CPL without IR

[ced0802]

Hi everyone,

I have just finished my ATPL theory and therefore the countdown is now "ON".
I would like to know if it is possible to do only the CPL first, and later on (in about 2 years) my IR/ME (in order to validate my ATPL theory)?
This way, I wouldn't waste money on renewing my licences every year given the current situation...

If so, for some of you who already went through these steps, how long approx does it take to do CPL? and how long it took you for IR/ME?

Huge thanks in advance !

[portsharbourflyer]

Of course you can. Thats the good thing about modular. Do an IRR in the meanwhile and build up the IR time, then when ready you can obtain the full IR by the CB IR route.

[ced0802]

Thanks a lot for your feedback.
I am sorry, I have never heard of '"IRR", is it like IR/SE?

[Edgington]

It's the former UK IMC Rating, now called the Restricted IR, basically allows you to get out of trouble. It's only for UK Licence holders

[portsharbourflyer]

Apologies CED, on the mobile I couldn't see your location was Norway so the IRR comment isn't applicable as Edgington has pointed out.

[ced0802]

No worries, thanks to you

[rudestuff]

ced0802

Sure you can, but it's not a good idea as it's going to be a lot more expensive! It's always MUCH cheaper to get your IR first.

[ced0802]

A lot more expensive? 🙄 even if that way I won't have to renew IR for 2,5 year?

[rudestuff]

It's quite straightforward - a CPL requires 200 hours. If you get an IR afterwards you'll need to do at least 45 hours of EXTRA training. But if you do the IR first, you can include the IR in those 200 hours. It's like having the aircraft for the IR training for free and only paying for the instruction. It's the biggest open secret in flight training. The bonus is that if you do an SEIR, you "save" the ATPLs. You don't need to bother keeping it current - when the industry recovers you'll need to convert to MEIR anyway.

[ced0802]

Thanks a lot Rudestuff, much clearer

[Peter Ahonsi]

Doing the same

rudestuff always gives great advice i am following this route too, sounds like the best way given current situation

[ced0802]

Sorry Rudestuff, just on thing that caught my attention. What do you mean by "You don't need to bother keeping it current"? the IR/SE? if so why
Thanks again!

[portsharbourflyer]

Probably referring to the fact once you have an IR,, to keep the ATPL exam credits the IR only has to renewed within 7 years. When an IR goes out of currency you need to do ATO training prior to renewing, so in this case the ATO training would be the multi upgrade training followed by the ME IR test; it does infer there is no requirement to have the SE IR current when upgrading to the ME IR.

[ced0802]

Thank you so much for this precision

[Central Scrutinizer]

My personal advice:

Don't play with the countdowns and just aim to finish the training as soon as possible.

I nearly didn't finish my CPL in time within the 3 years from the ATPL exams because of Covid AND weather.
You could break an arm or something which would knock you off your training for a year. Or anything could happen. Three years is NOT THAT MUCH.
It's too risky! DON'T DO IT, DON'T DO IT, DON'T DO IT!

[Central Scrutinizer]

For reference:

My MEIR took 6 months
My CPL took 12 months because of Covid, Brexit and weather delays. And this was a 15h course!

Again: Aim to finish the training as fast as possible. Don't risk missing a hard deadline for the only benefit of saving a few Pounds in rating revalidations!!!

[ced0802]

Thank you SO MUCH Central !
These are really good advise. Nice to hear from personal experience, and it's true anything can happen.
I will go for the safest option and do my CPL and IR (thinking of Bartolini)