Instrument Rating is the most important part of the Frozen ATPL training
An Instrument Rating (IR) is an additional rating that a pilot can obtain, allowing them to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The commercial air transport operations using the common flying rules - instrument flying rules for all its operations regardless of the daytime, visibility, weather or size of the aircraft. The procedures for the instrument flying rules are common world-wide. Therefore the through familiarity and skill to navigate the aircraft under the instrument flying rules is one of the most important skills of the freshly qualified professional pilot.
Normally, a private or commercial pilot without this rating can only fly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), meaning they must remain in weather conditions where they can see and avoid obstacles and other aircraft, which is being done very seldom by the aircraft operating under commercial air transport. Some of the operators even prohibit to fly under Visual Flying Rules. Therefore the Instrument Rating is absolute must to be enrolled into the typerating trianing.
With an instrument rating, a pilot is trained and authorized to:
- Fly in clouds, fog, or low-visibility conditions using only cockpit instruments (no outside visual reference).
- Rely on navigational aids (like GPS, VOR, or ILS) for flying and landing.
- Operate legally in controlled airspace and at airports requiring IFR procedures.
Instrument Rating Theory (ATPL Theory)
The ATPL theory exams include all Instrument Rating subjects (Air Law, Flight Planning, Radio Nav, Meteorology, Instruments, etc.). Therefore there is no separate Instrument Rating theory exam needed if you were tested in the ATPL syllabus — it's automatically covered and credited. The ATPL theory credit is automatically prolonged by revalidating your Instrument Rating. ATPL theory expires 7 years after the last expiry date of your Instrument Rating.
Instrument Rating Flight Training
The Instrument Rating (IR) phase is a major block of training, usually after basic VFR. Minimum IFR requirement under EASA: 55 hrs IFR flight time (some of this can be in a simulator). In integrated ATPL, schools often give 60–70 hrs IFR (to meet both CPL+IR+ATPL standards).
Instrument Rating Skill Test
The desired qualification upon completion of the Instrument Rating module in Modular Frozen ATPL training:
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Be able to fly a multi-engine aircraft under IFR in IMC
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Be able to navigate en-route, precision/non-precision approaches, holds, departures, abnormal procedures utilizing the standadized common IFR procedures
Instrument Rating Integration into ATPL Path
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The IR (IFR training) is usually done just before the MCC/APS-MCC phase.
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The sequence is:
PPL → VFR Night → Hour building → ATPL Theory → Instrument Rating
Key Notes about Instrument Rating Training
- In an Integrated ATPL, you don’t usually do a separate Single-engine Instrument Rating first, but completing the Instrument Rating training to follow the prescribed syllabi
- In a Modular route, you may choose to do Single-engine Instrument Rating then add Multi-engine Instrument Rating or to complete your Multi-engine Instrument Rating right away
- The IR part is the most expensive portion of training because of aircraft and simulator use.
| Aspect | SEIR (Single-Engine IR) | MEIR (Multi-Engine IR) |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft | Single-engine (e.g., C172, DA40) | Multi-engine (e.g., DA42, Piper Seneca) |
| Privileges | Fly IFR in single-engine aircraft only | Fly IFR in multi-engine aircraft (and also single-engine if you hold SE class rating) |
| Training Hours | ~50 hrs IFR (aircraft/simulator) | ~55 hrs total |
| Complexity | Focus on IFR basics: en-route, holds, approaches | Adds asymmetric handling, engine-out IFR, multi-engine procedures |
| Skill Test | Conducted in a single-engine aircraft | Conducted in a multi-engine aircraft |
| Cost | Lower (less aircraft/sim cost, less fuel) | Higher (multi-engine aircraft time is expensive) |
| Best For | Private pilots wanting IFR privileges on touring aircraft | Professional pilot pathway (CPL/ATPL) or anyone planning airline/multi-engine ops |
| Future Upgrades | Can be “upgraded” later with a short MEIR add-on course | Already includes SEIR privileges (if you hold SEP(land) rating) |
| Renewal | 12-month proficiency check (single-engine IR) | 12-month proficiency check (multi-engine IR, covers both ME & SE) |
Rule of thumb of Instrument Rating
- SEIR = more affordable, good for private IFR touring.
- MEIR = required if you're pursuing a professional career (CPL/ATPL, airlines) .
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