IMC Rating

IMC stands for ‘instrument meteorological conditions’ which refers to the difficult weather conditions that reduce external references that a pilot normally uses to help them fly, for instance when flying in cloud. Special skills are required for a pilot to safely fly in low visibility or in cloud.

The IMC Rating is an add-on to a PPL/NPPL that allows you to legally fly an aircraft in cloud and poor visibility. This can be especially beneficial to pilots to get them out of trouble or continue their journey home when the weather turns bad.

Requirements

You must hold a PPL-A or an NPPL-A. If the student is an NPPL license holder, they must hold at least a class 2 medical.

Flying Training

The IMC Rating requires a minimum of 15 hours of training with sole reference to the aircraft instruments. The course covers basic handling techniques whilst flying on instruments along with emergencies and how to handle them. In addition to the flight training there is one multiple choice written exam to pass. The course can be taken on any of our fleet so if you are more comfortable with a traditional ‘6 pack’ instrumentation system you can use our Cessna 172 or Piper PA28. Alternatively if you want to take the course on our Cirrus SR20 with full glass cockpit then this can be done too.

Skills Test

One you have completed the flight exercises and the theoretical exam is passed, you are ready for the flight test with a CAA Authorised Examiner. The skills test examines your navigation and general handling abilities. Don’t worry you will be well practised and fully ready when time comes!

To book your training please get in touch on  01202 590800 or [email protected].