IR
Instrument Rating
Last updated: April 20, 2026 · Maintained by Aviatr Editorial Team
What is IR?
An IR (Instrument Rating) is an EASA qualification added to a PPL or CPL that allows the pilot to operate under Instrument Flight Rules — in cloud, at night outside VFR conditions, and in controlled airspace requiring IFR clearance. It dramatically expands the weather conditions in which a pilot can operate safely and legally.
How is IR used?
IR candidates complete roughly 50 hours of instrument flight training (dual in actual or simulated instrument conditions) plus theoretical knowledge exams covering instrument procedures, radio navigation, meteorology, and flight planning. The skill test includes precision approaches (ILS), non-precision approaches (VOR, NDB, RNAV), en-route navigation under IFR, partial-panel emergencies, and a simulated engine failure during the missed-approach phase. IR-rated pilots can file IFR flight plans, receive ATC vectoring and en-route routing, and operate in weather conditions that would ground a VFR-only pilot. For commercial pilots, the IR is a mandatory qualification — no airline or commercial operator hires pilots without a valid Instrument Rating. Renewal requires either a skill revalidation check with an examiner or demonstrated IFR flying experience (minimum 10 IFR hours as PIC) within the validity period of one year. Many European pilots hold the slightly-less-demanding EIR (En-route Instrument Rating) or the competency-based CB-IR as a first step; both exist as scaled-down alternatives to the full Instrument Rating for general aviation pilots.