Flight training to include:

• 15 hours dual instrument flying training of which up to 2 hours may be in an approved simulator
• Not less than 10 of the 15 hours must be flown by sole reference to instruments

Note:Holders of a pre JAR Night Rating (not the Night Qualification) may be exempt 3 hours dual flight instruction including not more than 2 hours by sole reference to instruments providing they can show logbook evidence of completing the pre Night Rating instrument flying training.

Minimum of 20 hours of theoretical knowledge training covering:

• Physiological Factors
• Flight Instruments
• Aeronautical Information Service
• Flight Planning
• Privileges of the IMC Rating

IMC Rating Ground Examination

A written paper consisting of 25 multi-choice questions covering the IMC theoretical knowledge training. The pass mark is 72%. The examination must be passed within 12 months preceding the date of application. It can be taken before or after the flight test. For a practice paper and some self-assessment questions click on Practice Paper

IMC Rating Initial Flight Test

Conducted by a Flight Examiner (FE) or Instrument Rating Examiner (IRE).

A pass may be gained in the course of up to 3 individual flights made during a 28 day period.

Failure in any part of the test will require the candidate to take the full test again.

The flight test comprises of the following sections:

Section A - Full Panel Instrument Flying

S & L at given speeds, turns at a given rate and onto given headings, climbing and descending including turns, recovery from unusual attitudes

Section B - Limited Panel Instrument Flying (Failure of Attitude Indicator and DI)

S & L flight, climbing and descending, turns onto given headings, recovery from unusual attitudes

Section C - Radio Navigation Aids

Use of radio navigation aids for position-finding using one or more aids to include VOR and ADF/NDB, maintenance of a given track based on a pilot-interpreted aid for 10 minutes

Section D - Let-Down and Approach Procedures

Let-down and approach to minima, missed approach procedure using a pilot-interpreted aid, carry out a recognised instrument approach procedure to minima, thence the appropriate go-around and missed approach procedure

Section E - Bad Weather Circuits

Bad weather circuit following Section D, position the aircraft in the circuit at the direction of the FE, to carry out a visual bad weather circuit and landing under specified weather conditions

Section F - Flight with Asymmetric Power (only if test conducted on multi-engine aeroplane)

Control of the aeroplane and maintenance of a given heading and asymmetric climb speed, following the failure of one engine in the climbing configuration at normal climb power. Identification of the failed engine and the completion of all essential drills and checks. Climbing and level turns in asymmetric flight as directed by the FE

Note: Throughout Section F the FE is responsible for navigation and ATC liason. On resumption of normal flight the FE will advise the candidate of the aeroplane position.

Validity

25 months.

Revalidation / Renewal

Pass a revalidation/renewal flight test prior to rating expiry

AND

The applicant must show logbook evidence that in the period between flight tests has successfully completed a let-down, approach to minima, go-around and missed approach using a different aid from that in the flight test. This must be signed by an FI qualified to give instrument flying instruction

OR

Carry out 2 approach procedures using different aids during the revalidation/renewal flight test

IMC Rating Revalidation / Renewal Flight Test

Conducted by a Flight Examiner (FE) or Instrument Rating Examiner (IRE).

A pass may be gained in the course of up to 3 individual flights made during a 28 day period.

Failure in any part of the test will require the candidate to take the full test again.

The Revalidation/Renewal Flight Test will comprise Sections B, D and E of the Initial Flight Test. The type of approach aid used must be entered in the candidates logbook.

A Revalidation/Renewal Flight Test which is a first multi-engine test must include Section F.

IMC Rating Expired By More Than 5 years

Complete a minimum 7.5 hours dual instruction covering the IMC Rating course and pass the Initial IMC Flight Test with an FE.

Privileges

An IMC rating extends the privileges of a PPL (A) holder to allow flight as PIC:

• Out of site of the surface
• In a control zone on SVFR clearance with a flight visibility less than 5 nm but not less than 1.5 nm
• Outside controlled airspace in a flight visibility less than 1.5 nm
• Carrying passengers above 3000 ft amsl in IMC or in flight visibility less than 3 nm at or below that height, when outside controlled airspace
• During take-off or landing with a flight visibility below cloud of not less than 1 nm

The IMC rating is only valid in UK territorial airspace, Channel Islands airspace and Isle of Man airspace.

References