E3 THE UK INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS RATING
This section offers information as a basic guide to obtaining and maintaining a UK Instrument Meteorological
Conditions (IMC) Rating as follows:-
E3.1 UK IMC Rating General Information
E3.2 UK IMC Rating Flying Training/Experience Requirements
E3.3 UK IMC Rating Ground Examinations
E3.4 UK IMC Rating Flight Test
E3.5 UK IMC Rating Re-validation and Renewal
E3.1 UK IMC RATING GENERAL
INFORMATION
The IMC Rating is a national rating. The CAA will only
add an IMC Rating to a UK issued pilot licence. When
you are training for the issue of a UK Instrument
Meteorological Conditions (IMC) you must follow a
syllabus recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Training for the IMC rating is permitted outside the UK
in a non-JAA state provided that the flying training is
conducted by an organisation that is fully approved by
the UK Civil Aviation Authority for such purposes.
Instruction on the course may only be given by
instructors with ratings unrestricted with regard to
instrument flying restrictions.
Privileges
Details of rating privileges can be found in Schedule 8
of the Air Navigation Order (please also refer to Section
A, Appendix F). The privileges of the IMC Rating may
be exercised in UK territorial airspace. The IMC Rating
may not be used in the airspace of any other Country
unless permission to do so has been given by the
appropriate authority of that Country.
E3.2 UK IMC FLYING TRAINING/
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
When applying for an IMC Rating you must produce
logbook evidence of having met the following flying
requirements:-
a. 25 hours total experience as pilot of aeroplanes
following PPL issue and which must include (b),
(c), (d) & (e) below;
b. 10 hours as Pilot in Command of aeroplanes to
include (c) below.
c. 5 hours as Pilot in Command of aeroplanes on
cross-country flights.
d. 15 hours as Pilot under Training in instrument
flying with an instructor in a dual controlled
aeroplane (during IMC course). Up to 2 hours in
a device qualified BITD, FNPT 1, FNPT 2 or in
other STDs recognised by the Authority.
e. 10 hours total flight time by sole reference to
instruments (during IMC course).
These minimum course requirements assume that the
applicant has completed the 4 hours of dual instruction
in instrument flying previously required for the issue of
a UK PPL(A). An applicant who has not had these 4
hours training, must satisfy the training provider that he
has reached an equivalent standard of ability before
starting the course.
Where an applicant wishes to be tested for the IMC
Rating on a single-pilot multi-engine aeroplane the
flying training must ensure that in simulated instrument
flight conditions you can maintain stable flight after an
engine failure at climb power, then climb at the
recommended speed and execute the normal range of
flight manoeuvres under asymmetric power.
Requirement for a Flight Radio Telephony
Operator’s Licence
Applicants for the IMC Rating must hold a valid UK
issued Flight Radiotelephony Operator's Licence.
Details on how to obtain the FRTOL can be found in
Section B.
E3.3 UK IMC RATING GROUND
EXAMINATIONS
Unless exempted for the reasons stated below you are
required to pass a written ground examination covering
subjects drawn from the IMC Rating course syllabus
and the PPL(A) syllabus including questions on the
planning and execution of a typical flight under IFR
outside controlled airspace. The syllabus may be found
in Appendix A. The pass mark for the IMC ground
examination is 72%.
E3.4 UK IMC RATING FLIGHT TEST
Unless exempted for reasons stated below, an
applicant for the rating must complete the required
training before taking a Flight Test conducted by an
Examiner authorised by the CAA. The test includes full
and limited panel instrument flying, use of radio
navigation aids whilst flying by sole reference to
instruments, instrument approach procedures, bad
weather circuits and landings. In the case of a
multi-engine aeroplane it includes flight with
asymmetric power. Detailed contents of the test are in
Appendix B.
Initial, revalidation and renewal Flight Tests may be
completed in more than one flight but not more than
three and must be completed in a period of 28 days.
Failure in any part of the test will require the candidate
to take the full test again. Where a candidate chooses
not to continue with a test for reasons considered
inadequate by the examiner, that test will be regarded
as a failure with regard to the items not attempted.
