Advanced Instrument Flight Rules Navigation Training Programme (IFR Course)

If you are considering registering for the Integrated Commercial Pilot Licence with Instrument Rating (CPL + IR), please click “Here”

Basic standalone “IFR Course”

Intended for: Candidates for the single or multi-engine instrument rating (aeroplane).

The Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Rating Course offers pilots the opportunity to learn and master the required flight skills and procedural knowledge to legally and safely operate an aircraft in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). After having successfully completed the course and passed either a Single Engine (SEIR) or Multi Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR) Flight Test, a pilot will be issued an IR subject to several other CAA NZ (CAA) criteria being met.

An Instrument Rating (IR) allows a pilot to fly an aircraft in a wide variety of weather conditions, that would not be possible, when limited to flying in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) under Visual Flight Rules. Achieving an IR is an integral part of developing a pilot’s professional skills and is a pre-requisite requirement for many pilot occupations. 

Eagle Flight Training Limited currently undertakes instrument flight training in a CAA NZ approved synthetic flight trainer (Garmin 1000 equipped), Diamond DA 40 (Garmin 1000 equipped) aircraft, and a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche (Garmin 480 equipped) aircraft.  Other suitably equipped aircraft may also be used.

Course detail:  A structured programme of lectures and flying lessons are provided using the references listed below for guidance.

Syllabus and standards:  The syllabus and standards required are detailed in AC 61-17 Pilot Licences and Ratings – Instrument Ratings (see link below). The syllabus for the lecture course is located in Appendix I of CAA AC61-17, and the syllabus and standards required for the flight test are located in Appendix II. The flight test will be conducted in accordance with the CAA Flight Test Standards Guide – Instrument Rating.

Study References: The study references used for the CAA examinations are Volumes 9 and 10, of the Waypoints Aviation ‘Pilot Books’.  (The Instrument Rating Manual and Instrument Rating Law Manual).

Course Outcome – Practical

Minimum 40 hours “Instrument time” of which;

• A Maximum 20 hours can be logged in a CAA Approved “Synthetic Flight Trainer”
• A Minimum 20 hours “Instrument Flight Time” (Single or Multi-engine as applicable) including;

– 10 hours dual instrument cross-country flight time under an IFR flight plan

*Must have night privileges appropriate to the licence held (PPL or CPL)

Course Theory – Passes in the following three CAA/ASPEQ theory examinations:

• Air Law IR
• Instrument and Navigation Aids
• Flight Navigation IFR

Plus, where applicable, have satisfactorily completed a GNSS Theory Course as per AC61-17 Appendix III – see link below

Pre-requisite Registration Requirements: (in addition to standard “Requirements)

• To register for the Instrument Rating Course, you must hold either a PPL or CPL (Aeroplane) and,
• 50 hours of VFR cross-country navigation flight time as pilot-in-command, of which not less than 10 hours are in the appropriate category of aircraft; and
• PPL holders must have valid exam passes for the CPL Human factors and CPL Meteorology subjects.

(These papers are part of the course content of the Commercial Pilot Licence and Diploma programmes)

Pre-requisite requirements for issue of an Instrument Rating

• Have valid passes in CPL Human Factors & CPL Meteorology and knowledge deficiency reports (KDR) available that have been suitably endorsed by either an A or B Category instructor, and
• Have valid passes in the three CAA/ASPEQ IR theory subjects that are part of the course curriculum, and knowledge deficiency reports (KDR) available that have been suitably endorsed by either an A or B Category instructor, and
• Completed 40 hours “instrument time” as specified above, and
• Hold a valid Class 1 Medical or 2 Medical Certificate with a minimum of Class 1 hearing, and
• Have passed the Instrument Rating Flight Test

Candidates must be able to meet the eligibility requirements listed in AC 61-17 by the time of the instrument rating issue flight test.

For more information:

https://www.aviation.govt.nz/rules/advisory-circulars/show/AC61-17