Once you have your PPL, you can fly a light aeroplane or helicopter in daylight hours with reasonably good weather. To get the most value from your investment, however, you should consider upgrading your PPL to include ratings that allow you to fly at night and/or in less favourable weather conditions – known as Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). If you intend to become a professional pilot, the night rating is a mandatory step!
Night Rating / IR(R) Rating
Night Rating
The Night Rating course comprises of 5 hours of night flying including navigation and circuits at an aerodrome. There is also a small amount of theoretical knowledge instruction – but no exam!
The Night qualification does exactly what it says on the tin allowing you to fly after sunset (quite useful when flying during the winter months).
IR(R) Rating
The IR(R) Rating – also commonly known as the IMC Rating – allows you to continue your flight and land in more challenging weather conditions than those normally permitted when flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The course consists of 15 hours of flight instruction, theoretical knowledge lessons and an exam, and an IR(R) Rating Skills Test with an examiner.
The privileges of the IR(R) Rating can only be used within the UK – a full Instrument Rating is required if you wish to fly in marginal weather across Europe. Aeros offers the full Instrument Rating course at any site.
