How much does the IR cost?

The Instrument Rating typically costs €7,000–€15,000 for flight training, excluding theory exam fees. Costs vary significantly by country and training organisation.

How long does the IR take?

The Instrument Rating typically takes 6–12 months to complete, depending on your existing experience and how intensively you train.

What licence do I need for the IR?

You need a PPL(A) minimum to begin Instrument Rating training.

All add-on ratings

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.

Duration

6–12 months

Typical cost

€7,000–€15,000

Requires

PPL(A) minimum

Exam topics

7 key areas

Prerequisites

PPL (Aeroplane) or equivalent
50 hours cross-country PIC time
English Language Proficiency Level 4+
Valid Class 1 or Class 2 Medical

What you'll learn

IFR departure, en-route, and approach procedures

Instrument approach categories and minima

ILS, VOR, NDB, RNAV, and RNP approach procedures

High-altitude meteorology and icing

Holding patterns and missed approach procedures

ATC communications in IMC

Theory exam topics

These are the areas covered in the written theory exam for the IR.

Instrument flight procedures (ICAO PANS-OPS)
Radio navigation systems (ILS, VOR, NDB, DME, RNAV)
Meteorology — fronts, icing, turbulence, forecasting products
IFR flight planning and fuel requirements
Altimetry and altimeter settings
Human performance in IMC (spatial disorientation)
Airspace structure and ATC procedures

Authority differences

EASA issues the IR(A) with both full and CB-IR (Competency Based) pathways. FAA issues the Instrument Rating (Airplane). Most other authorities offer an equivalent rating aligned to ICAO standards.