Extend your licence.
Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine, Night Rating, and Flight Instructor. Study guides, exam topics, costs, and requirements under every major authority.
Instrument Rating
The Instrument Rating (IR) is the most commercially significant add-on rating a pilot can hold. It authorises flight in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) and is a prerequisite for CPL and ATPL privileges in most authorities. The IR theory exam is one of the most demanding in pilot training, covering meteorology, radio navigation, flight planning, and IFR procedures in depth.
Requires: PPL(A) minimum
Multi-Engine Piston Rating
The Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) rating authorises pilots to act as PIC on aircraft with more than one piston engine. It is a prerequisite for most CPL and ATPL flight training and is the standard stepping stone from a single-engine PPL to commercial flying. The MEP is primarily a practical rating — the theory exam is straightforward, but the flying skills (particularly asymmetric handling after engine failure) must be demonstrated to a high standard.
Requires: PPL(A) or CPL(A)
Night Rating
The Night Rating permits holders of a PPL to fly VFR at night — without it, PPL privileges are restricted to daylight hours. It is one of the simplest add-on ratings to obtain in terms of theory and training hours, but opens up a wider range of flying environments and is a prerequisite for pilots planning to build hours towards a CPL or ATPL.
Requires: PPL(A)
Flight Instructor Rating
The Flight Instructor (FI) rating authorises pilots to provide flight instruction to PPL and CPL student pilots. It is both a rewarding career path in its own right and the most common way for newly qualified commercial pilots to build hours towards an ATPL. FI training includes an intensive instructional technique course, teaching you how to explain, demonstrate, and debrief flying exercises to students at different stages of training.
Requires: CPL(A) or PPL(A) (authority-dependent)
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a rating and a licence?
- A licence (PPL, CPL, ATPL) is your base qualification to fly. A rating is an additional privilege added to your licence that allows you to fly in specific conditions or aircraft categories. For example, an Instrument Rating lets you fly in IMC, and a Multi-Engine Rating lets you fly aircraft with more than one engine.
- Do I need a PPL before I can get an Instrument Rating?
- Yes. Under most authorities (EASA, FAA, UK CAA), you need at least a PPL to begin training for an Instrument Rating. Some integrated ATPL programmes include IR training as part of the course. The specific hour requirements vary by authority.
- How long does it take to complete a Multi-Engine Rating?
- A Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) rating is one of the shortest add-on ratings to complete. It typically takes 1-2 weeks including a minimum of 6 hours flight training (EASA) or 10-15 hours (FAA), plus ground school and a skills test.
- Can I become a Flight Instructor with just a PPL?
- No. To become a Flight Instructor (FI), you need at least a CPL or a PPL with a minimum of 200 hours total flight time (requirements vary by authority). You also need to pass a pre-entry flight test and complete the FI course, which includes ground school and instructional techniques training.
Every authority. Every rating.
Requirements for add-on ratings vary between EASA, FAA, UK CAA, and other authorities. Each study guide includes authority-specific notes on hours, exam formats, and prerequisites.