The IR(R) is EASA speak for what the UK CAA used to call the IMC rating. It is essentially exactly the same rating. It is valid for UK airspace only and allows you to fly in IFR conditions in class D,E,F,G airspace only, this rating has no airways privileges. Furthermore the IR(R) allows you to take off and land in visibility down to 1500m however you must still be below cloud.
The IR(R) course comprises of the following training:
- 15 hours as pilot under training with 10 hours as flying by sole reference to instruments
- A written test – pass mark 75%
- Skill test
As part of the flying training you will cover the following, all instruction for this course is dual with an instructor:
- General Handling to include unusual attitude recovery
- Full instrument panel flying
- Flying with certain instruments inoperative
- Navigating using radio aids
- Instrument approaches
- Circle to land (Bad weather circuits)
The instrument approaches will take place at an airfield with and instrument landing system, we use Oxford and Cranfield. In addition to the instrument practice this will give you invaluable experience of flying at very busy commercial airports.
In addition to the practical training the IR(R) course also entails theoretical training which concludes with an exam. This exam is administered electronically through the CAA E-Exam system.
The IR(R) is a great way to improve your general flying, it also adds peace of mind ensuring that you won’t get caught out by bad weather. Should you want to gain a full instrument rating in the future hours gained as part of the IR(R) course can be used towards a competency-based IR (CBIR). The exact credit depends on the total experience of the pilot.
Course Entry Requirements:
– Hold a PPL(A) with a valid SEP rating (LAPL is not sufficient)
– Valid Class 2 medical
– 25 Hours of flight time AFTER PPL issue
– 10 hours PIC to include 5 hours X-Country PIC
Validity:
An instrument rating for IMC is valid for 25 months. This rating is a UK only qualification and is therefore only recognised in UK airspace which includes the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
As the LAPL is a VFR only licence the IR(R) cannot be added to this licence. It can only be added to a PPL.
Costs:
The cost of this course is inclusive of:
- 15 hours dual instruction in Cessna 172 R
- First attempt at EASA IR(R) exam
- 5 hours one to one ground school
- First attempt at skills test
This course does not include the following costs:
- Landing fees at Coventry airport
- Landing fees at alternate aerodromes
- Exam or skills test retakes
- Additional one to one ground school
The course fee does not include the cost of making the application to the CAA for the issue of the additional rating. The customer is responsible for making the application and payment directly to the CAA. At the time this page was published the fee was £131.