Instrument Rating
The Instrument Rating, will provide you with the skills to fly in IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions). Limitations still apply, often but not always dependant on the limitations of the aircraft.
An instrument rating is a good idea not only from the point of view of continuing one’s aviation education, but from the very sound reasoning that the unexpected does happen, and preparedness is the best defence. Even if you have no intention of flying long distances or desire to fly in overcast conditions, an Instrument Rating will improve your flying accuracy and open up a wider range of navigation options.
In order to commence training towards an Instrument Rating you need to hold at least a Private Pilot License and a Night Rating with a General Radio License.
You will be required to pass the Instrument Rating Theoretical examination and complete the 6 phases of the Instrument Rating training syllabus:
- basic ground training;
- instrument flying skills;
- instrument flying procedures;
- ground training towards operating procedures under IFR;
- line oriented flight training (LOFT), line operational simulation (LOS), and line operational evaluation (LOE);
- route familiarisation in aircraft.
You will be required to complete a minimum of 40 hours instrument flight training of which a maximum of either 20 hours or 30 hours may be in an Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD) approved for the purpose.
