The classic IR

The Instrument Rating (IR) is the most comprehensive authorisation for instrument flight. It allows pilots to carry out flights under IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) conditions, which is particularly important in poor visibility or complex airspace conditions.

Nowadays, however, the classic IR has often been replaced by the CB-IR. If you want to do an instrument rating as a private pilot, the CB-IR is definitely more suitable and some flight schools therefore only offer this. The classic IR is more likely to be part of CPL or ATPL commercial pilot training.

Basics of the instrument rating

The instrument rating extends the privileges of pilots by allowing them to fly exclusively by instrument. This is essential for safe flying in weather conditions that do not permit visual flight rules (VFR). The authorisation is regulated by the ICAO and EASA and requires comprehensive theoretical and practical training.

Requirements for obtaining the IR

The following requirements must be met in order to acquire an instrument rating:

1. Licence requirements:
   • Possession of a PPL(A) (Private Pilot Licence for Aeroplanes) or a higher licence (e.g. CPL or ATPL).
2. Medical requirements:
   • Proof of a valid class 1 medical certificate (for CPL/ATPL) or class 2 with IR-specific requirements.

Training structure of the IR

The instrument rating training consists of an intensive theoretical and practical part, which is specifically designed to prepare pilots for the challenges of instrument flying.

1. theoretical training

• Scope: 150 hours of theory lessons, some of which can also be completed as a distance learning course
• Subject areas: All 7 IR theory subjects are trained, i.e.: air law, general aircraft knowledge, flight planning and monitoring, human performance, meteorology, radio navigation and IFR communication (radiotelephony procedures).
• Intermediate examinations: In the flight school, there are intermediate and final examinations as part of the training - and before you go to the authorities for the actual final examinations - to check your progress.
• Conclusion: The theoretical training is completed with a multiple-choice examination conducted by the competent authority.

2. practical training

The IR for single-engine aeroplanes requires at least 50 hours of flight training. Of this, up to 35 hours of training can take place in the simulator (if full flight simulators FSS or FNPT II simulators are available, otherwise 25 hours in FNPT 1 simulators), which also makes a lot of sense, as certain procedures can be trained more easily here. For multi-engine aircraft, 55 hours of flight training are required (up to 40 hours in the simulator if it is an FSS or FNPT 2, otherwise 10 hours), of which only 15 hours must actually be trained on a multi-engine aircraft.

3. radio training and language

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.

Recognition of experience

Experienced pilots can reduce certain training requirements by having their previous experience recognised. This applies to both theoretical and practical training.

Theoretical knowledge:

• IFR training courses or examinations already completed can be recognised.
• Proof of passed theory tests must be submitted to the competent authority.

Practical experience:

• IFR flight hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) or time in an approved simulator can be credited towards the required 50 hours.
• The training organisation (ATO) decides whether the experience can be credited.
• If you already have a single-engine IR (A) and a VFR multi-engine class rating, you only need 5 hours of flight training to obtain a multi-engine IR (A) rating (with a final exam).
• If you already have a CPL (A) licence or a BIR, up to 10 hours can be recognised towards the required practical training time.

Final examinations

Theory test

• Organised by the competent authority.
• Multiple-choice questions covering all areas of theory training.

Practical examination

An authorised examiner assesses the applicant's skills in realistic IFR scenarios. The examination covers departure, en-route and approach procedures as well as dealing with emergency situations.

In addition to the actual practical flight test, the examiner will also test your theoretical knowledge.

Radiotelephony

The AZF test must be passed successfully.

Details on the exams can be found in the corresponding articles in the Academy.

Rights and restrictions of the IR

Rights

• The CB-IR authorises pilots to fly under IFR conditions in controlled airspace and at airports.
• IFR approaches with a decision height of 200 feet (CAT 1) are permitted
• It offers full IFR authorisations suitable for commercial and non-commercial applications.

Restrictions

The classic IR has no restrictions and is a fully-fledged and ICAO-compliant instrument rating. In contrast to the CB-IR, you can also fly high-performance aircraft under IFR, as well as multi-pilot aircraft, i.e. aircraft that require a 2-person crew (which must be trained separately as part of the CPL or ATPL training).

If you want to exercise the IR authorisation at night, a night rating is required, which is described elsewhere in the Academy.

Extension and maintenance of the IR

The CB-IR is valid for 12 months and can be extended as follows

1. extension (revalidation):

• The IR 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.
• Requires a proficiency check with an authorised examiner.
• The check includes scenarios from IFR practice, such as approach procedures and emergency management.

2. renewal after expiry (renewal):

• After expiry of the validity, a new training or examination is required. The flight school will decide whether refresher training is necessary.
• A proficiency check must then be successfully completed with an examiner.

If you have neither extended nor renewed your IR rating for 7 years, you must also take the theory test again

Advantages of the instrument rating

1. Extended application possibilities:
   • Flights under IFR offer greater flexibility and reliability, especially in changing weather conditions.
2. Increased security:
   • Training and operation according to IFR standards contribute significantly to flight safety.
3. Basis for further authorisations:
   • The IR is a prerequisite for obtaining multi-engine and airline transport licences (ATPL).

Summary

The Instrument Rating (IR) is an essential authorisation for pilots who want to expand their skills and operate safely under IFR conditions. With comprehensive theoretical and practical training as well as strict examination requirements, the IR ensures that pilots are optimally prepared for the challenges of instrument flying. It offers maximum flexibility and safety in flight operations and is usually integrated into CPL and ATPL training, as this is the focus of the classic IR rating.

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Source references:
EASA FCL