Instrument Rating

IR Course Detail

An Instrument Rating (IR), as defined by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), certifies pilots to fly using only aircraft instruments, without relying on visual references. This rating is required for pilots operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in conditions like low visibility, fog, clouds, or at night.

The IR ensures pilots have the skills to safely navigate when visual cues are unavailable, which is essential for commercial pilots, flight instructors, and other professionals. Training includes instrument flying, navigation, and weather interpretation, followed by a written exam and flight test.

Instrument Rating Requirements According to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA):

1. Eligibility Requirements

• License: Hold a valid Private Pilot License (PPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
• Medical Fitness: The applicant must hold a Class 2 Medical Certificate (for PPL) or Class 1 Medical Certificate (for CPL holders) from an authorized medical examiner.
• Age: The applicant must be at least 17 years of age for a PPL and 18 years of age for a CPL.

2. Required Flight Experience

• Minimum Total Flight Hours: A minimum of 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot-in-command (PIC).
• At least 40 hours of flight training under actual or simulated instrument conditions, which includes both dual instruction (with an instructor) and solo flying.
• Of the 40 hours of instrument training, at least 15 hours must be conducted by an authorized flight instructor (CFI).
• Cross-country Flights: The applicant must have completed at least one cross-country flight of not less than 100 nautical miles from the departure airport during the instrument training.
• Night Flight Experience: The IR training may include night flying, depending on the program requirements and the applicant’s existing qualifications.

3. Theoretical Knowledge

The PCAA requires applicants to undergo theoretical training on various aspects of instrument flight, including but not limited to:

• Navigation: Using aircraft instruments for flight navigation, including the use of VORs, ILS, GPS, and other aids.
• Flight Planning: Planning IFR flight routes, considering weather conditions, and understanding air traffic control procedures.
• Aircraft Systems: Knowledge of aircraft instruments and systems used for instrument flying.
• Meteorology: Understanding weather patterns, interpreting weather reports, and planning flights in adverse conditions.
• Regulations: Knowledge of air traffic control procedures, IFR regulations, and legal responsibilities of pilots flying under IFR.

Applicants are required to pass a written exam on these subjects to demonstrate their theoretical knowledge.

4. Practical Flight Test (Check Ride)

After completing the required flight training and theoretical knowledge, the applicant must pass a flight test (check ride) with a PCAA examiner or an authorized instructor. The test typically includes:

• A range of instrument flight maneuvers, such as holding patterns, course intercepts, and approaches using various instrument systems (e.g., ILS, VOR, NDB, etc.).
• A mock emergency scenario, where the pilot must demonstrate their ability to handle in-flight emergencies using instruments, such as recovering from a stall, performing a go-around, or managing an engine failure.

The flight test evaluates the pilot’s ability to safely fly an aircraft solely by reference to instruments, navigate under IFR conditions, and comply with air traffic control instructions.

5. Currency and Maintenance of Instrument Rating

• Recent Flight Experience: A pilot must have flown at least 3 instrument approaches, completed a holding pattern, and performed intercept and tracking maneuvers within the past 6 months to maintain currency.
• Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC): If the pilot has not met the currency requirements, they must undergo an IPC to demonstrate their instrument flying proficiency.

6. Privileges of Instrument Rating

With an Instrument Rating, a pilot can:

• Fly in IFR conditions: This includes flying in weather conditions where visual reference to the ground is not possible, such as in low clouds, fog, or at night.
• Fly with instruments only: Pilots are authorized to navigate and control the aircraft by reference to instruments, without the need for visual contact with the terrain or sky.
• Access to controlled airspace: Pilots with an IR can access and fly in controlled airspace under the guidance of air traffic control (ATC).

7. Conversion of Foreign Instrument Ratings

If a pilot holds an instrument rating from another country, they may be able to convert it to a Pakistan Instrument Rating after meeting the following:

• Submitting proof of the foreign rating.
• Completing additional theoretical training or flight tests as required by the PCAA.

The PCAA may require additional assessments to ensure that the pilot meets the national regulatory standards and is familiar with local airspace and operational procedures.

8. Issuance of Instrument Rating (IR) – Documents Required

• Application Form CAAF-013-LCXX
• Medical certificate CAAF-005-LCAM
• IF hours breakdown
• Skill test report CAAF-023-LCXX
• Logbook certificate CAAF-024-LCXX
• Fee voucher

9. For Renewal or Revalidation of Instrument Rating (IR)

• Application Form CAAF-014-LCXX
• Skill test report CAAF-023-LCXX
• Medical certificate CAAF-005-LCAM
• Fee voucher