Instrument Rating IR(A)
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The Instrument Rating (IR(A)) is a Part-FCL pilot licence rating that allows an aeroplane pilot to operate under instrument flight rules, and this page is written for candidates studying the regulatory side of that rating within the EU framework. The material is organised around three domains: Flight Crew Licensing, aircrew medical fitness standards, and Flight Simulation Training Devices. The regulatory backbone is Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011, which sets the technical requirements and administrative procedures for civil aviation aircrew, supported by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/723 on acceptance of third-country pilot certification and Regulation (EU) No 2015/340 for air traffic controllers. A key point for candidates is that only National Competent Authorities issue licences; EASA does not issue individual licences but provides technical support and interpretation. EASA also runs standardisation activities over NCAs in the FCL, FSTD and MED domains, under Regulation 2018/1139 Article 85 and Commission Regulation (EU) No 628/2013. Because the regulatory text is consolidated and revised, always check the Easy Access Rules for Aircrew and the Examiners Differences Document, which is revised quarterly, rather than relying on memory. Prepare by reading the source regulations directly, then testing yourself on definitions, responsibilities and document currency.
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About Instrument Rating IR(A) preparation
Which regulation is the core legal basis for aircrew licensing?
Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 establishes the technical requirements and administrative procedures related to civil aviation aircrew. Two related instruments appear alongside it: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/723 on acceptance of third-country certification of pilots, and Regulation (EU) No 2015/340 for air traffic controllers.
Does EASA issue my instrument rating?
No. Only National Competent Authorities are authorised to issue licences. EASA does not issue individual licences; it provides technical support and interpretation to facilitate consistent implementation across Member States. For questions about your own licence, certificate or rating, the source directs pilots to contact the NCA that issued it.
What are the three domains this page covers?
Flight Crew Licensing, medical standards for aircrew and ATCO, and Flight Simulation Training Devices. Rulemaking in all three includes stakeholder consultation and liaison with the European Commission, and standardisation focuses on oversight of NCAs in the FCL, FSTD and MED domains.
How does examiner standardisation affect me as a candidate?
EASA collects and disseminates Member State national procedures for skill tests, proficiency checks and assessments of competence. An examiner must review and apply the procedures of your licensing authority if it differs from the one that issued the examiner's certificate. The Examiners Differences Document supports this and is revised quarterly.
What is the difference between an AMC and an AltMoC?
Acceptable Means of Compliance provide non-binding standards for meeting regulatory requirements. Because they are non-binding, organisations and authorities may propose Alternative Means of Compliance if they can demonstrate the objective of the regulation is still achieved. NCAs must notify the Agency of alternative means of compliance approved within their State.
Does the EU-US BASA let me convert any FAA licence?
No. Annex 3, signed 19 November 2020, applies only to Private Pilot Licences. It does not include Commercial Pilot Licences or Airline Transport Pilot Licences, which must follow the standard EU conversion process. TIP-L sets out the steps, including night and instrument ratings.
Where should I check the current consolidated rules?
Use the Easy Access Rules for Aircrew for Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011. Note that the publication is announced as a Revision from October 2026, available as PDF, online and XML; the revision in force until then remains the applicable one, so confirm which version you are reading before relying on a figure.
What are the main EBT milestones I should know?
EASA describes a phased approach: ED Decision 2015/027/R in 2015, publication of Regulation (EU) 2020/2036 and Regulation (EU) 2020/2193 in 2020, and ED Decision 2021/002/R in 2021. Future plans are referenced to EPAS Vol II, RMT.0599, with no effective date stated in the source.
What is the most common study mistake?
Treating remembered figures and document versions as current. The source stresses that the Examiners Differences Document is revised quarterly and that consolidated rules are reissued, so verify dates and revision labels against the published documents rather than carrying forward older numbers.