Instrument Rating

EASA Instrument Rating (IR) - IR(A) is a certification that broadens the capabilities of EASA PPL(A) holders, enabling them to fly in accordance with Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). 

The theoretical training for the Instrument Rating - EASA IR(A) is delivered through extensive briefings that help pilots comprehend what is anticipated of them during subsequent flights. The briefing sessions are organized into three distinct stages. 

The flight training for the EASA Instrument Rating - IR(A) comprises two main modules: the Basic Instrument Flight Module (BIFM) and the Procedural Instrument Flight Module. The practical examination for the Instrument Rating entails demonstrating proficiency in a range of areas, including adhering to regulations when preparing for a flight, operating the aircraft within specified limits, executing all manoeuvres with precision, utilizing good judgment and airmanship, applying aeronautical knowledge, maintaining control of the aircraft throughout the flight, and following all regulations and limitations related to IFR flights.

To enrol in the course, the following requirements must be met:

• The applicant must hold a Private Pilot License (PPL) with a minimum of 50 hours of cross-country flight time as Pilot-in-Command.
• The applicant must hold a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate.
• The applicant must demonstrate proficiency in English, Math, and Physics.

 The Instrument Rating Skill Test, also known as IRE(A), is a practical check ride conducted by an EASA examiner that verifies the theoretical and operational knowledge related to flying under instrument flight rules (IFR). Successfully passing the IRE(A) is a requirement for flying during IFR flight operations on multi-engine airplanes. Holding a multi-engine instrument rating is also necessary for enrolment in EASA Multi-Crew Cooperation Training Course (MCC(A)) and Multi-Pilot Type Rating.

It is important to note that the EASA instrument rating is always connected to a class rating or type rating. There is no stand-alone instrument rating in an EASA flight crew license. In the case of multi-engine IR skill test, the final license endorsement may be MEP(land)/IR or MEP(land)/IR/PBN.

To take the EASA IR skill test for initial obtainment of multi-engine instrument rating, the trainee must complete the flight training provided by the EASA flight school and be recommended for the skill test by the school. The flight training required to attend prior skill test can be either ab-initio EASA multi-engine IR training, which consists of 55 hours, or a multi-engine IR training course for a single-engine IR holder, which consists of 5 hours. Prior to the IR-ME related training course, the trainee shall attend class-related training of at least 6 hours of flight training and 7 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction.

The candidate must pass the Instrument rating-related theoretical knowledge examination at the National Aviation Authority (CAA) before attending the EASA multi-engine instrument rating skill test. The usual way is to attend either EASA IR theoretical knowledge exam or ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge exam. Both of them are acceptable theoretical knowledge credit towards the EASA Instrument rating.

The multi-engine instrument rating skill test refers to paragraph FCL.620 of the Part-FCL. The IR skill test is done in aircraft only with possible combination of simulator within the minor part of the skill test schedule. A candidate for the EASA instrument rating IR(A) shall demonstrate to the flight examiner IRE(A) the ability to perform the procedures and maneuvers appropriate for flight according to the IFR - instrument flying rules in a multi-engine airplane with a degree of competency appropriate to the privileges granted.

If an exam candidate fails any item in a section, that section is failed. Failure in more than one section will require the Exam candidate to take the entire test again. An applicant failing only one section shall only repeat the failed section. All relevant sections of the IR-ME skill test shall be completed within 6 months. There is no limit to the number of skill tests that may be attempted.

The duration of the entire IR multi-engine skill test is approximately 3 hours in total. The check ride with examiner takes approximately 1 hour up to 1 hour 30 minutes of the flight time. The rest of the time is used for flight preparation, including route planning, briefing, and debriefing. The Exam candidate shall fly the multi-engine aircraft from a position where the pilot-in-command functions can be performed and to carry out the test as if there is no other crew member. The EASA examiner shall take no part in the operation of the aircraft, except when intervention is necessary in the interests of safety or to avoid unacceptable delay to other traffic. Responsibility for the flight shall be allocated in accordance with national regulations.