The Instrument Rating (IR) comprises intensive theoretical training, which is essential to prepare pilots for the challenges of instrument flying. Regardless of whether it is the classic IR, the Competency-Based IR (CB-IR) or the Basic Instrument Rating (BIR), the theory subjects cover key aspects of aviation. In this article, we provide an overview of the required theory subjects and describe the content of the individual subject areas.
The compartments
There are 7 different theory subjects as part of the IFR training programme:
1. air law
This subject deals with the legal and regulatory principles of instrument flying:
- Structure and classification of airspaces
- Rights and obligations of pilots under IFR
- Regulations for air traffic control (ATC)
International agreements and ICAO standards
2. aeronautical science
This subject is about the technology that makes flying under IFR possible:
- Function and operation of avionics systems (e.g. autopilot, flight management system)
- Use and interpretation of cockpit instruments
- Fault management and diagnostics
3. flight planning and monitoring
Flight planning is an essential subject for the preparation of safe and efficient flights:
- Creating and submitting flight plans
- Use of maps and software for planning
- Fuel calculation and alternative airports
- Planning of routes taking into account airways and airspace classes
4. human performance
The subject deals with the psychological and physical limits of the pilot:
- Stress and fatigue management
- Perceptual distortions in instrument flight conditions
- Decision-making in critical situations
- Effects of hypoxia and disorientation
5. meteorology
Understanding weather phenomena is crucial for IFR operations:
- Fundamentals of weather formation and dynamics
- Interpretation of weather maps and forecasts (e.g. METAR, TAF)
- Effects of weather phenomena such as turbulence, icing and wind shear
- Decision-making based on meteorological data
6. radio navigation
Navigation is a central element of instrument flight theory and includes:
- Basics of terrestrial navigation
- Use of navigation aids (VOR, NDB, GPS, RNAV)
- Flight path planning and monitoring
- Sources of error and accuracy of navigation systems
7. IFR communication (radiotelephony procedure)
- Specific radiotelephony procedures for IFR
Theoretical subjects for the different types of IR
There are the same 7 theoretical subjects for all three types of instrument rating, although the scope varies. EASA has defined so-called "learning objectives" for this purpose, which specify exactly "what" is to be trained here, depending on the theory subject. The organisation, i.e. "how" this is trained, is then the responsibility of the flight schools.
If you are interested, these learning objective tables can be found in the EASA Part-FCL. There you can also see exactly which learning objectives apply to which of the three IR rating types - i.e. IR, CB-IR and BIR.
As expected, the objectives are most extensive for the classic IR (as the theoretical part is almost twice as long as for the CB-IR), followed by the CB-IR and, last but not least, the BIR. The Learning Objectives tables for the BIR also indicate in which of the 4 modules the respective aspect is to be trained.
This also illustrates the idea behind the BIR. You can complete the individual modules and their theory separately and also take the theory test separately for each module. In this way, the training is divided into smaller, separate pieces, which can be advantageous depending on your personal situation. However, it should be noted that most flight schools simply reuse the theory from the CB-IR, so this advantage is somewhat lost here.
Details of exactly how the theory is completed, how much you have to complete as a distance learning course and how much you have to complete on site can be obtained from the respective flight school.
Summary
Theoretical training for instrument ratings is a central component of the training programme. It varies in scope depending on the type of IR chosen (BIR, CB-IR, classic IR), but always covers fundamental aspects of IFR flying. Understanding the content of each subject is crucial in order to fulfil the requirements of IFR operations safely and efficiently.
Source references:
EASA FCL