IR(R) - is it really worth it?
 

I'm considering doing the IR(R) as I work towards a frozen ATPL, but is it worth it if you're intending to do the ME-IR? My thought process is that I can utilise it and practice instrument procedures for my last 30 hours of hour building. Plus I've heard that it takes 10 hours off the training requirement of the IR - is that true?

Alex, you have opened a can of worms here, some will say yes, the rest no.
I am firmly in the save your money for the ME-IR Camp, but then when I did my training, many years ago, that precisely what I did.
I got a copy of RANT trainer, don't know if that is still available, it was a very good tool.
Also used a copy of Microsoft Flight sim, I got a 1st time pass, so it cannot be all that bad
Good luck whatever you decide

No can of worms at all any more; In the days of JAA (prior to EASA) the IMC(now the IR(R) at the time was a national CAA rating so it could not be credited towards a JAA IR.

Now that the Competency Based IR (CBIR) route is available which the IR(R) can be credited towards then it is definitely worth doing. The CBIR is a cheaper route to the full IR than the approved full time course.

I thought most schools that offer modular training for the IRs had switched to only offering the CBIR anyway.

That's very interesting to read.

I am following the modular route, so I'm trying to find the best route, whilst gaining the most experience and being as prepared as I can for the IR.

If I was to do the CBIR, would it be recognised at flying schools in Europe? The reason I ask is that I've got two schools in mind for the CPL/ME/IR; one in Sweden and the other in Spain - I'm just wondering if they'd recognise the CBIR and reduce the hours requirement by 10.

Thank you both for your advice - it's greatly appreciated.

Alex,

To do the CBIR you need to log a total of 40 hour of instrument flying; you then do an assessment and the ATO will determine how much approved training you need to do to complete the IR.
If the competency assessment is good then the ATO only has to specify a minimum of 10 hours of approved training. At the end of the CBIR course you are still issued an IR(A) and the rating on the license will not be distinguishable from one completed from the full 50 hour approved course. So at the end you have still completed 50 hours as per the original course.
Now the IR(R) is 15 of those 40 hours. How you build the remaining 25 is up to you, in theory you could log it all solo while using your IR(R) rating, However to stand a chance of getting the pre CBIR assessment coming out as minimum training only required you will probably need that 25 hours to involve some form of instructing from an IRI. However that "25" hours does not have to be approved training as part of a formal course. So with the CBIR option available there is no reason for any modular student to be doing full 50 hour approved courses. Are schools in Spain and Sweden offering the CBIR route as an option, I have no idea, while it is an EASA recognised route to the IR(A) it doesn't always follow that all EASA states are aligned.

There is no guarantee that the school you want to use have the CBIR. An ATO is a private company and they can choose what courses they want to provide, just like some schools only provides integrated courses and some provide modular etc. You have to ask the specific ATO what courses they have.
And just to clarify. There CBIR is just a different route to an instrument rating. You will end up with the same rating in your license regardless of choosing IR or CBIR.
Just note that if you "only" have CBIR theory (i.e. not ATPL theory) you will be limited to non pressurised planes.

You've definitely made me consider the CBIR more now!

How does it work with gaining a multi-engined IR? I've got the MEP rating on the list of things to do over the next couple of months, so would have it either before IR training or during.

Ideally, I wouldn't want to take 2 IR skills tests :}

I am also interested in the CBIR route, i completed the full MEIR course back in the day but as my IR expired by more than 7 years i have been quoted by most schools to redo the whole course initial 55HR course under EASA regs.

I have over 300 hours IFR PIC and 55 Hours of IFR training when i did the traditional modular course. Would i be able to get the full IR back by completing the ATO assessment and enrolling on the CBIR course?

Nonsense - either those schools don't know what their talking about, not interested or have no experience of your situation. An appraisal and training as required is all that is necessary in the case of a lapsed IR >7years. You will have to pass the IR(A) Theoretical Knowledge exams (credit for HPL and Met if you held/hold a CPL) but you certainly don't have to do the whole course again. I would suggest speaking to those schools who are not quoting for the whole course again.

Thanks for the clarification. I have a CPL and am redoing the ATPL theory so i will continue after with the CBIR and only deal with the schools that seem to understand the regs!

Have a chat with Sue at Sue Air, she may be able to point you in the right direction. A very nice fleet of aircraft, too.

Thanks ill give them a shout.