Instrument rating skill test background ✈️
The instrument rating skill test reffers to paragraph FCL.620 of the Part-FCL. The IR skill test shall be done in aircraft only with possible combination of simulator within minor part of the skill test schedule. The instrument rating skill test schedule is described in Appendix 7 to Part-FCL Regulation (EC) 1178/2011.
A candidate for the EASA instrument rating IR(A) shall demonstrate to the flight examiner IRE (A) ability to perform the procedures and maneuvers appropriate for flight according to the IFR - instrument flying rules in single-engine aeroplane. For that reason, the exercises related to multi-engine flight are exempted from the IR skill test.
An Exam candidate shall pass all the relevant sections of the IR skill test. If any item in a section is failed, that section is failed. Failure in more than one section will require the Exam candidate to take the entire test again. An applicant failing only one section shall only repeat the failed section. Failure in any section of the retest, including those sections that have been passed on a previous attempt, will require the applicant to take the entire IR skill test again. All relevant sections of the IR skill test shall be completed within 6 months. Failure to achieve a pass in all relevant sections of the test in two attempts will require further training. Further training may be required also following a failed skill test. There is no limit to the number of skill tests that may be attempted.
Should the Exam candidate choose to terminate a skill test for reasons considered inadequate by the EASA examiner, the Exam candidate shall retake the entire skill test. If the skill test is terminated for reasons considered adequate by the EASA examiner, only those sections not completed shall be tested in a further flight.
At the discretion of the EASA examiner, any manoeuvre or procedure of the skill test may be repeated once by the Exam candidate. The IRE examiner may stop the skill test at any stage if it is considered that the Exam candidate’s demonstration of flying skill requires a complete retest.
An Exam candidate shall fly the multi-engine aircraft from a position where the pilot-in-command functions can be performed and to carry out the test as if there is no other crew member. The EASA examiner shall take no part in the operation of the aircraft, except when intervention is necessary in the interests of safety or to avoid unacceptable delay to other traffic. Responsibility for the flight shall be allocated in accordance with national regulations.