Airtraining Group | Instrument rating

How much does it cost to obtain an Instrument rating (IR)

Overview
of the Instrument rating course

Instrument rating – EASA IR(A) is a qualification that extends the privileges of EASA PPL(A) or CPL(A).
The IR allows you to fly in low visibility weather conditions, according to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), with a minimum decision height of 60m (200 feet).
Once you complete your Instrument Rating training, your IR/SE(A) qualification will be added to your EASA Private Pilot License – PPL(A).

After completing your Instrument Rating (A), you can also extend the privileges to multi-engine piston aircraft.

An instrument rating is valid for 12 months and is renewed with a flight test with a Flight Examiner.

Ground Training

The theoretical training is provided in the form of ground briefings/debriefings to help you understand what will be expected from you on the following flight.

Flight Training

Flight training is performed on a single-engine piston (SEP) aircraft C-172S according to visual flight rules (VFR).
At the end of the flight training, you will have at least 45 hours total time to apply to CAA for the Skill test.

Upon completion of the course, it is required to display a satisfactory level of theoretical knowledge, evaluated through 7 written tests, in the case of IR(A), and 14 written tests if going for ATPL covering various subjects. To pass a theoretical examination, a minimum score of 75% is necessary for each subject. The theoretical examinations are held at the Civil Aviation Agency (CAA) Republic of Latvia.

The practical examination includes flight preparation and the flight part itself with an examiner. You will need to demonstrate your ability to:

Prepare your flight according to the regulation, including weather, flight planning, alternate, and performances, and you will be interrogated by your examiner on all these points.
Operate the airplane within its limitations.
Complete all maneuvers with smoothness and accuracy
Exercise good judgment and airmanship
Apply your aeronautical knowledge
Maintain control of the airplane at all times
Respect all regulations and limitations specific to IFR flights

The practical exam is performed under the supervision of a CAA-authorized examiner.

Requirements

Exams in

Civil Aviation Agency (CAA)

If you study for the ATPL course, the Instrument rating theory is included in the ATPL syllabus and consists of 14 subjects.

Module 1

Mass and Balance (MBL)
Instrumentation (INS)
Flight Planning and Monitoring (FPL)
General Navigation (NAV)
Meteorology (MET)
Human Performance (HP)
Communications (COM)
Knowledge, skills and attitudes (KSA)

Module 2

Principles of Flight (POF)
Airframes, Systems, Power Plant (AGK)
Performance (PERF)
Operational Procedures (OPS)
Radio Navigation (RNAV)
AirLaw (LAW)

Flight training consists of two modules:

Basic instrument flight module (BIFM)
Procedural instrument flight module (PIFM)

50 hours of flight training PPL(A) Holder.

40 hours if you are already a CPL(A) holder.

Pre-flight procedures for IFR flights, including the use of the flight manual and appropriate air traffic services documents in the preparation of an IFR flight plan
Procedure and maneuvers for IFR operation under normal, abnormal, and emergency conditions
The transition from visual to instrument flight on takeoff standard instrument departures and arrivals
En-route IFR procedures
Holding procedures
Instrument approaches to specified minimal
Missed approach procedures
Diversion to an alternate airport
Landings from instrument approaches, including circling to land
In-flight maneuvers and particular flight characteristics

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The applicant must hold an EASA Pilot License – PPL(A) with Night Rating issued by Part-FCL and a minimum of 50 hours of cross-country flight time as Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
To be at least 17 years old.
Hold a Class 1 medical certificate issued in accordance with Part-MED, or have a Class 2 medical certificate with an audio extension.
Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of Mathematics and Physics

You need to be proficient in the English language ICAO English Language Proficiency minimum level 4 and pass the IFR English (FCL 055d).

ATPL theory - 2300 euros

Flight training - 11 500 euros ( 50 hours x 230 EUR)

TOTAL: 13 800 euros