CBM IR / ME IR
Instrument Rating for Single- and Multi-Engine aircraft
Overview
CBM IR / ME IR
Competency-based modular IR(A) for PPL or CPL holders — same skill test as a traditional IR, with prior instrument time credited. Train until ready for test; add ME IR from as little as 5 hours extra. EASA-regulated course valid for UK CAA and EASA licences.
Timeframes
Timelines and Duration.
40h
Instrument time under instruction (single-engine)
45h
Instrument time for multi-engine
10h
May be completed in FNPT 1
Costs
Course Pricing.
SE-IR (CBM)
£13,700
From £13,700 UK CAA / £14,720 EASA. Based on 40 hours flight training.
Price breakdown
ME-IR
£21,050
From £21,050 UK CAA / £22,170 EASA. Based on 45 hours flight training.
Price breakdown
Price includes
- CBM IR(A) flying and ground school per package breakdown on each price card
Price excludes
- £20 per sortie landing fee (single-engine)
- £25 per sortie landing fee (multi-engine)
- Approach fees at external airfields
- Mandatory assessment flight before training — £310/hr plus landing fees
- IR theoretical knowledge exams and skill test fees
- Prior IMC or instrument experience may reduce the 40/45 hour cap and package price
Before training starts we organise a mandatory assessment flight to assess your qualifications and plan the best route — £310/hr plus any landing fees.
Aircraft
Meet the Training Fleet.
Course Details
Structure and Certifications.
Prerequisites
Course entry:
- Holder of a PPL(A) or CPL(A)
Before applying for the IR(A) skill test:
- PPL(A) or CPL(A) with appropriate medical and class/type rating for the IR sought (e.g. MEP class rating for ME IR)
- Completed approved ground-school course for the IR(A)
- Passed theoretical knowledge examinations per FCL.615
- Instrument flight instruction and skill test completed within 36 months of passing theory (FCL.025)
CPL exemptions: exempt from Meteorology, Human Performance and Communications IR papers.
Ground school
Approved competency-based modular IR(A) course: at least 80 hours theoretical knowledge instruction (CBT and e-learning allowed; minimum classroom teaching per ORA.ATO.305 — not less than 10% of course duration).
PPL IR ground-school: lighter “PPL IR” theory route (similar in spirit to the old FAA IR path) — flying element identical but exams easier; IR not usable commercially with this route.
Commercial IR ground-school: IR exams often covered in ATPL ground-school. CPL ground-school only — sit seven IR subjects (three may be exempt if you hold CPL): AGK — Instrumentation; Meteorology; Human Performance; Radio Navigation; Flight Planning and Monitoring; Air Law; IFR Communications only.
Examinations (after course): Air Law; AGK — Instrumentation; Flight Planning and Monitoring; Human Performance; Meteorology; Radio Navigation; Communications. Pass ≥75%, no penalty marking. Valid 36 months for IR(A) issue.
Skills test
Flying in our Cessna 177RG, Piper PA-28 Arrow II/III or Cessna 172 where applicable; multi-engine on Cessna 310R. Training culminates in the IR(A) skill test to the same standard as a traditional IR.
Remarks and hour credits:
- Credit up to 30 hours from prior IRI/FI IR instruction or IFR/IMC PIC experience toward the 40-hour requirement
- Credit up to 15 hours from other prior instrument dual
- At least 10 hours instrument dual at our ATO in an aeroplane
- Minimum 25 hours total dual instrument instruction
- ME IR: 45 hours instrument dual (reducible with experience)
Frequenty Asked Questions
Your questions answered.
How long is CBM IR valid?
12 months.
Do I need to hold an MEP rating before ME IR?
No — you can complete MEP with us during or before your ME IR course.
What are the revalidation rules?
An IR(A) shall be revalidated within the three months immediately preceding expiry. Revalidate earlier and the new validity runs from the proficiency check date to end of month plus the rating period. Hold the relevant class or type rating unless revalidation is combined with that rating. FNPT II or FFS may revalidate IR as a stand-alone event; at least each alternate check shall be in an aeroplane. IR may be revalidated as part of a combined class or type rating test.
What are the renewal rules?
If an IR has expired: refresher training at an ATO, proficiency check in the relevant category, and hold the relevant class or type rating unless renewal is combined with that rating. Renewal may be combined with a type or class rating skill test or proficiency check.
What is the seven-year expiry period?
If the IR has not been revalidated or renewed within the preceding seven years, you must pass the IR theoretical knowledge examination and skill test again. The seven-year period starts from the date the IR expired.
What are CBM IR holder's privileges?
Fly aircraft under IFR, including PBN operations, with minimum decision height not less than 200 feet (60 m), per Appendix 8 to Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011.
What is the legal basis for this training?
CAP 413 Radiotelephony Manual; Air Navigation Order (ANO) CAP 393; CAP 804; UK CAA Standards Documents 1 and 7; Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011, AMC and GM.
What does the assessment flight cover?
We review your logbook and flying to recommend the shortest compliant CBM IR route before you commit to a package. Mandatory before training — £310/hr plus landing fees.
Can prior IMC experience reduce the price?
Yes — the 40/45 hour cap may be reduced with credited experience, which reduces the package price accordingly.
How do I book?
Email bookings@britishaerobaticacademy.com or call +44 (0)1763 208 281 to arrange assessment and dates.