Competency Based Instrument Rating
CB-IR

Competency Based Instrument Rating Course

The Competency Based Instrument Rating(IR) for aeroplanes is a modular flying training course designed to train PPL or CPL holders for the IR(A), taking into account prior instrument flight instruction and experience. It is designed to provide the level of proficiency needed to operate aeroplanes under IFR. The course shall be taken within an Approved Training Organisation (ATO). CK Aviation is an Approved Training Organisation – ATO Number 0527.

Entry Requirements

Be the holder of a PPL(A) or CPL(A) including an appropriate medical certificate and class/type rating for the IR(A) sought e.g. single engine piston.

Completed at least 80 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction to the IR(A) knowledge level at an ATO. The course of theoretical knowledge instruction shall be completed within 18 months.

Pass the theoretical knowledge examinations.

The instrument flight instruction and the IR(A) skill test shall be completed within the period of validity (36 months) of the pass of the theoretical knowledge examinations.

Flight Training

To determine the amount of hours credited and to establish the training needs, the candidate shall complete a pre-entry assessment flight at the ATO. The content and duration of the pre-entry assessment shall be determined by the ATO based on the prior instrument experience of the candidate.

A single-engine CB-IR(A) course shall include at least 40 hours of instrument time under instruction.

When the candidate has completed instrument flight instruction provided by an IRI(A) or has prior experience of instrument flight time as PIC on aeroplanes, under a rating providing the privileges to fly under IFR and in IMC, these hours may be credited towards the 40 hours above up to maximum of 30 hours.

When the candidate has prior instrument flight time under instruction other than specified above these hours may be credited towards the required 40 hours up to a maximum of 15 hours.

In any case, the flying training shall include at least 10 hours of instrument flight time under instruction in an aeroplane at an ATO.

The total amount of dual instrument instruction shall not be less than 25 hours.

Theoretical Knowledge Training

The competency based modular IR(A) course comprises at least 80 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction. You are required to pass 7 theoretical exams in the following subjects:

Meteorology

Air Law

IFR Communications

Human Performance

Instrumentation

Radio Navigation

Flight Planning

The pass mark in a theoretical knowledge exam is 75%.

After successful completion of the theoretical knowledge examinations they will be valid for the issue of a IR(A) for a period of 36 months.

We highly recommend Bristol Groundschool for the CB-IR theoretical knowledge training. They have a structured, self-study course backed up with excellent training materials, progress tests and classroom brush up courses.

Visit: https://www.bristol.gs/competency-based-instrument-rating-cb-ir-theory-course/

Instrument Rating (Aeroplane) Skill Test

Conducted by an Instrument Rating Examiner (IRE). The IR(A) skill test comprises of the following sections:

SECTION 1 – PRE-FLIGHT OPERATIONS AND DEPARTURE

Use of flight manual/POH to include aircraft performance calculations and mass and balance

NOTAM and weather briefing

Preparation of ATC flight plan and IFR flight log

Pre-flight Inspection

Weather Minima

Taxying

Pre take-off briefing, take-off

Transition to instrument flight

Instrument departure procedures, altimeter setting

ATC liaison – compliance, R/T procedures

SECTION 2 – GENERAL HANDLING

Control of the aeroplane by reference solely to instruments, including: level flight at various speeds

Climbing and descending turns with sustained Rate 1 turn<

Recoveries from unusual attitudes, including sustained 45° bank turns and steep descending turns

Recovery from approach to stall in level flight, climbing/descending turns and in landing configuration

Limited panel: stabilised climb or descent, level turns at Rate 1 onto given headings, recovery from unusual attitudes

SECTION 3 – EN-ROUTE IFR PROCEDURE

Tracking, including interception, e.g. NDB, VOR, RNAV

Use of radio aids

Level flight, control of heading, altitude and airspeed, power setting, trim technique

Altimeter settings

Timing and revision of ETAs (en-route hold, if required)

Monitoring of flight progress, flight log, fuel usage, systems management

Ice protection procedures, simulated if necessary

ATC liaison – compliance, R/T procedures

SECTION 4 – PRECISION APPROACH PROCEDURES

Setting and checking of navigational aids, identification of facilities

Arrival procedures, altimeter checks

Approach and landing briefing, including descent/approach/landing checks

Holding Procedure

Compliance with published approach procedure

Approach timing

Altitude, speed heading control (stabilised approach)

Go-around action

Missed approach procedure/landing

ATC liaison – compliance, R/T procedures

SECTION 5 – NON-PRECISION APPROACH PROCEDURES

Setting and checking of navigational aids, identification of facilities

Arrival procedures, altimeter checks

Approach and landing briefing, including descent/approach/landing checks

Holding Procedure

Compliance with published approach procedure

Approach timing<

Altitude, speed heading control (stabilised approach)

Go-around action

Missed approach procedure/landing

ATC liaison – compliance, R/T procedures

Revalidation/Renewal

Revalidation is required annually, a proficiency check can be conducted up to three months in advance of the expiry date with no loss of validity . If your rating lapses you will require a renewal, which will include training sufficient to pass a skills test and the issue of a course completion certificate from the ATO, followed by a proficiency check. An IR may be renewed as part of a combined class rating skill test or proficiency check in an aeroplane.

7 Year Expiry Period

If the IR has not been revalidated or renewed within the preceding 7 years, the holder will be required to pass again the IR theoretical knowledge examinations and skill test. The 7 year period commences from the date the IR expired.

Privileges

The privileges of a holder of an IR(A) are to fly aircraft under IFR, including PBN operations, with a minimum decision height of no less than 200 feet (60 m)

Cost Illustration

These figures are approximate and based on the candidate completing the training in 25 flying hours.Individual prior experience will dictate how long the training to competency will take.