Appendix 6 to Part-FCL Modular Training Courses for the IR
A IR(A) — Modular flying training course
GENERAL
1 The aim of the IR(A) modular flying training course is to train pilots to the level of
proficiency necessary to operate aeroplanes under IFR and in IMC. The course
consists of two modules, which may be taken separately or combined:
(a) Basic Instrument Flight Module
This comprises 10 hours of instrument time under instruction, of which up to 5
hours can be instrument ground time in a BITD, FNPT I or II, or an FFS. Upon
completion of the Basic Instrument Flight Module, the candidate shall be issued
a Course Completion Certificate.
(b) Procedural Instrument Flight Module
This comprises the remainder of the training syllabus for the IR(A), 40 hours
single-engine or 45 hours multi-engine instrument time under instruction, and the
theoretical knowledge course for the IR(A).
2 An applicant for a modular IR(A) course shall be the holder of a PPL(A) or a CPL(A),
including the privileges to fly at night. An applicant for the Procedural Instrument
Flight Module, who does not hold a CPL(A), shall be holder of a Course Completion
Certificate for the Basic Instrument Flight Module.
The ATO shall ensure that the applicant for a multi-engine IR(A) course who has not
held a multi-engine aeroplane class or type rating has received the multi-engine
training specified in Subpart H prior to commencing the flight training for the IR(A)
course.
3 An applicant wishing to undertake the Procedural Instrument Flight Module of a
modular IR(A) course shall be required to complete all the instructional stages in one
continuous approved course of training. Prior to commencing the Procedural
Instrument Flight Module, the ATO shall ensure the competence of the applicant in
basic instrument flying skills. Refresher training shall be given as required.
4 The course of theoretical instruction shall be completed within 18 months. The
Procedural Instrument Flight Module and the skill test shall be completed within the
period of validity of the pass in theoretical examinations.
5 The course shall comprise:
(a) theoretical knowledge instruction to the IR knowledge level;
(b) instrument flight instruction.
THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE
6 An approved modular IR(A) course shall comprise at least 150 hours of theoretical
knowledge instruction.
FLYING TRAINING
7 A single-engine IR(A) course shall comprise at least 50 hours instrument time under
instruction of which up to 20 hours may be instrument ground time in an FNPT I, or
up to 35 hours in an FFS or FNPT II. A maximum of 10 hours of FNPT II or an FFS
instrument ground time may be conducted in an FNPT I.
8 A multi-engine IR(A) course shall comprise at least 55 hours instrument time under
instruction, of which up to 25 hours may be instrument ground time in an FNPT I, or
up to 40 hours in an FFS or FNPT II. A maximum of 10 hours of FNPT II or an FFS
instrument ground time may be conducted in an FNPT I. The remaining instrument
flight instruction shall include at least 15 hours in multi-engine aeroplanes.
9 The holder of a single-engine IR(A) who also holds a multi-engine class or type rating
wishing to obtain a multi-engine IR(A) for the first time shall complete a course at an
ATO comprising at least 5 hours instruction in instrument flying in multi-engine
aeroplanes, of which 3 hours may be in an FFS or FNPT II.
10.1 The holder of a CPL(A) or of a Course Completion Certificate for the Basic Instrument
Flight Module may have the total amount of training required in paragraphs 7 or 8
above reduced by 10 hours.
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What does this all mean?
If you have done your CPL/MEP, I understand that you already have to your credit 5 hours of the BIFM done in a multi-engine aeroplane. The total flying time in MEP for the ME/IR is 15 hours. So all you need is 10 hours flying in a MEP to do to complete your full IR.
It would have been different if you had done your BIFM in a single-engine. Then you would have needed 15 hours in a MEP.
Therefore, it all depends. I would say that the Belgian school is correct if you have done your BIFM in a multi-engine, and incorrect if you had done your BIFM in a single-engine.
Anybody with a second opinion is welcome.
Last edited by PigeonVoyageur; 1st March 2014 at 12:22.