SINGLE-ENGINE
INSTRUMENT RATING (SEP IR)
The Single-Engine Instrument Rating develops the knowledge, procedures and aircraft-control skills required to operate single-engine aeroplanes under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).
FLY BEYOND
VISUAL CONDITIONS
The SEP IR(A) modular course trains pilots to the level of proficiency required to operate single-engine aeroplanes under IFR and in IMC. The course combines IR-level theoretical knowledge with structured instrument flight instruction, procedural training and skill-test preparation.
Single-Engine
or CPL(A)
150 hours
50 hours
Instrument flying turns precision, discipline and situational awareness into everyday operating skills.
FROM BASIC INSTRUMENTS
TO PROCEDURAL IFR
The modular SEP IR(A) course is structured around basic instrument flying and procedural IFR training. Skills are developed progressively through aircraft control by reference to instruments, departures, arrivals, holding, approaches, navigation and abnormal procedures.
FROM BASIC INSTRUMENT SKILLS TO IR SKILL TEST
Training develops in a controlled sequence from instrument scan and aircraft control to full procedural IFR operations and examination readiness.
Instrument
Procedures
Holding
Missed Approach
Test
BUILD ON YOUR
EXISTING EXPERIENCE
Applicants enter the modular IR(A) route as holders of a PPL(A) or CPL(A). Cross-country PIC experience is required, and night privileges are needed if the instrument rating privileges will be exercised at night.
- Hold a PPL(A) or CPL(A)
- Complete at least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as PIC, with at least 10 hours in aeroplanes
- Hold night privileges if the IR privileges will be exercised at night
- Meet the ATO admission and training-record requirements
- Demonstrate adequate basic instrument competence before commencing the procedural module
KNOWLEDGE FOR
IFR DECISION-MAKING
The IR theoretical knowledge course develops the regulatory, meteorological, navigation, instrumentation and operational understanding needed to plan and conduct IFR operations safely.
- Air Law
- Aircraft General Knowledge — Instrumentation
- Flight Planning and Monitoring
- Human Performance
- Meteorology
- Radio Navigation
- Communications
- IFR operational application and examination preparation
PRECISION THROUGH
STRUCTURED PRACTICE
The single-engine modular IR(A) course includes a minimum of 50 hours of instrument time under instruction. Approved FSTD time may be credited within the limits specified by Part-FCL.
- Basic Instrument Flight Module — 10 hours instrument time under instruction
- Procedural Instrument Flight Module — remainder of the approved syllabus
- Single-engine IR(A) total — minimum 50 hours instrument time under instruction
- Up to 20 hours may be instrument ground time in an FNPT I
- Up to 35 hours may be in an FFS or FNPT II
- Holding, departures, arrivals, approaches and missed approaches
- IFR navigation, abnormal procedures and skill-test preparation
OPERATE WITH
INSTRUMENT PRIVILEGES
A valid single-engine IR(A), used together with the applicable aeroplane class privileges and recency requirements, allows the holder to conduct single-engine aeroplane operations under IFR and in IMC within the privileges of the rating.
- Operate appropriately rated single-engine aeroplanes under IFR
- Conduct departures, en-route operations, arrivals and instrument approaches
- Operate in IMC within the applicable licence, rating and aircraft limitations
- Exercise night IFR privileges where the required night privileges are held
- Use the rating as a foundation for further instrument and professional training
TAKE YOUR IFR SKILLS
TO THE NEXT LEVEL
SEP IR(A) is a major step in professional pilot development. Continue toward multi-engine instrument privileges, commercial training or advanced professional pathways.
INSTRUMENT FLYING
PRECISION IN EVERY PHASE.
Build the confidence to manage IFR procedures, changing weather and complex operating environments with discipline.
FLY WITH PRECISION.
THINK AHEAD.
Instrument training develops a structured operating mindset: anticipate, brief, monitor and manage each phase of flight with accuracy and situational awareness.
ADD SEP IR TO YOUR SKILLS
Take the next step toward confident IFR operations. Contact our training team for course structure, entry assessment and application information.