Instrument Rating

The Instrument Rating (IR) allows you to take-off and land in weather conditions that would stop most private pilots. The IR, therefore, is a fundamental requirement if you wish to pursue a career as a professional pilot with an airline. The course is completed on Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) aircraft – divided between simulator training and on-aircraft training – and encompasses the technique of flying with sole reference to instruments.

A full Instrument Rating (IR) course is 55 hours, but this is reduced to 45 hours if you already hold a Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL). As a minimum, you must complete 10 hours of the course in an aircraft but our experience and results have taught us that the best combination is as follows:

• Phase 1 – Simulator – 25 hours
  Completed in one of our Flight Navigation Procedure Trainer II (FNPT-II) simulators, this phase introduces you to the core techniques of instrument flying including, for example, making precision approaches using the ILS. By using a simulator, our Instructors can quickly reposition you to practice particular procedures and techniques over and over again saving valuable time while you gain experience.
• Phase 2 – Aircraft – 20 hours
  You have a choice of one our modern, glass cockpit aircraft (DA42 or Tecnam P2006T) to put the skills and techniques you have learned in the simulator to use in the real aircraft. Under the strict but helpful guidance of our experienced Instructors, you will fly in the airways and into major airports alongside other commercial traffic under full Air Traffic Control.

Once you complete the course, you will undertake the Instrument Rating (IR) Skills Test with an examiner demonstrating your proficiency in all of the procedures you have learned.

Pre-Entry Requirements

In order to commence your Instrument Rating (IR) training with us, you must meet the following pre-entry requirements:

• Have passed the EASA ATPL(A), or IR(A) theoretical knowledge examinations.
• Have completed the 6-hour Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) course – but not necessarily taken the Skills Test.
• Hold a Night Rating
• Have completed at least 50-hours of cross-country flight time as pilot-in-command (PIC).
• Hold a valid EASA medical certificate
• Hold a valid EASA Private Pilots Licence (PPL) or Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL).

What’s next?

If you now hold a Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL), Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) Rating and Instrument Rating (IR), you can complete a Multi-Crew Cooperation Course (MCC) and Jet Orientation Course (JOC) to be able to apply for employment as a First Officer in an airline.

Other Instrument Ratings

Aeros also has approval to deliver a Single Engine Instrument Rating (SE/IR), and Competency-based/En-Route Instrument Rating (CBIR/EIR) courses at any of our sites. Please contact us at one of the addresses below for more information.