The course prerequisites are:
Before applying for the test:
PPL IR Ground-school
Traditionally private pilots would go to the USA and get a FAA IR and fly N registered aircraft in the UK because the FAA ground-school was so much easier. EASA recognised this and have provided a PPL IR route which is similar to the FAA IR. The flying element is identical but you can choose to do the much easier “PPL IR” theory exams. The caveat is that with these easier exams you are not permitted to use the IR commercially.
Commercial IR Ground-school
The IR exams are included as part of the ATPL Ground-school. If you have only completed the CPL Ground-school you will need the following exams:
There are 7 subjects in a full IR/ CBIR although you may be exempt three subjects (see ‘exemptions’ below):
If you already have a CPL, you are exempt from Meteorology, Human Performance and Communications
ME-IR £19,550 CAA/ £21,350 EASA
Additional
SE-IR from £11,850 CAA/£13,450 EASA
Additional
Instrument time for multi-engine
Instrument time under instruction
May be completed in FNPT 1
An approved competency-based modular IR(A) course shall comprise at least 80 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction. The theoretical knowledge course may contain computer-based training and e-learning elements. A minimum amount of classroom teaching as required by ORA.ATO.305 has to be provided (not be less than 10% of the total duration of the course).
After completion of course, you must pass the following theoretical knowledge examinations:
A pass in a theoretical knowledge examination paper will be awarded to a candidate achieving at least 75% of the marks allocated to that paper. There is no penalty marking.
After successful completion of the theoretical knowledge examinations they will be valid for the issue of a IR(A) for a period of 36 months.
12 months
No, you can do it with us during or before your ME IR course.
An IR(A) shall be revalidated within the 3 months immediately preceding the expiry date of the rating.
If candidates choose to fullfil the revalidation requirements earlier than prescribed above, the new validity period shall commence from the date of the IR(A) proficiency check extended to the end of the month plus rating validity period.
Hold the relevant class or type rating, unless the IR(A) revalidation is combined with the renewal/revalidation of the relevant class or type rating.
Candidates who fail to pass the IR(A) proficiency check before the expiry date of the IR shall not exercise the IR(A) privileges until they have passed the IR(A) proficiency check.
An FNPT II or full flight simulator representing the relevant class or type of aeroplane may be used to revalidate an IR(A) as a stand-alone event, i.e. when not combined with a class or type rating.
At least each alternate IR(A) proficiency check shall be performed in an aeroplane.
An IR(A) may be revalidated as part of a combined type rating skill test or proficiency check in an appropriately qualified full flight simulator.
An IR may be revalidated as part of a combined class rating skill test or proficiency check in an aeroplane.
If an IR has expired, in order to renew their privileges candidates shall:
An IR may be renewed as part of a combined type rating skill test or proficiency check in an appropriately qualified full flight simulator.
An IR may be renewed as part of a combined class rating skill test or proficiency check in an aeroplane.
If the IR has not been revalidated or renewed within the preceding 7 years, the holder will be required to pass again the IR theoretical knowledge examination and skill test. The 7 year period commences from the date the IR expired.
The privileges of a holder of an IR(A) are to fly aircraft under IFR, including PBN operations, with a minimum decision height of no less than 200 feet (60 m).
Holders of an IR(A) shall exercise their privileges in accordance with the conditions established in Appendix 8 to Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011.
CAP 413 Radiotelephony Manual
Air Navigation Order (ANO) CAP 393
CAP 804
UK CAA Standards Documents 1, 7
Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011, AMC and GM