Instrument rating

The instrument rating authorizes the holder to aircraft under IFR ( Instrument Flight Rules en., Abbr: IFR called ). They can be used as an additional training from private pilot PPL or Commercial Pilot CPL acquired after appropriate training and testing. For commercial airline pilot ATPL instrument rating is an integral part of the pilot license.

The applicant an instrument rating must ( also JAR -FCL ) be and have at least 50 hours of cross country flight time as pilot in command on airplanes or helicopters, of which at least ten hours to aircraft holding a PPL with night qualification ( according to JAR- FCL) or a CPL.

In addition, the applicant must prove that he is able to use the English language.

A course shall comprise at least 150 clock hours, which also distance learning courses with attendance period ( Groeger or Civil Aviation Training ) can be assigned. The practical training includes at least 50 hours of flight time, which can take place 20 hours in a process training device ( FNPT I). In other cases, up to 35 hours (multi- engine) and 30 h ( Single Engine ) can take place in a simulator ( FNPT II ) if the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA ) or the competent authority 's prior consent.

This is followed by a theoretical exam at the LBA to the control of the JAR -FCL and a practical test with an examiner, usually locally.

Following the instrument rating is entered in the pilot's license. The authorization has a validity period of one year. To extend it, the candidate has to carry out a check flight with an approved auditor within three months before the expiry of the permission.

Revision of training by EASA

Currently (as of summer 2013) revised the European Aviation Safety Agency ( EASA), the regulations for training for an instrument rating. There is debate about simplification, a competency -based, even a new permission ( Enroute Instrument Rating ). The latter will entitle the holder to fly under IFR in the cruise ( enroute ), so with the exception of arrivals and departures.

IMC rating ( UK)

In the UK, there is a "small" instrument rating within the country, the so-called IMC rating. The minimum training is shorter, but no air streets and certain air spaces must be flown in instrument flight. Rather, it is intended for penetration of cloud cover as to fly in the clouds.

Instrument rating in the U.S.

For an IFR rating in accordance with FAR ( " instrument rating " according to Federal Aviation Regulations, United States), the candidate must possess at least a private pilot license and 50 hours of cross country flight time ( " Cross Country" ) as pilot- have.

The training includes theory ( no prescribed minimum number of hours, can also auto - didactic done ) and at least 40 hours of practical training, of which at least 15 hours by a certified for instrument flight training flight instructor, including a 250- mile route flight under IFR with simulated or actual IMC. The exam consists of a written and an oral and a practical test.

The IFR authorization shall be suspended if the pilot in the previous 6 months, not least 6 IFR approaches ( Approaches) incl queues ( holding procedures ) and price cut ( intercepting and tracking courses ) conducted. The authorization may be reactivated within the following six months, if the pilot simulates the corresponding lack of maneuver under VFR conditions. To this end, a safety pilot ( at least for VFR PPL ) is necessary for air traffic control. After 12 months without the necessary maneuvers rests the IFR rating and may by an instrument proficiency check (IPC ) can be reactivated with a flight instructor for IFR ( CFII ). A re-examination is not required.

For CAT II and CAT III further training and exams are required.