Competency based instrument rating

Theoretical knowledge training

You will need to complete training for theoretical knowledge exams with an Authorised Training Organisation at any of the levels shown below:

• ATPL(A)
• CBIR / EIR (En-route Instrument Rating)
• IR(A)

Theoretical knowledge examination

You will need a valid in pass in all of the exams for the level that you have chosen.

Flying training

All courses must be conducted at a training organisation that is approved to conduct competency based instrument rating courses.

Single engine, single pilot

A single-engine competency-based modular IR(A) course shall include at least 40 hours of instrument time under instruction,

• up to 10 hours may be instrument ground time in an FNPT I,
  or
• up to 25 hours in an FFS or FNPT II.

A maximum of 5 hours of FNPT II or FFS instrument ground time may be conducted in an FNPT I

Multi engine, single pilot

A multi-engine competency-based modular IR(A) course shall include at least 45
hours instrument time under instruction,

• up to 10 hours may be instrument ground time in an FNPT I,
  or
• up to 30 hours in an FFS or FNPT II.
• • A maximum of 5 hours of FNPT II or FFS instrument ground time may be conducted in an FNPT I.

Skill test

You must complete a skill test for the IR with a suitably qualified Part FCL examiner in the aeroplane.

Theoretical knowledge training

You can complete any of the following training with an Authorised Training Organisation

• ATPL(A)
• CBIR / EIR (En-route Instrument Rating)
• IR(A)

Theoretical knowledge examination

You will need a valid in pass in all of the exams for the training route that you are following.

Flying training

Single engine, single pilot

A maximum of 30 hours can be credited towards this 40 hour course.

You must have completed:

• a minimum of 10 hours of instrument flight time under instruction in an aeroplane at an Authorised Training Organisation.
  
  
• A minimum of 25 hours of dual instrument instruction

Multi engine, single pilot

A maximum of 35 hours can be credited towards this 45 hour course.

Up to 10 hours may be instrument ground time in an FNPT I, or up to 30 hours in an FFS or FNPT II. A maximum of 5 hours of FNPT II or FFS instrument ground time may be conducted in an FNPT I.

Skill test

You must complete a skill test for the IR with a suitably qualified Part FCL examiner in the aeroplane.

Theoretical knowledge training

You need to have completed the CBIR or IR(A) or EIR or ATPL(A) theoretical ground course with an approved training provider.

Theoretical knowledge examination

You need to have completed the CBIR or IR(A) or EIR or ATPL(A) theoretical examinations.
Single engine, single pilot instrument ratings

You can claim a maximum of 30 hours towards the 40 hours course if you have flown under IFR and IMC conditions under the privileges of an EIR, ICAO IR or IMC/IR(R).

You must have completed:

• a minimum of 10 hours of instrument flight time under instruction in an aeroplane at an Authorised Training Organisation.
  
  
• A minimum of 25 hours of dual instrument instruction

Multi engine, single pilot instrument ratings

You can claim a maximum of 35 hours towards the 45 hours course if you have flown under IFR and IMC conditions under the privileges of an EIR, ICAO IR or IMC/IR(R).

The flying training must include at least 10 hours of instrument flight time under instruction in an aeroplane at an approved training provider for the CBIR.

The total amount of dual instrument instruction must be at least of 25 hours, of which at least 15 hours shall be completed in a multi-engine aeroplane.

Skill test

You must complete a skill test for the IR with a suitably qualified Part FCL examiner in the aeroplane.

Please note that there is no credit for UK Military pilots for the CBIR modular route at present and therefore only the credits agreed in the Military Accreditation Scheme (MAS) apply for the issue of an IR.

Theoretical knowledge training

You can complete any of the following training with an Authorised Training Organisation

• ATPL(A)
• CBIR / EIR (En-route Instrument Rating)
• IR(A)

Theoretical knowledge examination

You will need a valid pass in all of the exams for the training route that you are following.

Flying training

Single engine, single pilot

A maximum of 15 hours can be credited towards the 40 hours course.

You must have completed:

• a minimum of 10 hours of instrument flight time under instruction in an aeroplane at an Authorised Training Organisation.
  
  
• A minimum of 25 hours of dual instrument instruction

Multi engine, single pilot

A maximum of 15 hours can be credited towards this 45 hour course.

Up to 10 hours may be instrument ground time in an FNPT I, or up to 30 hours in an FFS or FNPT II. A maximum of 5 hours of FNPT II or FFS instrument ground time may be conducted in an FNPT I.

You must have completed:

• a minimum of 10 hours of instrument flight time under instruction in an aeroplane at an Authorised Training Organisation.
  
  
• A minimum of 25 hours of dual instrument instruction- of which 15 hours must be in a multi-engine aeroplane.

Skill test

You must complete a skill test for the IR with a suitably qualified Part FCL examiner in the aeroplane.

You must be an ICAO licence holder in current flying practice and have a minimum of 50 hours Pilot in Command in Instrument Flight Rules.

You must hold a current and valid:

• ICAO licence with a validating medical
• Instrument rating

As you are claiming credits based on your ICAO licence, you will need to comply with our verification process, complete form SRG2142 and pay the administrative fee.

Please read the guidance on verification of a third country ICAO licence.

Theoretical knowledge training

None

Theoretical knowledge examination

This is assessed as part of the instrument rating skills test

Single engine, single pilot instrument ratings

You must complete a skill test for the IR with a suitably qualified Part FCL examiner in the aeroplane

Multi engine, single pilot instrument ratings

At least 15 hours of the 50 hour requirement for Pilot in Command in instrument flight rules must have been flown in a multi engine aeroplane.

Skill test

You must complete a skill test for the IR with a suitably qualified Part FCL examiner in the aeroplane.

You can submit your application using our online application form SRG3108. 

If you choose this method, you will need to upload the following supporting evidence: 

• Examiner report form SRG2131
• CAA5011 or your ATO Course Completion Certificate 
• A copy of your UK Part-FCL licence 
• A copy of your logbook. Electronic logbooks are acceptable, provided they have been printed and each page has been hand signed and dated. 

If you are applying on the basis of training and testing conducted by a non-UK approved EASA Part-FCL Approved Training Organisation you must provide copies of the following: 

• the ATO's PART- ORA approval certificate 
• a copy of the EASA simulator approval certificate  
• the non-UK examiner's licence, medical and authorisation certificate 
• return email confirmation from testnotification@caa.co.uk 

If you are applying on the basis of a Third country ICAO licence conversion you will need to provide: 

• Form SRG2142 
• A copy of your Third country ICAO licence , validating medical certificate and certificate of revalidation 
• If your ICAO licence does not show the validity dates of the ratings, please submit copies of logbook pages showing the rating validity and test dates.

If you have previously used e-Licensing, please apply using this method.

Please note that only commercial pilots are able to use e-Licensing.  

If you choose to apply using e-Licensing, you will need to upload supporting documents as part of the application. Applicants will be asked for different supporting documentation depending on the selections they have made during the application. The table below lists the evidence you may be asked for and what you should upload in that section

Please note that if you are converting from a 3rd country licence, you will need to complete the verification process first via SRG2142.

Your original logbook may be requested as part of our quality process. 

• UK Regulations
• UK ANO

• Licence fees and costs

Please ensure that your training provider is approved to conduct the training that you are undertaking.

We strongly recommend you check that your instructor and examiner hold the relevant privileges to conduct the training and any flight test, examination or assessment of competence that is being carried out.

How to find a UK examiner or UK approved school

• UK ATOs are listed in Standards Document 31
• List of Declared Training Organisations
• UK examiners

EASA ratings list and flight simulators

• ratings
• flight simulators ( FSTD)