CB-IR

Competency Based IR

Do you want to expand your skills, but not become a professional pilot? Then the CB-IR (Competency based IR) or the BIR (Basic Instrument) is the right choice for you! The difference between the CB-IR and BIR is that the CB-IR is a full ICAO IR, i.e. valid worldwide, and the BIR is only valid in Europe. The theory you need to learn is identical. We will be happy to advise you which one is right for you.

Your training looks like this

Hours of theory in self-study

Hours of Presence Learning

Months max. duration of training

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Theoretical training

The theoretical lessons include the following subjects:

Air law
General aircraft knowledge / instrumentation
Flight performance and flight planning
Human performance
Meteorology
Radio navigation
IFR radiotelephony

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Practical training

The practical training for single-engine aircraft (SEP/IR) comprises 50 hours, of which up to 35 hours can be flown on a simulator (FNPT II). If you would like to obtain the instrument rating for multi-engine aircraft (MEP/IR), you will need 55 hours, of which up to 40 hours must be completed in a simulator and at least 15 hours on a twin-engine aircraft. The authorization to fly multi-engine aircraft by sight is a prerequisite for this. However, it is more cost-effective to first obtain the MEP/VFR class rating (7 hours theory, 6 hours practice) after obtaining the single-engine IFR and then follow this up with the IR/MEP training (5 hours practice, no theory). If you already have a rating to fly multi-engine aircraft by visual reference (MEP/VFR), you will of course only need the IR/MEP training (5 hours) after obtaining the single-engine IFR. The training consists of two modules, which can be completed separately or combined. If you already hold a CPL(A) license and have already completed the basic module (fundamentals of instrument flying), the training time is reduced by 10 hours. The practical examination must be completed within 3 years of passing the theoretical examination at the FOCA.

Part of the training to become an IR pilot is the acquisition of a radiotelephony certificate. In addition, pilots may only participate in radiotelephony if a language endorsement is entered in their license for the language used. This applies to any language other than English, including German and French.

Voice IFR

In the IFR Voice course, you will learn the necessary basics of IFR radio communication in addition to the radiotelephony you have already learned for visual flight.

Differences to the IFR Classic

You may now be wondering why the classic IFR still exists alongside the competence-based IFR. The answer is that the new training will probably replace the classic one in the medium term. Currently, the only difference is that the new IFR does not allow you to fly High Performance Aircraft (HPA, ZB PC12) or aircraft with a mandatory two-man crew (Multi-Pilot-Aircraft, MPA).