General requirements
An applicant for an IR(Restricted) must produce logbook evidence of having met the following flying requirements:-
- 25 hours total experience as pilot of aeroplanes following PPL issue and which must include (b), (c), and (d) below.
- 10 hours as Pilot in Command of aeroplanes to include (c) below.
- 5 hours as Pilot in Command of aeroplanes on cross-country flights.
- 15 hours as Pilot under Training in instrument flying with an instructor in a dual controlled aeroplane (during IMC course). Up to 5 hours of which may be in a JAR-STD device qualified BITD, FNPT I, FNPTII or up to 2 hours of which may be in other FSTDs recognised by the Authority.
The holder of a course completion certificate for the EASA Basic Instrument Flying Module may have the total amount of flight training reduced by 10 hours.
The IR(Restricted) privileges are contained within a UK national CPL(A) or ATPL(A) (this does not include a JAA or EASA licence). There is no requirement for a separate certificate of test for these licences.
Holders of the AOPA (UK) Radio Navigation Certificate may have instrument flight training during the Applied Stage reduced by 5 hours.
Additional credits are available. For details refer to CAP 804 Part 1 subpart E.
Ground school is self study but formal classroom lessons are charged at £100 per hour and are not part of the course unless specifically requested. All pre-flight and post flight briefs and de-briefs are factored in as part of the flying costs.
The course is normally conducted in our amazingly equipped Cardinal RG, charged at £230 ph.
Additional charges for approaches at Cambridge or Cranfield Airport will apply.
The Theory exam costs £40 (included)
The Flight test would be charged at the hourly rate plus £150 test fee
If any special ground school is required beyond that needed for the flying aspect of the course, an additional charge would be made.
Training Syllabus
The flying training for the initial issue of the IR(Restricted) includes a minimum of 15 hours training in instrument flying in an aircraft. The flight training syllabus includes the following items:
- Full panel Instrument Flying (IF)
- Limited Panel (IF)
- Partial Panel (IF)
- Applied Stage consisting of
- Departure and En-route
- Approach and Let-Down
- Bad Weather Circuits and Landings
- Flight with Asymmetric Power (if Multi-engine privileges are sought)
The IR(Restricted) flight training contains a total of:
- 15 hours of flight training in a SEP or MEP class of aircraft
- 1.5 hour Flight Test in a SEP class of aircraft
Note 1: Flight Test times are approximate.
Note 2: The LST is in addition to the course syllabus hours.
Teaching Syllabus
The ground-training syllabus allows the trainee to gain a thorough understanding of operation in reduced visibilities and a low cloud base. The training includes systems essential to the operation of the aircraft.
It is likely that, under average conditions, a minimum of 20 hours study will be required. The TKI is delivered via self study, covering the following subjects:
- Physiological Factors
- Flight Instruments
- AIS
- AIP
- NOTAMS
- AICs
- Flight planning
- Meteorology
- Altimetry
- Terrain Clearance
- Radio Aids
- Radar Approach Procedures
- Privileges of the IR(Restricted)
A more detailed description of the content of the theoretical knowledge training is described in the TKI section of this part.
Time scale in weeks for each syllabus
The IR(Restricted) course will be conducted either full-time or part-time to suit candidate requirements. Full-time courses will operate 5 days a week from 9:00 to 17:00 in winter months and until 1800 in summer months. The course is expected to take a minimum of 5 days but is subject to weather. We also run part time courses and do ad-hoc training.
Tests and examinations
Skill Tests
The trainee must have completed all syllabus items, and shown the ability to fly them to the Skill Test standard before attempting the Flight Test. A Flight Examiner (FE) We have our own in house Examiner
Flight test tolerances and the conduct of the LST are detailed in CAP 804 Part 1 subpart E.
Theoretical Knowledge
The examination will be essentially practical and will cover the planning and execution of a typical flight under Instrument Flight Rules outside controlled airspace notified for the purposes of Schedule 7 to the ANO. It will include the use of Aeronautical Information Publications and, in particular, the extraction and interpretation of the Recommended Aerodrome Operating Minima applicable to IMC Rating holders.
You are required to pass a written paper and this will be done in house. The cost of the theory exam is £35