Instrument Rating (IR) is an advanced training to allow you to fly on a multi-engine aircraft using only the instruments on board, without any external visual reference.
It is a very hard training, which requires great precision, control and manoeuvrability of the aircraft. This type of rating will allow you to fly the aircraft at over 200 ft – even in low visibility conditions – using only your instruments.
IR is compulsory if you wish to become a commercial airline pilot, whilst it is a further asset if, as a private pilot, you wish to fly abroad or fly on more sophisticated and performing aircraft.
The instrument rating lasts for 1 year and has to be renewed before each expiry date indicated on your flight licence.
Renewal is made through a check made by an examiner on a simulator or on the aircraft for which you wish to renew your rating, in compliance with the instrument rating rules. The check above can be made starting from three months before your expiry date.