Overview
As described in our Pilot Hub Academy, you can basically say that once you have acquired your first pilot's licence, there are three ways in which you can expand the options you have acquired.
- Further pilot licences
- Sample and type authorisations (class and type ratings)
- Additional authorisations for the licence
Type and type ratings or so-called class and type ratings are mandatory in addition to the actual pilot licence in order to be allowed to fly a specific aircraft. The following applies to all licences such as PPL, CPL, ATPL and MPL: In addition to the licence, the aircraft to be flown requires a corresponding class rating and, if applicable, a type rating. See our article in the Pilot Hub Academy on the subject of class and type ratings.
In addition to the class and type ratings, there are numerous additional ratings that expand the possibilities of the licences accordingly. One of the most interesting additional ratings for private pilots is the instrument rating.
The Instrument Rating (IR) is an essential extension of the pilot licence and enables pilots to operate aircraft under instrument flight rules (IFR). This is particularly important for flights in poor visibility or in more complex airspace. You then fly according to the same procedures as the large airliners and are flying in a very professional environment.
In this article, we provide an overview of instrument rating, the different types (Basic Instrument Rating, Competency-Based Instrument Rating (CB-IR) and Instrument Rating) as well as their requirements, training content and authorisations.
Basics
The instrument rating is a standardised authorisation that is regulated by the ICAO and then also by the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency). It extends the privileges of a pilot to operate under instrument flight rules (IFR). These are significantly different from visual flight rules (VFR). This is essential in commercial and private aviation, as it increases safety and flexibility in flight operations. Overall, IFR is a very professional system that is also followed by all scheduled aircraft.
With an IR, you can fly without outward visibility, i.e. also through clouds. This is exactly what you learn during training. In terms of flying, however, you must bear in mind that this is the purely legal situation. In practice, depending on the weather situation, it may still not be possible to fly in heavy cloud cover, e.g. icing, deep fog, thunderstorms or storms. Here, for example, it also depends on the equipment of the aircraft.
IR ratings are issued depending on the aircraft category, e.g. for aeroplanes (Aeroplanes, IR(A)), helicopters (Helicopters, IR(H)) and airships (Airships, IR(As)). At the Pilot Hub Academy, we focus on aeroplanes. There are currently three different IR ratings that can be obtained: The Basic Instrument Rating, the Competency-Based IR and the Classic IR.
Types of instrument rating
Basic Instrument Rating (BIR)
The Basic Instrument Rating (BIR) was only recently introduced by EASA to facilitate access to instrument flight authorisations. It is primarily aimed at general aviation pilots. 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 rating and not an ICAO rating (similar to the LAPL licence, for example, which is also "only" an EASA licence). 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.
Requirements
The Basic IR was created precisely to provide an easy introduction to instrument flying for general aviation and thus specifically for private pilots. The requirements are therefore very straightforward.
- In contrast to the other instrument ratings, no minimum hours are required to start the training. You only need a PPL (A) licence (or higher, such as CPL) and can start the Basic IR training immediately after obtaining the licence
- Passing a medical examination (Class 2 with IR requirements)
Education
- Modular structure: theory and practical elements can be flexibly combined. There are no set minimum hours for theory and practice; instead, we look at what is needed on an individual basis.
- There are 4 modules to go through, so that the training can take place in stages to enable a gradual entry.
Authorisations:
- Flights under IFR in controlled airspaces, but with increased minima.
- High performance aircraft such as turboprops or jets cannot be flown under IFR with it
It is relatively easy to upgrade the rating to a CB-IR later on
Competency-Based Instrument Rating (CB-IR)
The Competency-Based Instrument Rating (CB-IR) is an extension introduced almost 10 years ago that was created to make access to instrument flying a little easier for pilots compared to the classic IR. It is designed to offer pilots a competency-based approach to obtaining a fully-fledged IR that is tailored to their individual needs and experience.
In contrast to the Basic IR, the CB-IR is ICAO-compliant and therefore valid worldwide throughout the ICAO area. For example, the CB-IR can also be converted into an FFA licence by means of "validation" or "conversion" (e.g. to be able to fly N-registered aircraft in the entire EASA area). We go into this in more detail elsewhere in the Pilot Hub.
Requirements
- Possession of a PPL (A) or higher.
- If you have previous experience in instrument flying (e.g. proof of flight hours under IFR), this can be recognised
Education:
- Theoretical training: At least 80 hours, whereby previous experience can be recognised.
- Practical training: At least 40 hours of flight training under IFR, or 45 hours for multi-engine aircraft
Authorisations
- Full IR authorisations that also cover commercial applications.
No restrictions in terms of flight altitudes or approach procedures.
Instrument Rating (IR)
The classic instrument rating is the most comprehensive and most widespread IR authorisation among professional pilots. Nowadays, it is actually only acquired as part of commercial pilot licences, as it has otherwise been replaced by the CB-IR.
Requirements
- Possession of a PPL (A) or CPL (A).
- Class 1 medical certificate (for CPL or ATPL) or Class 2 (with IR requirements).
Education
- Theoretical training: 150 hours, including intensive courses on navigation, flight planning, meteorology and aviation law.
- Practical training: At least 50 flight hours under IFR, or 55 hours for multi-engine aircraft
Authorisations
- Comprehensive IFR rights, including all approach and departure procedures.
Authorisation for complex aircraft and high-performance machines.
Training programme
The training for an instrument rating - whether BIR, CB-IR or classic IR - consists of three main components:
- Theoretical training:
- Topics: Air law, general aeronautical knowledge, flight planning and monitoring, human performance, meteorology, radio navigation and IFR communication (radiotelephony procedures).
- Scope: Depending on the rating type, up to 150 hours.
- Practical training:
- Flight hours: Depending on the IR type selected (e.g. 40 hours for CB-IR, 50 hours for IR).
- Use of simulators: Often used to prepare and supplement practical training.
- Language and radio 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.
Examinations
All three components of the training programme conclude with an examination.
- AZF: An examination must be taken to obtain the radiotelephony certificate
- Theory: Multiple-choice tests on all topics covered.
- Practice: Flight test with a recognised examiner in which specific scenarios are tested under IFR.
We will go into more detail about the exams, the content and how best to prepare for them in the following articles.
Rights and extension
Rights
With a valid instrument rating, a pilot may operate under IFR, which allows flights in poor visibility or in controlled airspace. Pilots can also acquire special authorisations, e.g. for multi-engine aircraft.
Extension
- Validity: As a rule, an IR must be renewed every 12 months by means of a practical check.
- Details can be found in the corresponding articles in the Academy
Summary
The instrument rating is a very interesting authorisation for pilots who want to expand their flying skills and operate safely under IFR conditions. The instrument rating makes it possible to fly without outward visibility and therefore through clouds. It is also a safety benefit, as in many countries you are guided by ATC, are under radar surveillance and are separated from other traffic.
An IR can also be a considerable relief for flights abroad. As a VFR pilot, you often have to observe and fly around very complex airspaces, in addition to the limitations in bad weather. If you fly IFR, there are standardised rules and precise flight specifications, which makes flying much easier.
Whether as a basic rating (BIR), competency-based extension (CB-IR) or "classic" IR - each of these ratings offers specific advantages and requirements. All in all, an IR definitely offers considerable additional benefits and you also raise your flying skills to a higher and more professional level.
Source references:
EASA FCL