Introduction
So have you heard about Instrument rating?? Let me give you a brief idea about what it is. An instrument rating is an advanced qualification for pilots that allows them to fly aircraft solely by reference to instruments, without relying on visual cues. It’s essential for flying in adverse weather conditions or situations with low visibility. Pilots with an instrument rating are trained to navigate and control the aircraft using the cockpit instruments, including altimeters, gyroscopes, and navigation systems.
This rating enhances a pilot’s skills and safety when flying in challenging environments. In basic language, this rating is a qualification needed for pilots to fly in low visibility conditions. Now lets look at the requirements to get this rating.
Requirements for issue of Instrument rating
Knowledge: He shall pass a written and oral examination in Air Regulations, Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology and Instrument Rating as per syllabus prescribed by the Director-General for issue of Commercial Pilot’s Licence. He shall also pass a practical test on interpretation of aural and visual signals as per the syllabus prescribed by the Director-General.
Experience: He shall produce evidence of having satisfactorily completed as a pilot of an aeroplane.
- Not less than one hundred hours of flight time as a Pilot-in-Command including not less than fifty hours of cross-country flight time.
- Not less than forty hours of instrument time of which not more than twenty hours shall be instrument ground time. A minimum of five hours of instrument time shall have been completed within a period of six months immediately preceding the date of application for the Instrument Rating.
- Basic Requirements — He/She shall be :
(i) holder of a current Pilot’s Licence (Aeroplanes);
(ii) holder of a current Flight Radio Telephone Operator’s Licence for operation of radio telephone apparatus on board an aircraft issued by the Director-General.
Skill
He/She shall have demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Examiner his competency to fly an aeroplane in respect of which Instrument Rating is desired, solely with the aid of instruments by undergoing an instrument flying test within a period of six months immediately preceding the date of application for the rating. The flying test shall be carried out in accordance with the syllabus as prescribed by the Director-General. The Director-General may, however, allow such tests or part thereof to be carried out on an approved simulator for the type of aircraft.
Exceptions
Provided that in the case a pilot who holds a current Instrument Rating (Helicopters), he shall have not less than one hundred hours of flight time as Pilot-in-Command of an aeroplane including not less than twenty five hours of cross-country flight time and not less than twenty hours of instrument time of which not more than ten hours may be on an approved simulator.
Validity
(a) The rating shall be valid for a period of twelve months from the date of the instrument rating flying test.
(b) It shall be renewed for a further period of twelve months at a time from the date of expiry provided that the instrument rating flying test has been carried out within two months preceding the date of expiry and all other requirements for renewal are met.
(c) In other cases, the validity of renewal of the rating shall commence from the date of the test.
Conclusion
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