CAA NZ Instrument Rating Air Law study plan
CAA NZ Instrument Rating Air Law · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Civil Aviation Rules & Licensing, Medical Certification and Flight Rules
Map the structure of the Civil Aviation Rules (CARs) and identify which Parts govern pilot licensing, flight rules, and airworthiness so you can locate any rule within two minutes
Define the privileges, limitations, and currency requirements of a NZ instrument rating (IR) and explain how they differ from a private pilot licence (PPL) and commercial pilot licence (CPL)
State the medical certification standards and validity periods that apply to instrument-rated pilots, including the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 medicals
Explain the relationship between CAR Part 61, Part 91, and Part 121/125/135 and which operating rules apply to which kind of flight
Your checkpoint
A one-page reference sheet listing every CAR Part relevant to IR flight, with the licence privilege and medical validity rules summarised in your own words
Civil Aviation Rules
Interpret the general operating rules in CAR Part 91 covering pre-flight action, fuel requirements, and instrument flight plan obligations
Explain the rules on minimum safe altitudes, cruising levels, and the semi-circular rule as they apply to IFR flight in New Zealand
Describe the requirements for instrument approach procedures, alternate aerodromes, and the conditions under which an alternate must be nominated
Identify the pilot responsibilities for reporting defects, maintaining logs, and complying with airworthiness directives
Your checkpoint
A set of 15 self-written scenario questions on Part 91 IFR operations, each with a cited rule reference and a written answer
Air Traffic Services and Airspace
Classify the New Zealand airspace types (A through G, plus special use airspace) and state the meteorological minima and clearance requirements for each
Explain the services provided by Auckland Oceanic and domestic air traffic control, including clearance delivery, ground, tower, approach, and centre functions
Describe the rules for operating in controlled airspace under IFR, including the requirement for a clearance and two-way radio communication
Identify the transponder, altimeter setting, and SSR code requirements for IFR flight in New Zealand airspace
Your checkpoint
A labelled airspace summary table covering classes A–G with VMC/IMC minima, clearance requirements, and service provider for each
Air Traffic Services and Airspace & Aeronautical Information Publication and Meteorology
Read and interpret the AIP New Zealand volume structure, including the GEN, ENR, and AD sections, and locate an aerodrome chart and instrument approach plate
Explain the content and use of NOTAMs, including how to check for current NOTAMs relevant to a planned IFR flight
Describe the MET services available to NZ pilots, including METAR, TAF, SIGMET, and area forecasts, and state where each is found in the AIP
Interpret the standard IFR clearance format and readback requirements used by NZ ATC
Your checkpoint
A completed flight-planning exercise using AIP NZ extracts: extract the relevant aerodrome chart data, NOTAMs, and forecast for a nominated IFR route, with a written clearance readback
Aeronautical Information Publication and Meteorology
Decode a METAR and TAF for a NZ aerodrome, identifying wind, visibility, cloud, temperature, pressure, and trend information
Explain the meaning of SIGMET, AIRMET, and special reports and the conditions under which they are issued in the NZ FIR
Describe the NZ meteorological hazards relevant to IFR flight, including icing, turbulence, low cloud, and volcanic ash, and the forecast products that warn of them
Interpret the AIP meteorological minima tables and apply them to a nominated instrument approach
Your checkpoint
A weather interpretation worksheet: decode three real METARs and one TAF, identify any SIGMET in force, and state the operational impact on an IFR flight
Licensing, Medical Certification and Flight Rules
Explain the instrument rating issue, renewal, and recent experience requirements under CAR Part 61, including the role of the competency assessment
Describe the medical certification process, including the role of the CAA medical examiner, the classes of medical certificate, and the conditions that can restrict an IR
Explain the flight rules governing IFR flight in NZ, including the requirement for an instrument flight plan and the rules on departure, en route, and arrival
Identify the privileges and limitations of an IR holder when acting as pilot-in-command under IFR in various airspace classes
Your checkpoint
A written summary of IR issue, renewal, and medical requirements, cross-referenced to the relevant CAR Part 61 and Part 91 provisions
Civil Aviation Rules & Air Traffic Services and Airspace & Aeronautical Information Publication and Meteorology & Licensing, Medical Certification and Flight Rules
Consolidate the CARs by working through a full set of practice questions spanning Parts 61, 91, and the airspace rules
Apply AIP and meteorological knowledge to a complete IFR flight-planning scenario from departure to arrival
Review any weak areas identified in earlier weeks and re-read the relevant rule or AIP section
Practise interpreting ATC clearances and readbacks under time pressure
Your checkpoint
A timed 60-question mock exam covering all four domains, with a written review of every incorrect answer and the source reference for the correct one
Civil Aviation Rules & Air Traffic Services and Airspace & Aeronautical Information Publication and Meteorology & Licensing, Medical Certification and Flight Rules
Revisit the highest-weight domains (CARs and ATS/airspace) and confirm retention of key rule numbers and airspace minima
Complete a second full mock exam and compare the score with week 7 to confirm improvement
Review the AIP and MET quick-reference sheets and commit the key tables to memory
Confirm exam-day logistics, including the CAA examination booking process and permitted reference materials
Your checkpoint
A second timed mock exam scored at or above your target pass mark, plus a final one-page revision sheet covering the most frequently tested rules and minima
Milestones
Week 2: Can state the IR privileges, medical validity periods, and the main Part 91 IFR operating rules from memory without notes
Week 4: Can classify any NZ airspace and state its IFR requirements, and can locate an aerodrome chart and NOTAM in the AIP within five minutes
Week 6: Can decode a METAR and TAF unaided and explain the IR renewal and medical certification requirements
Week 8: Score at or above the target pass mark on two full mock exams and have a complete revision sheet for all four domains