Instrument Rating Course for Aeroplanes & Helicopters

Learning is more memorable when the course materials are engaging.

That’s why we pioneered a computer-based training system called ATPdigital: the first software of its kind in the industry.

It breaks your course into bitesize stages, guiding you through your studies with interactive diagrams, animations, and explainers.

Pass quizzes at the end of each section to progress with your studies. Watch your knowledge grow with a dashboard overview of your learning.

ATPdigital is available for Windows and Mac OS PCs and laptops. There’s also an iOS app available for iPad.

Once installed the software can also be used offline allowing you to study from any location with no internet connection.

ATPdigital also incorporates the same question bank as BGSonline, enabling you to carry out practice exams if you do not have access to the internet.

As part of an approved course, you’ll be required to log 16 hours of online tuition for the IR course. This can be met by attending two days of one of our ATPL revision courses.

Our revision courses are delivered at ATPL level, so they may include some content not relevant to the IR syllabus, but your course materials are IR-specific.

The online revision weeks are interactive, so you’ll be able to ask the instructor questions as you go along.

As a student studying with Bristol Groundschool, you will receive twelve months of access to BGS Question Bank: a regularly updated database of exam-style questions.

With instant answers and detailed explanations, it’s the perfect resource for testing your knowledge and preparing for your exams.

Filter questions by topic or revisit questions you’ve got wrong in the past to make your learning targeted and effective.

An instrument rating (IR) course covers the theoretical knowledge requirements for flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) during periods of low visibility or where the airspace requires flights to be conducted under specific navigational criteria. An IR rating allows pilots to fly under IFR en route or allows instrument departure or arrival procedures to be used.

Without an IR, you can only fly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) which limits the type and nature of flying a pilot can conduct. As a result an IR is almost always required for pilot roles but especially for commercial passenger, charter or emergency service operations. Even PPL holders can find that an IR is a useful rating to add to their licence as it allows them to fly more regularly and equips them with the ability to fly in conditions that your average PPL holder would avoid.

There are several IR types to fit different needs and budgets. The full IR is an ICAO rating and can be added to a PPL, CPL or ATPL. You can get single-engine (SEIR) or multi-engine (MEIR) versions.

The CB-IR (Competency-Based IR) gives exactly the same flying rights as the full IR but has less stringent training requirements for pilots who have previous IR experience. This can make the training considerably shorter and cheaper. The final skills test is exactly the same as the full IR so pilots will need to demonstrate the same level of competence whether the full IR or CB-IR route is taken.

Private pilots often choose the Basic Instrument Rating (BIR) for EASA licences or Instrument Rating (Restricted) (IR(R)) for UK CAA licences. Both cost much less than a full IR and are suited for light aircraft. You can fly instrument departures and approaches and there are single-engine or multi-engine versions. The BIR/IR(R) are not useable on high performance aircraft.

Both the BIR/IR(R) give similar benefits and cost about the same. The big difference is that IR(R) is only useable in UK airspace in UK registered Aircraft whereas the BIR is only available for EASA licence holders flying EASA registered aircraft.

Each course has different theory and practical requirements. The CB-IR and IR have 7 exams, the BIR has 3 exams and the IR(R) has one exam.

ATPL and MPL pilots must have an IR – their licence won’t work without one. For all other licences like PPL, CPL, and ATPL(H) VFR, the IR is your choice but we strongly suggest getting one.

Most professional pilots need an IR to get jobs, even when the type of flying doesn’t require it. Private pilots find that an IR changes their flying from a sunny-day hobby into a reliable method of travel they can use all year. The money you spend on training usually pays for itself through less weather delays for example.

Yes, you can add an IR to your licence at any time, but you need to meet some basic requirements first. You must have at least 50 hours of cross-country flying (with 10 hours in your type of aircraft) and a night rating if you want to fly IR at night.

The best time depends on your flying plans. Many students get a BIR or IR(R) early in their training. This gives them good experience while building hours. Later, they can upgrade to a full IR when they need it for commercial work. This way works well and saves money whilst building real IFR skills.

Helicopter pilots have fewer choices but the same basic needs. Only the full IR(H) works for helicopters – there’s no BIR or CB-IR for rotorcraft.

The theory course is the same as for aeroplane pilots, covering seven subjects. But the content includes helicopter-specific information where needed. Flight training covers helicopter procedures and typically requires 50-55 hours total including simulator time. Helicopter pilots who already have a CPL(H) or ATPL (H) VFR can skip some theory exams, making their course shorter.

You have a total of 6 sittings (exam weeks) to pass all the exams and no more than 4 attempts at any one subject, you need to pass all exams within 18 months from the date of your first sitting.

The scheduling of the exams is down to a students personal preference as long as the mandatory training requirements of the training organisation are met.

Maths and Physics

Before you start the IR subjects, there is a short module on Maths and Physics with the BGS course. This is a refresher for you if you have not studied these subjects for a while. The Maths and Physics module is conducted in the CBT only and there are no EASA or UK CAA exams associated with it.

You can start your IR theory training with Bristol Groundschool before your Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) licence is issued, but you will need to hold at least a PPL and FRTOL before starting an IR flight training course, with at least 50 hours Cross Country time as Pilot in Command. You can also start if you have a CPL or an ATPL. If you only have a PPL and want to fly IR at night, you’ll also need a night rating first.

Of course, our modular approach means you can complete these prerequisites at your own pace and fit them around your schedule, rather than rushing through an intensive course.