Instrument Meteorological Conditions Rating (IMC)

The IMC Rating Course Overview

The IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) Rating, formerly called the IR(R), is widely regarded as one of the most useful ratings a private pilot can add to their licence. Whether your goal is to become a more confident pilot or to build experience towards a professional career, the IMC rating gives you the skills to safely operate in a much wider range of weather conditions.

During the course you'll develop the ability to fly accurately by sole reference to the aircraft's instruments as opposed to the outside visual references used during the PPL course. You will also gain experience with radio navigation, instrument approaches, holds and the radio telephony procedures used during instrument flight.

The flight training is supported by ground school, covering the knowledge required for safe instrument flying. Subjects include meteorology, flight planning, airspace, IFR procedures, navigation systems, human performance and decision-making. You'll also complete a paper-based multiple-choice theory examination, which can be taken in our office before your skills test. If you have already passed the CPL or ATPL theoretical knowledge examinations, this requirement may be credited. Together, the practical and theoretical elements provide a good understanding of instrument flight and the considerations involved in operating in reduced weather conditions.

The course consists of a minimum of 15 hours of instrument flight instruction. Once your instructor is satisfied that you have reached the required standard, you'll complete a skills test with one of our examiners. Successful completion allows you to apply for the UK IMC rating, giving you valuable additional privileges and making you a safer, more capable pilot in the UK's often challenging flying environment.

Unlike the full instrument rating the IMC Rating is a UK national rating and is valid only within UK airspace. It permits IFR flight in Class G, Class E and Class D airspace but does not provide the full privileges of an Instrument Rating.