There is no limit on the number of cycles of attempts
that can be made to pass the flight test.
Validities
The Flight Test and Ground Examination required for
the inclusion of an IMC Rating in an aeroplane pilot
licence must be completed (and application for rating
submitted) within the time period shown below:
-
The IMC Rating is valid for a period of 25 months
from the date of the successful flight test.
Details of the requirements to renew a rating that has
expired may be found in Section E3.5.
Exemptions and Credits
• An applicant who has held an ICAO or military
green aeroplane Instrument Rating or a UK
professional pilots licence aeroplanes at some
time in the 10 years before the date of application
for the IMC Rating will be exempt from the
requirement to undergo a formal course of flight
or ground training but will need to pass the
ground examination and initial IMC Rating flight
test. Applicants who have held a military amber
or white aeroplane Instrument Rating will be
required to complete discretional IMC training to
cover the IMC syllabus, pass the initial IMC flight
test and ground examination.
• An applicant who has held an ICAO or military
green aeroplane Instrument Rating or a UK
professional pilot licence aeroplanes or a valid
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Ground Instructors Certificate at some time in the
5 years before the date of application for the IMC
Rating will be exempt from taking the ground
examination.
• An applicant who holds an ICAO IR or military
green Instrument Rating (Aeroplanes) and have
passed an IR test in the 24 months preceding the
date of application for the IMC Rating will be
exempt from taking the initial IMC Flight Test and
written examination. Applicants will be required
to apply for the issue of the IMC rating within this
period, and the IMC granted will be based from
the date the last IR test was passed.
• An applicant with a PPL(A) which includes a
Night Rating (not Night Qualification) may be
exempt from 3 hours of the flying instruction,
including not more than 2 hours by sole reference
to instruments*.
• An applicant who has qualified for the AOPA
Radio Navigation Certificates may be exempt
from up to 5 hours instrument training of the
Applied Stage of the IMC course*.
• The holder of a valid ICAO or military IR(H) who
wishes to add an IMC Rating to a pilot licence
(aeroplanes) will be required to:
a. have not less than 50 hours as a pilot of
aeroplanes, including 15 hours as PIC;
b. have received dual instruction in instrument
flying in aeroplanes including not less than 5
hours flight time by sole reference to
instruments gained in aeroplanes since the
grant of a PPL(A);
c. pass the initial IMC Rating Flight Test in
aeroplanes.
Note: * The reduction in hours referred to here are not
cumulative. The maximum reduction in flying training
allowed is 5 hours.
• The holder of a Professional Pilot’s Licence
(Helicopters) will be exempt from taking the
Ground Examination.
• An applicant who has achieved a full pass in the
former UK National Professional Ground Exams
will be exempt from taking the IMC Ground
Exam.
• An applicant who has achieved a full pass in the
JAR-FCL IR(A), JAR-FCL CPL(A) or JAR-FCL
ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge exams will be
exempt from taking the IMC Ground Exam.
UK National Professional Aeroplane Licence
Holders
IMC Rating privileges are contained within UK CPL(A)
And ATPL(A) licences therefore providing the licence
remains valid there is no requirement for a separate
IMC Certificate of Test.
JAR-FCL Professional Aeroplane Licence
Holders
JAR-FCL CPL(A) and ATPL(A) licences does not have
in-built IMC privileges. The holder of a JAR-FCL
professional aeroplane licence without a valid IR(A)
who wishes to obtain an IMC Rating must complete the
following:
i. 5 hours of applied dual instrument instruction in
accordance with the IMC Rating syllabus and;
ii. pass an initial IMC Rating Flight Test.
The holder of a UK issued JAR-FCL professional
aeroplane licence with a valid single-pilot IR(A) does
not require a separate IMC Rating endorsement as the
privileges are included within the IR(A) privileges. If,
however, you wish to obtain an IMC Rating you will
need to apply to PLD for endorsement. The normal IMC
rating issue fee will apply unless application is made in
conjunction with an Instrument Rating (IR). In this case,
the IMC Rating will be valid for a period of 25 months
from the date of the IR(A) skill test and will not need to
be revalidated if the IR(A) remains valid. If the IR(A)
lapses an IMC revalidation flight test is required.
