The IMC rating (IRR) qualifies you to fly IFR in class D to G airspace, together with making instrument approaches down to a minimum of 500 feet. The course consists of 15 hours of dual instruction, a written exam and a flight test. Instruction includes: Instrument flying (full and limited panel), Unusual attitude recoveries, Instrument approaches (ILS, NDB, VOR, SRA, RNAV and Radio Navigation

Validity is for 25 months and requires a test to revalidate. 

The IMC rating is recorded on your licence as an IR(R) – Instrument Rating (Restricted) – or if you maintain your CAA licence, it remains as an IMC. Please note that the rating cannot be added to a LAPL, it is also only recognized within UK airspace.

Pre-requisites

Applicants must hold a PPL with 25 hours after qualifying of which 10 as PIC and 5 cross country. A night rating is required if the IR(R) is to be valid at night. There are no additional medical requirements.

Privileges

The privilege of the IR(R) is to fly under IFR and in IMC in UK airspace. This applies to all classes of airspace except A, B and C (thus excluding IFR airways) but does include instrument approach procedures. Flights are unlikely to require filed IFR flight plans and are often conducted outside controlled airspace.

 

If you intend to become a professional pilot, the night rating is a mandatory course. The Night Rating course comprises of 5 hours of night flying including navigation and circuits at an aerodrome. There is a little theoretical knowledge instruction but no external exam. The Night qualification allows you to fly after sunset. We have regular night flying dates from October to March. Applicants shall have completed a training course within a period of up to 6 months’. The 6 months starts from the first training flight.