The Basic Instrument Rating (BIR) is a viable option for the recreational pilot to fly by the instruments, i.e. without visibility outside the cockpit, in the IFR system. An Instrument Rating is the next bigger step for any private pilot wanting to make better use of his or her licence and a great safety improver. The Basic Instrument Rating (BIR) gives you the right to “file IFR” (to fly by the Instrument Flight Rules) and enter clouds on the way and fly approaches down to minimums that are only 200 feet higher than what would be possible with the “full” IR. It will also make your pre-flight route planning much more straightforward. You have all the interest in making sure you get the best training for obtaining your BIR, even if you were to use it only as a private pilot. The course can be accomplished either all in a single-engine aircraft or as a combination of single- and multi-engine aircraft, and of course making use of our great simulators that are identical with the aircraft we use.
No hard rules are established for the minimum number of practical flying training hours. As a rough idea, expect to need 30-40 flight hours to reach the level of competencies required, if you hold a PPL and have no real prior instrument flying experience but possess good flying skills, knowledge and attitude in general.
By the way, did you know that nowadays colour blindness is not an obstacle as such for obtaining the BIR? It may still prevent you from flying at night, but even without the Night Flying rating/endorsement, you can fly under IFR during day. If you hold a Class 2 medical certificate, do ensure you become “IFR checked”, which normally only entails a hearing test (the audiogramme) — no colour vision testing.
There are no prerequisites as regards experience or prior training received apart from holding an EASA PPL (or CPL) for starting the course, but upon applying for the rating 50 h of cross-country PIC experience is required.
