What is a Flight Instrument Rating (IR) qualification and why do I need one?

A Flight Instrument Rating (IR) is an additional qualification that pilots can obtain, allowing them to fly aircraft solely by reference to instruments without relying on external visual references. It is an essential rating for pilots who wish to fly in adverse weather conditions, such as low visibility or cloud cover, where visual flight rules (VFR) are not applicable.

To obtain an IR, pilots must undergo specific training and meet certain requirements set by aviation authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Europe. The training typically includes both theoretical knowledge and practical flight training, covering topics such as instrument flight rules (IFR), navigation, aircraft systems, meteorology, and instrument approaches.

Once the training is completed and the necessary examinations are passed, pilots will be issued an IR, allowing them to legally operate aircraft under instrument flight rules. This rating opens up more opportunities for pilots, enabling them to fly in a wider range of weather conditions and to operate more complex aircraft.

With the Hewison Aviation Instrument Rating program, we train you to fly and navigate an Aircraft solely in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) such as fog, clouds, and reduced visibility by reference to certain instruments, navigation aids and emergency procedures.

We provide Instrument Rating training in single-engine aircraft under mostly simulated IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) using foggles while in flight, but sometime we are able to practice in actual IMC conditions. We also use the simulator. The entire training is divided into a series of stages and check rides during both day and night in reduced visibility and bad weather conditions utilizing NDB, VOR, RNAV (GNSS), and ILS aids.

The instrument rating prepares you to fly in weather conditions and under instrument meteorological conditions.