Ratings and instrument privileges

Class and type ratings

A valid licence does not authorise an unfamiliar aircraft type.

What the rating authorises

A class rating covers the aircraft grouped in the relevant class; a type rating is required for aircraft designated as requiring one, including multi-pilot aeroplanes and specified single-pilot types. Differences training or familiarisation may be required between variants, even within a rating. Prerequisites, approved training, knowledge and a skill test apply to initial issue.

For a first multi-pilot aeroplane type rating, the ordinary prerequisites include at least 70 hours as PIC of aeroplanes, a multi-engine IR(A), passed ATPL(A) theory, and MCC unless combined with the type course, plus the applicable advanced UPRT requirement and exceptions. Check the approved pathway, including MPL provisions, rather than imposing one pathway on every applicant.

Validity and revalidation

Type ratings and most multi-engine class ratings are normally valid for one year. Single-pilot single-engine class ratings are normally valid for two years, subject to the detailed rules and rating. Type and multi-engine class revalidation normally requires a proficiency check within the specified validity window and the applicable route-sector or experience conditions.

SEP/TMG revalidation may use a proficiency check or the experience route: in the 12 months preceding expiry, 12 hours in the relevant class, including 6 PIC, 12 take-offs and landings and the specified instructor refresher training, subject to permitted exemptions and cross-credit. After expiry, use renewal with the required assessment/refresher training and check, not retrospective “revalidation”.

IR, competency-based IR and BIR

A training route and a restricted privilege are different concepts.

The instrument rating

An IR authorises IFR flight with the appropriate category and aircraft qualifications, within its limitations. An IR is normally valid for one year and revalidated by the applicable proficiency check. A single-engine IR does not automatically grant multi-engine IFR privileges; the relevant extension and aircraft qualifications are required.

Competency-based IR is a training route to the IR that credits prior competence and experience under the rules. It is not a different, permanently lesser IR privilege called “CB-IR” on every operation. The applicable English language, medical and prerequisite licence conditions remain.

Basic instrument rating

The BIR is an aeroplane instrument qualification with limitations. It is restricted to single-pilot aeroplanes other than high-performance aeroplanes and those for which the operational suitability data require an IR. It is not valid for multi-pilot operations. Its departure and destination weather and approach minima are more restrictive than those for an unrestricted IR.

BIR decision height or minimum descent height must be at least 200 ft above the otherwise applicable minimum; the required visibility is at least 1,500 m. At departure the ceiling must be at least 600 ft or the applicable circling minimum, whichever is higher; destination and required alternate forecasts must meet the specified visibility and ceiling criteria for the relevant arrival window. It is normally valid for one year; revalidation can use the specified check or qualifying experience/refresher training, with a proficiency check required on alternate revalidations. Read FCL.835 for the full combination instead of applying one isolated number.

Other qualifications and their scope

An activity-specific rating does not replace the underlying licence.

Night, aerobatics, towing and mountains

Night privileges on aeroplanes require the appropriate night qualification unless included through another applicable route. Aerobatic, sailplane/banner towing and mountain ratings have separate training, experience and privilege conditions. A night rating is not an IR and does not permit flight in IMC.

The aerobatic rating follows the applicable post-licence experience and training requirements. Towing ratings distinguish sailplane from banner towing and require their prescribed training and recent experience. The mountain rating has a 24-month validity regime with its specified revalidation or renewal conditions. The fact that some other ratings have no printed expiry does not remove recency or operational requirements.

Use a complete eligibility check

For each flight, first identify the intended activity, then the licence, aircraft rating, activity rating, current experience, medical and operating rules. Instructor and examiner certificates have their own privileges and validity conditions; a type rating alone does not authorise instruction or examining.

Example: a pilot holding SEP and a night qualification cannot accept an IFR clearance into IMC solely because the flight occurs at night. The night qualification and the instrument qualification address different hazards and legal privileges.

Can you apply the rules?

Four original questions. Choose from the facts, then review the explanation.