FAA IR – Instrument Rating

Instrument Rating refers to the qualifications that required in order to fly according to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). An instrument rating is a must if you want to become a professional pilot and fly for long distances as a private pilot.

Course entry requirements
Minimum age of 18 years
Third class medical certificate

At least PPL (A) (Private Pilot License)
English language skills
Privileges
The privileges of a holder of an IR are to fly aircraft under IFR with a minimum decision height of 200 feet (60 m).

Ground training
The applicant has to go through ground training covering:

-Air law
-Instrumentation
-Flight planning & monitoring
-Human performance & limitations
-Meteorology
-Radio navigation
-Communications

Course duration
-The module course covers at least 200 hours of self-study and class sessions (for Part 141).

Flight training
Basic instrument flight module:

-Basic instrument flight without external visual cues (horizontal flights, climbing, descending, turns in level flight, climbing, descending)
-Instrument pattern
-Steep turn
-Radio navigation
-Recovery from unusual attitudes
-Partial panel
-Recognition and recovery from incipient and full stalls

Procedural instrument flight module:

-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 manoeuvres for IFR operation under normal, abnormal and emergency conditions
-transition from visual to instrument flight on take off
-standard instrument departures and arrivals
-en route IFR procedures
-holding procedures
-instrument approaches to specified minima
-missed approach procedures
-landings from instrument approaches, including circling
-In flight manoeuvres and particular flight characteristics 

Examination – Written Test
The applicant has to demonstrate the theoretical knowledge at an FAA approved testing centre in the form of a written test. The test consists of nine subjects (Meteorology, Navigation, Instrumentation, Communications, Aircraft General Knowledge, Principles of flight, Air Law, Flight performance and planning, Human Performance and limitations, Operational procedures).

The applicant must pass the written exam with a minimum of 70% which is still a passing score. One must complete and successfully pass the written exam prior to taking the theoretical/practical examination.

Examination – Practical
The applicant must demonstrate the ability to:

-Operate the airplane within its limitations
-Complete all manoeuvres with smoothness and accuracy
-Exercise good judgment and airmanship
-Apply aeronautical knowledge
-Maintain control of the airplane at all times