INSTRUMENT RATING IR/SE(A)
You will need an instrument rating attached to your licence if you want to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR). The instrument rating enables you to fly the aircraft solely with reference to the in-cockpit instrumentation. This means you will be able to fly in cloud and other circumstances of reduced visibility.
Educational objective is the training for the issue of an instrument rating-aeroplane IR(A) for single engine aeroplanes (SEP). The holder of a single-engine IR(A) has the privilege of flying single-engine aeroplanes under IFR and in IMC, with a minimum decision height of 200 feet (60m).
This is a requirement for all pilots who wish to fly for an airline as a career. The Instrument Rating can be completed on a PPL or CPL licence.
The skills you will train and develop while flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) will make you a safer and a more knowledgeable pilot. You will learn various instrument scanning techniques, IFR regulations and procedures, procedures and techniques of controlling the aircraft by sole reference to instruments, as well as a full understanding of how all instruments and avionics installed on aircraft panels are actually acquiring the information. All of these together help develop a more knowledgeable and safe pilot.
Having an instrument rating will give you a lot more confidence to fly in all weather conditions. If you find yourself flying into some questionable weather or simply need to get to your destination when the ceilings are low, having an Instrument rating will give you both the ability and confidence to safely operate your aircraft. The new possibilities are endless and will undoubtedly change your flying options.
PRE-ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum age of applicants for an IR/SE(A) shall be at least 17 years of age for PPL holder or at least 18 years of age for CPL and ATPL holder;
- The applicant for an IR/SE(A) shall hold a valid medical class 1 or class 2;
- Applicants for an IR/SE(A) shall hold a PPL(A) with a night rating in the appropriate aircraft category or a CPL(A) and have completed at least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as PIC;
- The applicant for an IR/SE(A) shall have a English language proficiency test of at least level 4.
COURSE STRUCTURE
The course consists of theoretical and practical training.
Theoretical training:
An applicant having passed the theoretical knowledge examination for an airline transport pilot licence ATPL, shall be credited with the theoretical knowledge requirements for the IR/SE(A) in the same category of aircraft.
The holder of an IR or an applicant having passed the instrument theoretical knowledge examination for a category of aircraft shall be fully credited towards the requirements for the theoretical knowledge instruction and examination for an IR in another category of aircraft.
Flight training:
IR/SE(A) course shall comprise at least 50 hours instrument time under instruction on Cessna 172. The course consists of two modules, which may be taken separately or combined:
(a) Basic Instrument Flight Module
This comprises 10 hours of instrument time under instruction.
(b) Procedural Instrument Flight Module
This comprises the remainder of the training syllabus for the IR(A), 40 hours single-engine instrument time under instruction.