudes", step turns, stall and stall recovery
Emergency situations
Module 2: Approach and departure procedures
This is about learning standard procedures for take-offs, approaches and landings under IFR conditions.
Contents are exemplary:
- Consideration of weather minima for take-off and landing
- Take-off under IFR, Departure Procedures
- Holdings
- 3D Approaches, Arrival Procedures, Descend, Approach, Landing, Missed Approach
- 2D Approaches, Arrival Procedures, Descend, Approach, Landing, Missed Approach
- Communication with ATC
Module 3: Cruise flight
Module 3 includes learning IFR cruise flight procedures without approach and departure.
This is about:
- En-route IFR procedure
- Preparation and update flight plan
- Weather preparation
- Cutting courses
- Radio navigation
- Ongoing monitoring
- Behaviour in the event of icing
Communication with ATC
Module 4: Multi-engine aircraft
Module 4 is optional and concerns IR training for twin-engine aeroplanes.
This is essentially about training in the event of an engine failure in the various flight situations.
Recognition of experience
If the pilot already holds another instrument rating or has completed similar training, this can be partially or fully recognised. Relevant documents, such as certificates of passed examinations or completed training courses, must be presented. This applies specifically to the theory:
If you have already successfully passed the theory test for the following subjects as part of your CPL training, you do not need to take them again for the BIR: Human performance, meteorology and IFR communication (radiotelephony procedures)
Final examinations
Theory test
The theoretical examination must be taken at the Federal Aviation Office. You can either take these individually for each module (and thus orientate the entire training, including the examinations, to the modules) or you can take one examination for all modules.
You have 18 months from the first examination date to complete the entire examination.
Practical examination
The test is carried out by an authorised examiner. Scenarios from the relevant modules are tested, e.g. a standard approach or an emergency under IFR conditions.
Radiotelephony
The AZF test must be passed successfully.
Details on the exams can be found in the corresponding articles in the Academy.
Rights, restrictions and extensions of the BIR
Rights
The modular training enables you to acquire the knowledge step by step. In total, you will be authorised to fly en-route (Module 3) and for approaches and departures according to IFR rules (Module 2).
If you still have module 4, you are also authorised to fly twin-engine aircraft under IFR.
Restrictions
The BIR is not ICAO-compliant and may therefore only be exercised in EASA countries.
It is less comprehensive than a full IR. Therefore, there are some limitations compared to the CB-IR:
- There are increased weather minima for a take-off (minimum ground visibility 1500 metres; cloud base for take-offs of at least 600 feet)
- There are increased weather minima for the approach (minimum ground visibility 1500 metres; cloud base for landings of at least 600 feet, or the minimum of the approach - whichever is higher)
- The decision altitude for IFR approaches is higher (+ 200 feet above the published minima for CAT 1 IFR)
High performance aircraft may not be flown with a BIR, nor may multi-pilot aircraft, i.e. aircraft that require a 2-person crew. Commercial flights are also not permitted with the BIR.
Extensions
Once you have gained 50 hours of flight experience as PIC under IFR, the BIR can be upgraded to a Competency-Based IR. This "only" requires a theoretical post-test at the flight school (as you have already passed the actual test with the authorities) and a practical test with an examiner. A new flight training is not necessary here.
If you want to exercise the BIR authorisation at night, a night rating is required, which is described elsewhere in the Academy.
Extension and maintenance of the BIR
The BIR is valid for 12 months and can be extended within the three months before the rating expires. However, if the extension is made before these three months, the date of the extension becomes the new expiry date.
1. extension (revalidation)
The extension can take place:
- Through a flight with an appropriately certified examiner (proficiency check) or
- By a practice flight of one hour with an IR flight instructor, whereby this is only possible if at least 6 hours of IFR flight experience as PIC have been gained in the 12 months prior to the expiry of the rating, including 3 completed instrument approaches. However, this type of revalidation is only permitted every 2nd year
2. renewal after expiry:
After expiry of the validity, a competence check and, if necessary, refresher training must be carried out at a flight school or - if the BIR expired 3 years ago or less - by a flight instructor with the appropriate authorisation. In addition, a proficiency check must then be successfully completed.
Advantages of the Basic Instrument Rating
- Flexibility:
- Thanks to the modular structure, the training can be customised and adapted to your own schedule.
- Affordability:
- The costs are lower compared to a fully-fledged instrument rating.
- Practice-orientated:
- The training focusses on practical skills that are relevant for recreational pilots.
Summary
The Basic Instrument Rating (BIR) offers private pilots an interesting opportunity to expand their skills in instrument flying without having to undergo the extensive training of a fully-fledged IR. With its modular structure and practice-orientated approach, the BIR is a valuable addition to general aviation. Depending on the specific situation, however, you should also consider whether an ICAO-compliant CB-IR could be an alternative.
Source references:
EASA FCL