Full modular IR: structured ATO training, 50+ hours instrument time, 7 theory exams, fully ICAO-compliant worldwide. CB-IR: ICAO-compliant, 40 hours (30 creditable from experience, min 10 at ATO), same 7 exams. BIR: newest/most accessible, 3 exams, no minimum hours, NOT ICAO-compliant (EASA only), higher weather minima, upgradeable to full IR later.
EUR8,000-18,000 total. Breakdown: theory EUR1,500-3,500, 7 exams EUR500-1,000, min 10hr ATO training EUR2,500-5,000, up to 30hr freelance IRI EUR3,000-8,000, skill test EUR500-1,000. Timeline: 2-6 months part-time typically.
Valid EASA PPL or higher with current SEP/MEP rating; 50 hours cross-country PIC (key requirement); 7 IR theory exams passed; valid EASA medical; ICAO English Level 4+. No minimum total flight time beyond the 50hr PIC cross-country.
Only at an ATO. DTOs are limited to PPL/LAPL, night rating, some class ratings. However, up to 30 of the 40 hours can be outside the ATO with a freelance IRI. Only the final 10 hours minimum must be at the ATO.
For recreational EASA-only pilots: excellent option. Fewer exams (3 vs 7), no minimum hours, cheaper (EUR4,000-10,000), upgradeable. But NOT ICAO-compliant (can't use outside EASA — notably not UK post-Brexit), higher minima. For UK/USA/worldwide IFR: get the CB-IR instead.
CB-IR/full IR: 7 exams (Air Law IFR, AGK IFR, Flight Planning, Human Performance, Meteorology, Radio Navigation, IFR Communications) from ~4,000 question bank, 75% pass, valid 36 months. BIR: 3 exams from ~1,400 questions. All within 18-month completion window.
