IR(A) - single engine skill test ✈️ EASA instrument rating

 ⚠️ What is EASA IR single-engine skill test ✈️

EASA Instrument rating skill test is the checkride - with an EASA examiner - so-called IRE(A). The purpose is to verify of the operational-related theoretical knowledge and subsequent flight.  Sucessfully passed EASA Instrument rating skill test is the requirement for flying during the IFR flight operations on single-engine aeroplane. 

Talking about instrument rating SE, it is important to mention that EASA instrument rating is allways connected to the class rating or type rating. In case of single-engine IR skill test the final license endorsement may be as SEP(land)/IR or IR-SE. 

Pre-requisites of Single-engine Instrument rating skill test ✅

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 with a degree of competency appropriate to the privileges granted.

An EASA IR skill test for single-engine instrument rating is carried out after completion of the flight training provided by the  flight school. You need to be recommended by the flight school for the skill test.

Examination of Instrument rating - related Theoretical knowledge at the National Aviation Authority (CAA) has to be successfully passed before attending the EASA single-engine instrument rating skill test. The usual way is to attend is to attend either EASA IR theoretical knowledge exam or ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge exam. Both of them are acceptable theoretical knowledge credit towards the EASA Instrument rating.

Conduct of SE Instrument rating ✈️ skill test

The purpose of the single-engine instrument rating skill test is to simulate actual IFR flight on single-engine aeroplane. The route to be flown is chosen by the EASA examiner. An essential element is the ability of the IR-SE Exam candidate to prepare the IFR flight as itself using normal pre-flight analysis (briefing). The Exam candidate shall be able to prepare flight, analyze IFR-related threaths and submit the IFR flight plan. He is also responsible for flight planning and ensures that all required equipment and all documents, certificates and materials required for the flight are on board the aircraft during the checkride with examiner.

The heights and altitudes, the minimum descent height (MDH) and minimum descent altitudes (MDA), missed approach procedures are up to the Exam candidate decision upon approved by the EASA examiner.

The duration of entire IR single-engine skill test is approximately 3 hours in total. The checkride with Examiner takes approximately 1 hour up to 1 hour 30 minutes of the flight time. The rest of the time is used for the flight preperation (route planning, briefing, debriefing) and oral theoretical knowledge examination. Neverthless, the IR-SE skill test flight time shall not be less than 1 hours.

An IR-SE Exam candidate shall indicate to the EASA examiner the checks and duties carried out, including the identification of radio facilities. Checks shall be completed in accordance with the authorised checklist for the aircraft on which the test is being taken. During pre-flight preparation for the instrument rating single-engine skill test the Exam candidate is required to determine power settings and speeds. Performance data for take-off, approach and landing shall be calculated by the Exam candidate in compliance with the Operations manual or flight manual for the aircraft used.

Content of SE Instrument rating ✈️ skill test

Before the actual flight, expect several questions to verify your theoretical knowledge by EASA examiner. You can expect the questions in accordance with GM1 to Appendix 6 on following topics:

• Air Law
• IFR Flight planing and IFR Flight monitoring
• Meteorology

Actual flight with EASA Examiner consists of following sections.

• Section 1 - Pre-flight operations and departure
  • Use of flight manual (or equivalent) especially a/c performance calculation, mass and balance
  • Use of Air Traffic Services document, weather document
  • Preparation of ATC flight plan, IFR flight plan/log
  • Identification of the required navaids for departure, arrival and approach procedures
  • Pre-flight inspection
  • Weather Minima
  • Taxiing
  • PBN departure
  • Pre-take-off briefing, Take-off
  • Transition to instrument flight
  • Instrument departure procedures, including PBN departures, and altimeter setting
  • ATC liaison — compliance, R/T procedures
• Section 2 - General handling
  • Control of the aeroplane by reference solely to instruments, including: level flight at various speed, trim 
  • Climbing and descending turns with sustained Rate 1 turn
  • Recoveries from unusual attitudes, including sustained 45° bank turns and steep descending turns
  • Recovery from approach to stall in level flight, climbing/descending turns and in landing configuration
  • Limited panel: stabilised climb or descent, level turns at Rate 1 onto given headings, recovery from unusual attitudes
• Section 3 - En-route IFR procedures 
  • Tracking, including interception, e.g. NDB, VOR, or track between waypoints
  • Use of navigation system and radio aids
  • Level flight, control of heading, altitude and airspeed, power setting, trim technique
  • Altimeter settings e Timing and revision of ETAs (en-route hold, if required)
  • Monitoring of flight progress, flight log, fuel usage, systems’ management
  • Ice protection procedures, simulated if necessary
  • ATC liaison - compliance, R/T procedures
• Section 3a - Arrival procedures 
  • Setting and checking of navigational aids, and identification of cacilities, if applicable
  • Arrival procedures, altimeter checks
  • Altitude and speed constraints, if applicable
  • PBN arrival (if applicable):
    • Check that the correct procedure has been loaded in the navigation system; and
    • Cross-check between the navigation system display and the arrival chart.
• Section 4 - 3D Operations
  • Setting and checking of navigational aids Check Vertical Path angle For RNP APCH: — Check that the correct procedure has been loaded in the navigation system; and — Cross-check between the navigation system display and the approach chart. b Approach and landing briefing, including descent/approach/landing checks, including identification of facilities c(+) Holding procedure d Compliance with published approach procedure e Approach timing f Altitude, speed heading control (stabilised approach) Go-around action Missed approach procedure/landing ATC liaison – compliance, R/T procedures
• Section 5 - 2D Operations
  • Setting and checking of navigational aids For RNP APCH:
    • Check that the correct procedure has been loaded in the navigation system; and
    • Cross-check between the navigation system display and the approach chart.
  • Approach and landing briefing, including descent/approach/landing checks, including identification of facilities
  • Holding procedure
  • Compliance with published approach procedure
  • Approach timing
  • Altitude/Distance to MAPT, speed, heading control (stabilised approach), Step Down Fixes (SDF(s)), if applicable
  • Go-around action
  • Missed approach procedure/landing
  • ATC liaison – compliance, R/T procedures

Pass criteria ✅ of the EASA IR single-engine

The Exam candidate shall during instrument rating single-engine skill test demonstrate the ability to:

• operate the aircraft within its limitations;
• complete all manoeuvres with smoothness and accuracy;
• exercise good judgment and airmanship; apply aeronautical knowledge; and
• maintain control of the aircraft at all times in such a manner that the successful outcome of a procedure or manoeuvre is never seriously in doubt.

The following limits shall apply, corrected to make allowance for turbulent conditions and the handling qualities and performance of the aircraft used:

Height tolerances during IR-SE skill test

Tracking tolerances during IR-SE skill test

Heading tolerances during IR-SE skill test

Speed tolerances during IR-SE skill test

Privileges ✅ of the EASA IR single-engine

EASA instrument rating - IR(A) is valid for 12 months since the end of the month in which the skill test with examiner has been successfully passed.  Single-engine instrument rating grants the privileges described in FCL.605.IR:

• act as a pilot in command (PIC) in the single-engine single pilot aeroplane during the flight under instrument flying rules;
• perform the instrument approaches to the lowest decision height of 200 feet (60 meters);
• possibility to extend the privileges of the IR-SE for the decision height less than 200 feet (60m)