The holder of a JAR-FCL professional aeroplane
licence with a valid multi-pilot IR(A) is not automatically
entitled to fly using the privileges of an IMC Rating in
single-pilot aeroplanes. They will be required to pass a
IMC Flight Test and apply to PLD for a separate IMC
Rating endorsement.
E3.5 IMC RATING (RE-VALIDATION AND
RENEWAL)
The privileges of an IMC Rating may not be exercised
unless your UK issued aeroplane pilot licence contains
a valid IMC rating C of T. The period of validity of the C
of T is 25 months from the date of the last satisfactory
flight test (recorded in the National Ratings Certificate
of Revalidation). Note however that holders of a UK
national CPL(A) or ATPL(A) need only maintain a valid
licence, medical certificate and aircraft rating.
Re-validation
The IMC Rating will be re-validated by revalidation
Flight Test details of which can be found at Appendix B.
The candidate is also to show logbook evidence that, in
the period between initial and/or re-validation flight
tests, he has successfully completed a let-down and
approach to DH/MDH, a go-around and a missed
approach procedure, using an aid of a different type
from that used during item (b) of the test. This shall be
accomplished to the satisfaction of an instructor
qualified to give instrument flying instruction.
Alternatively, the candidate may carry out two
approach procedures using different aids during the
re-validation flight test.
Renewal
For a period not exceeding 5 years from the expiry
date of the rating, the re-validation terms will apply to
renew the IMC rating.
For a period exceeding 5 years from the expiry date
of the rating, a candidate will be required to carry out
dual instruction, at the CFI’s discretion, covering the
IMC rating Course with an IMC rating instructor, and
pass the Initial IMC Rating Test with an IMC rating
examiner in a suitably equipped aircraft. If the rating
has expired by more than 10 years, then successful
completion of the IMC Ground Examination will also be
required.
Holders of a Non-JAA ICAO or Military Green
IR(A)
An IMC rating may be revalidated/renewed for a further
period by the CAA, on the basis of the most recent
Non-JAA IR(A) flight test or military Green (IR(A) flight
test. A fee is payable if the C of T is signed up by the
CAA.
APPENDIX B UK IMC RATING - FLYING TRAINING & FLIGHT TEST REQUIREMENTS
1 FLYING TRAINING
1.1 The flying training for the initial issue of the IMC
Rating must include a minimum of 15 hours
training in instrument flying of which up to 2 hours
in a device qualified BITD, FNPT 1, FNPT 2 or in
other STDs recognised by the Authority. The
remaining training must be completed in a
suitably equipped dual control aeroplane. The
go-around procedure is to be carried out in an
aeroplane. The course must cover the items
detailed below.
1.2 Instruction on the course may only be given by
instructors with ratings unrestricted with regard to
instrument flying instruction.
1.3 When the applicant wishes to be trained and
tested for an IMC Rating on a multi-engine
aeroplane, the training must include sufficient
instruction to enable the pilot to maintain stable
flight following the failure of one engine at
climbing power, to climb at the recommended
speed, and to carry out normal flight manoeuvres
during asymmetric flight in simulated instrument
flight conditions.
1.4 A student’s ability and experience may be taken
into account in deciding how much time should
be allotted to each of the following items but the
course must cover all of them.
2 BASIC STAGE
2.1 Full Panel
a. Instrument Attitude Flight
Pitch indications, bank and direction
indications, effect of power variations and
aircraft configuration, instrument limitations,
selective radial scan.
b. Basic Flight Manoeuvres
Straight and level in various configurations,
climbing, descending, standard rate turns
(level, climbing and descending, compass/timed).
c. Intermediate Flight Manoeuvres
Turns at various rates, transfer to instruments
after take-off (full panel only), recovery from
unusual attitudes (incipient stall, steep bank,
spiral dive).
2.2 Limited Panel
Simulated loss of gyroscopic pitch and bank
indicator and gyroscopic direction indicator.
2.3 Partial Panel
Simulated loss of pitot/static pressure:
recognition of loss of pitot/static pressure,
maintenance of attitude and safe airspeed,
straight and level and turning flight.
