AEROPLANES
Instrumental ratings
A practical guide to the main EASA instrument privileges for aeroplanes: IR(A), BIR, CB-IR and how instrument privileges connect to class ratings and type ratings.
AEROPLANE INSTRUMENTAL RATINGS
Instrument ratings explained
These are the instrument privileges and routes most relevant for EASA aeroplane pilots.
IR(A)
Instrument Rating — Aeroplanes
What it covers
The full EASA instrument rating for aeroplanes. It allows IFR flight, instrument departures, en-route IFR and instrument approaches when attached to the relevant aircraft class or type.
Typical use
Professional pilot training, airline pathway, IFR touring, business aviation.
BIR
Basic Instrument Rating
What it covers
A modular, competency-based instrument rating designed mainly for non-commercial pilots who want practical IFR privileges with a flexible training structure.
Typical use
Private IFR flying, progressive IFR training, stepping stone to full IR(A).
CB-IR
Competency-Based IR(A)
What it covers
A route to the full IR(A) that gives credit for previous instrument flight experience and focuses on reaching the required competency standard.
Typical use
Experienced PPL/CPL pilots, modular professional routes, cost-controlled IR training.
IR ON CLASS RATING
IR(A) attached to SEP or MEP
What it covers
Instrument privileges must be connected to the aircraft class used. A pilot may hold IR privileges on single-engine or multi-engine aeroplanes depending on training and checks.
Typical use
SEP IR, MEP IR, CPL/IR pathways.
IR ON TYPE RATING
IR linked to an aeroplane type rating
What it covers
For multi-pilot aircraft and many complex aircraft, instrument privileges are normally trained and checked together with the type rating and recurrent proficiency checks.
Typical use
Airline type ratings, business jets, commercial IFR operations.
ISSUE, VALIDITY AND RENEWAL
Requirements for each instrument rating
Instrument ratings require specific theoretical knowledge, flight training, skill testing and regular proficiency checks. The exact route depends on whether the pilot is training for IR(A), BIR, CB-IR, single-engine IR, multi-engine IR or a type-rating-linked IR.
IR(A)
Full Instrument Rating for aeroplanes
TO OBTAIN
- Hold a valid aeroplane licence such as PPL(A), CPL(A), MPL(A) or ATPL(A).
- Complete approved IR(A) theoretical knowledge and flight training.
- Meet the required instrument flight instruction and experience for the route followed.
- Pass the IR(A) skill test on the relevant class or type.
VALIDITY
- Normally valid for 12 months.
- Privileges are linked to the relevant aircraft class or type.
- Single-engine and multi-engine IR privileges must be considered separately.
REVALIDATION
- Pass an instrument proficiency check before expiry.
- Revalidation is normally done on the relevant class, type, FSTD or approved combination.
- For airline aircraft, IR revalidation is usually integrated with the type-rating proficiency check.
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 experience.
BIR
Basic Instrument Rating for aeroplanes
TO OBTAIN
- Hold at least an appropriate aeroplane licence.
- Complete competency-based BIR theoretical and flight training at an approved organisation.
- Train by modules according to the privileges sought.
- Pass the BIR skill test.
VALIDITY
- Normally valid for 12 months.
- Privileges are more limited than a full IR(A).
- Designed mainly for non-commercial IFR operations.
REVALIDATION
- Pass the required proficiency check before expiry.
- Maintain the modules and privileges relevant to the aircraft and operation.
- Keep medical and licence requirements valid.
RENEWAL
- If expired, complete refresher training as required.
- Pass the required proficiency check.
- Review which BIR modules and privileges need restoring.
CB-IR
Competency-Based route to the full IR(A)
TO OBTAIN
- Hold an eligible aeroplane licence.
- Have previous instrument flight experience that may be credited.
- Complete competency-based IR theoretical knowledge and flight training.
- Pass the full IR(A) skill test.
VALIDITY
- Once issued, it is a full IR(A), normally valid for 12 months.
- The CB-IR is a training route, not a lower category of IR privilege.
- Privileges depend on whether the IR is single-engine, multi-engine or type-related.
REVALIDATION
- Same as IR(A): proficiency check before expiry.
- Can be revalidated on the relevant aircraft class/type or approved simulator combination.
- Maintain associated class/type rating validity.
RENEWAL
- Same as IR(A): assessment, refresher training if required and proficiency check.
- The renewal process depends on the expired IR privilege and recent experience.
- Multi-engine IR renewal may require multi-engine procedures training.
IR attached to class rating
Instrument privileges linked to SEP or MEP class ratings
TO OBTAIN
- Hold the relevant class rating, such as SEP or MEP.
- Complete IR training and skill test on the appropriate class.
- For multi-engine IR, complete the required multi-engine instrument training.
- Pass the relevant IR skill test.
VALIDITY
- IR validity is separate from the class rating validity.
- SEP/MEP class rating and IR must both be valid to use IFR privileges.
- MEP IR is especially important for professional CPL/IR pathways.
REVALIDATION
- Revalidate the IR by proficiency check.
- Keep the underlying class rating valid.
- Check timing carefully when class and IR expiry dates differ.
RENEWAL
- Renew the expired IR through assessment, refresher training if required and proficiency check.
- Renew or revalidate the class rating if also expired.
- Do not assume a valid class rating means valid IR privileges.
IR attached to type rating
Instrument privileges linked to a specific aeroplane type rating
TO OBTAIN
- Hold or train for the relevant aeroplane type rating.
- Complete type-rating training including instrument procedures.
- Pass the type-rating skill test/proficiency check with IR elements where applicable.
- Meet operator and authority requirements.
VALIDITY
- Normally linked to the type-rating validity and recurrent checking cycle.
- Essential for airline and business aviation IFR operations.
- Requires valid medical, licence and operator training compliance.
REVALIDATION
- Usually revalidated during the recurrent type-rating proficiency check.
- Operator proficiency checks may include the IR elements.
- Line checks and recurrent training may also apply.
RENEWAL
- If expired, complete operator/ATO assessment and refresher training.
- Pass the required proficiency check including IR elements.
- Renewal may be more involved if both type rating and IR privileges have expired.
PILOT PATHWAY
Where each instrument rating normally appears
| STAGE | LIKELY CLASS RATING | WHY IT MATTERS |
|---|---|---|
| Private pilot wanting IFR | BIR or IR(A) | BIR is more flexible and private-pilot oriented; IR(A) gives broader IFR privileges. |
| Experienced pilot with IFR time | CB-IR | Allows previous instrument experience to be credited towards the full IR(A). |
| Professional modular route | IR(A), often MEP IR | Essential for CPL/IR and most airline-selection pathways. |
| MPL or airline type-rating route | IR integrated with type rating | Instrument privileges are trained and checked as part of the multi-pilot aircraft type-rating pathway. |
| Business aviation route | IR on class or type rating | IFR privileges must match the aircraft operated and recurrent checking cycle. |
REGULATORY BASIS
Check the current rules before acting
Last reviewed:Â 8 July 2026
This page is based on EASA Part-FCL provisions for instrument ratings, including IR(A), BIR, competency-based IR training routes, rating validity, revalidation and renewal. Exact procedures should always be checked against the current EASA rules and the competent authority’s requirements.