HELICOPTERS

Instrument Rating

A practical guide to EASA helicopter instrument privileges, focused on IR(H) and how it connects to helicopter type ratings and commercial IFR operations.

OVERVIEW

What is an instrument rating?

A helicopter instrument rating allows the pilot to operate helicopters under IFR within the privileges held and the limits of the helicopter type rating, medical certificate and operational approval.

In practice, helicopter IFR privileges are closely connected to the helicopter type rating, especially in multi-engine, multi-pilot and commercial operations.

Key point: For helicopters, the core instrument rating is IR(H). BIR is not included here because this page focuses on helicopter instrument privileges.

HELICOPTER INSTRUMENT RATINGS

Helicopter Instruments ratings explained

These are the main helicopter-specific rating or training blocks a pilot is likely to encounter.

IR(H)

Instrument Rating — Helicopters

What it covers

The full helicopter instrument rating. It allows IFR helicopter operations when linked to the relevant helicopter type and operational approval.

Typical use

Professional IFR helicopter operations, offshore, HEMS, transport and advanced commercial roles.

SE IR(H)

Single-Engine Helicopter IR Privileges

What it covers

Instrument privileges on single-engine helicopters where approved and trained.

Typical use

Limited IFR helicopter pathways, training and specific operations.

ME IR(H)

Multi-Engine Helicopter IR Privileges

What it covers

Instrument privileges on multi-engine helicopters, normally required for advanced commercial IFR operations.

Typical use

Offshore, HEMS, transport and larger turbine helicopters.

MP IR(H)

Multi-Pilot IR(H)

What it covers

Instrument privileges used in a multi-crew helicopter environment, normally linked to a multi-pilot type rating.

Typical use

Two-pilot IFR helicopter operations.

TR + IR(H)

IR(H) linked to Type Rating

What it covers

The instrument privilege is normally checked and maintained together with the relevant helicopter type rating.

Typical use

Commercial recurrent checks and operator training.

ISSUE, VALIDITY AND RENEWAL

Requirements for each instrument rating

Each rating or training block has a different regulatory logic. Some are type ratings, some are endorsements, and some are course completions or operator-specific requirements.

IR(H)

Full Instrument Rating for helicopters

TO OBTAIN

Hold an eligible helicopter licence.
Complete approved IR(H) theoretical knowledge and flight training.
Meet the required helicopter instrument experience for the route.
Pass the IR(H) skill test on the relevant helicopter type or approved FSTD/aircraft combination.

VALIDITY

Normally valid for 12 months.
Privileges are linked to the relevant helicopter type and operation.
Single-pilot and multi-pilot privileges must be considered separately.

REVALIDATION

Pass an instrument proficiency check before expiry.
Often integrated with helicopter type-rating proficiency checks.
Maintain medical, type rating and operator requirements.

RENEWAL

If expired, complete assessment and refresher training as required.
Pass an instrument proficiency check.
Training required depends on time since expiry and recent IFR helicopter experience.

IR(H) on Multi-Engine Helicopter

Instrument privileges for multi-engine helicopter operations

TO OBTAIN

Hold or train for the relevant multi-engine helicopter type rating.
Complete IR(H) training and checking on the appropriate helicopter type or FSTD.
Meet any multi-engine and instrument prerequisites.
Pass the required skill test or proficiency check.

VALIDITY

Validity follows IR(H) and type-rating checking logic.
Essential for many commercial IFR helicopter operations.
Operator checks may be required.

REVALIDATION

Revalidate through proficiency check before expiry.
Keep both IR(H) and type rating valid.
Recurrent operator training may include IFR procedures.

RENEWAL

Expired privileges require assessment, refresher training and proficiency check.
If the type rating is also expired, both must be restored.
Operator approval may be needed before line IFR flying.

PILOT PATHWAY

Where each instrument rating normally appears

STAGE	LIKELY CLASS RATING	WHY IT MATTERS
CPL(H) pathway	IR(H)	Needed for many professional IFR helicopter roles.
Offshore/HEMS/transport	ME IR(H) or multi-pilot IR(H)	Often required for complex commercial IFR operations.
Type-rating course	TR + IR(H)	Instrument elements may be integrated into type-rating training and checking.
Recurrent training	IR(H) proficiency check	Keeps IFR privileges valid.

REGULATORY BASIS

Check the current rules before acting

Last reviewed: 8 July 2026

This page is based on EASA Part-FCL provisions for helicopter instrument ratings, including IR(H), related prerequisites, validity, revalidation and renewal, and the relationship with helicopter type ratings.