3 APPLIED STAGE
3.1 Pre-Flight Planning
Published procedures, operating minima
applicable to IMC Rating holders.
3.2 Departure and En Route
Aircraft equipment checks, radio aid selection
and identification appropriate to the planned
departure, ATC liaison and compliance with RT
procedures, use of lower airspace radar services,
operation of radio aids for the establishment of
planned track, track keeping by interception and
maintenance of pre-selected bearings/radials to
and from a facility, use of bearing information
from off-track radio aids for position finding, en
route holding procedures. The candidate to be
trained in the use of at least 2 from VOR, VDF or
ADF to carry out these procedures.
3.3 Approach and Let-Down
Use of approach charts, Decision Height/
Minimum Descent Height calculations using the
recommended minima for the IMC Rated pilot
given in the UK AIP forming a mental picture of
the approach, initial homing, achieving the
overhead/approach fix, holding procedures,
achieving the horizontal and vertical patterns,
calculation of rate of descent, go-around, missed
approach procedure. Candidates are to be
trained in at least 2 instrument approach
procedures using VOR, ADF, ILS, radar or VDF
of which at least one must be pilot interpreted.
Completion of a recognised civil or military
instrument approach procedure, during training,
is to be certified in the flying log book.
3.4 Bad Weather Circuits and Landings
Low cloud with good visibility, low cloud with poor
visibility.
4 FLIGHT TEST SYLLABUS
The Flight Test for the initial issue of the IMC
Rating will take approximately 1.5 hours chock to
chock time and a candidate must demonstrate
satisfactory manual instrument flying capability in
the following:
a. Full Panel Instrument Flying
Straight and level flight at given speeds, turns
at a given rate, turns onto given headings,
climbing and descending including turns,
recovery from unusual attitudes.
b. Limited Panel Instrument Flying
assuming failure of the gyroscopic pitch and
bank indicator and gyroscopic direction
indicator): Straight and level flight, climbing
and descending, turns onto given headings,
recovery from unusual attitudes.
c. Radio Navigation Aids
Use of Radio Navigation Aids for
position-finding using one or more aids (to
include VOR or ADF), maintenance of a given
track based on a pilot-interpreted aid for 10
minutes.
d. Let-down and Approach Procedures
Let-down and approach to Decision Height,
Minimum Descent Height and missed
approach procedure using a pilot-interpreted
aid, carry out a recognised instrument
approach procedure to Decision Height,
Minimum Descent Height hence the
appropriate go-around and missed approach
procedure.
e. Bad Weather Circuits
Bad weather circuit and landing following item
(d), position the aircraft in the circuit at the
direction of the Examiner, to carry out a visual
bad weather circuit and landing under
specified simulated weather conditions.
f. Flight with Asymmetric Power
Control of the aeroplane and maintenance of
a given heading and asymmetric climb speed,
following the failure of one engine in the
climbing configuration at normal climb power.
Identification of the failed engine and the
completion of all essential drills and checks.
Climbing and level turns in asymmetric flight
as directed by the Examiner.
Throughout item f) of the test, the Examiner will5
be responsible for navigation and ATC liaison.
On resumption of normal flight the candidate will
be told the position of the aeroplane. Feathering
will be simulated by the Examiner on completion
of the correct touch drills by the candidate.
TOLERANCES
To qualify for a pass, a candidate must
demonstrate his ability to fly safely in smooth airTOLERANCES
Flight Condition Normal Flight
Limited
Panel Flight
Asymmetric Power
Flight (Full Panel)
Height in Level Flight ± 100 ft ± 200 ft ± 200 ft
Height for initiating missed Approach Procedure
from Decision Height or Minimum Descent
Height
0 ft
+50 ft
N/A N/A
Tracking
(on Radio Aids)
± 5° (VOR)
± 10° (ADF)
Heading ± 10° 15° ± 10°
Speed ± 10 kt ± 20 kt ± 10 kt
(but not below threshold speed)
ILS Procedure - Final Approach ½ scale deflection on Localiser and Glidepath
N/A N/A 6 REVALIDATION FLIGHT TEST
6.1 The Flight Test required after initial qualification