⚠️ What is IR renewal ✈️
Besides the revalidation IR proficiency check, IR proficiency check or Instrument rating prof check is also the checkride - with an EASA examiner for purpose of renewal the validity of Instrument rating and bringing the rating back alive for next 12 months. Instrument rating is usually connected to specific class or type of an aircraft - e.g. MEP(land)/IR or CL65/IR. However only following EASA examiners can provide single-pilot IR renewal LPC:
- instrument rating examiner - IRE(A)
- class rating examiner CRE with IR privileges
The IR proficiency check may be combined with a class rating proficiency check performed for the renewal of the relevant class.
As mentioned when it comes to the single pilot operations in most cases the instrument rating is connected to class rating. For that reason, the instrument rating proficiency check is combined with the class rating proficiency check. So by attending one proficiency check both - instrument rating and class rating may be renewed. It is important to mention that single-pilot renewal instrument rating LPC can not be done in simulator. Thus if the respective class rating is expired, it also needs to be renewed during the instrument rating LPC.
Revalidation of the Instrument rating ✅ in general
Instrument rating renewal is subject of FCL.625.IR(c).
To renew an instrument rating you shall:
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complete a refresher training in flight school - at an ATO, if deemed necessary by the ATO or by an EBT operator that is specifically approved for such refresher training to reach the level of proficiency needed to pass the instrument element of the skill test in accordance with Appendix 9 to Part FCL
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pass a proficiency check in accordance with Appendix 9
- hold the relevant class or type rating, unless the Instrument Rating renewal is combined with the renewal of the relevant class rating or type rating;
- pass a proficiency check in accordance with Appendix 9 to Part FCL if the IR revalidation is combined with the revalidation of a class rating or type rating or to complete EBT practical assessment in accordance with Appendix 10. That EBT practical assessment may be combined with the refresher training;
- if the IR revalidation is not combined with the revalidation of a class rating or type rating for single-pilot aeroplanes, complete section 3b and those parts of section 1 which are relevant to the intended flight of the proficiency check in accordance with Appendix 9 to Part FCL.
The proficiency check mentioned in points FCL.625(c)(2) and FCL.625(e) may be combined with a proficiency check performed for the renewal of the relevant class or type rating.
Holders of a valid instrument rating on a pilot licence issued by an ICAO license (e.g. FAA) shall be exempted from complying with the requirements in points FCL.625(c)(1) and FCL.625(d) when renewing the IR privileges contained in licences issued in accordance with this Annex. That means, that holder of an ICAO license with endorsed instrument rating is extempted from attending the IR refresher training for a purpose of IR renewal.
Renewal IR - Refresher training
Paragraph FCL.625(c) mandates additional refresher training before ateding the proficiency check for the purpose of renewal Instrument rating. AMC1 FCL.625(c) describes further the steps reequired to be done during the IR refresher training.
The objective of the IR refresher training at flight school - ATO is to reach the level of proficiency needed to pass the instrument rating proficiency check, as described in Appendix 9, or the instrument rating skill test as described in Appendix 7 to Part-FCL, as applicable. The amount of IR refresher training needed should be determined by the flight school ATO on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the following factors:
- the experience of the applicant;
- the amount of time elapsed since the privileges of the rating were last used;
- the complexity of the aircraft;
- whether the applicant has a current rating on another aircraft type or class; and
- where considered necessary, the performance of the applicant during a simulated proficiency check for the rating in a flight simulation training device (FSTD) or an aircraft of a relevant type or class.
The amount of refresher IR training needed to reach the desired level of competency should increase with the time elapsed since the privileges of the rating were last used.
Once the flight school - ATO has determined the needs of the applicant, it should develop an individual training programme based on the ATO’s approved course for the rating and focusing on those aspects where the applicant has shown the greatest needs. Theoretical-knowledge instruction should be included, as necessary. The performance of the applicant should be reviewed during the training, and additional instruction should be provided where necessary to reach the standard required for the IR proficiency check. After successful completion of the IR refresher training, the flight school - ATO should provide a training completion certificate to the applicant, which describes the evaluation of the factors listed above and the refresher trainin received, and includes a statement that the training has been successfully completed. The training completion certificate should be presented to the EASA IRE - an examiner prior to the proficiency check. Following the successful renewal of the rating, the training completion certificate and EASA examiner report form should be submitted to the competent authority.
Flight school - ATO may also decide that the applicant already possesses the required level of proficiency and that no refresher training is necessary. In such a case, the certificate or other documental evidence should contain a respective statement including sufficient reasoning.
Validity of Instrument rating
In accordance with FCL.625.IR(a), the instrument rating is valid for 1 year (12 months) and can be renewed within 3 months (90 days) preceeding the expiry date.