The IMC is one of the most popular post PPL qualifications. Once completed, it will enable the individual to fly an aircraft by sole reference to the aircraft's instruments (i.e. in cloud). An IMC Rating may be attached to either a UK or a JAR PPL Licence (not an NPPL licence).

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Groundschool. In preparing for the IMC Exam, students aptitude and previous experience must be taken into account when determining the amount of instructional time allowed to each particular item. It is likely that under average conditions, a minimum of 20 hours study will be required
  
  
• Flight Training. An applicant for the grant of an IMC Rating must have 25 hours experience as an aeroplane pilot since the date of application for their PPL(A). The 25 hours must include 10 hours as Pilot in Command, of which at least 5 hours must be on cross country flights and may include 15 hours dual instrument instruction.
  
  
• Ground Examinations. An applicant must pass in the 12 months before the date of application for the rating a written exam covering subjects drawn from the PPL and IMC Rating Course syllabus. This will include questions on the planning and execution of a typical flight under IFR outside controlled airspace.
  
  
• Flight Test. The test includes full and limited panel instrument flying, use of radio navigation aids whilst flying by sole reference to instruments, instrument approach procedures and bad weather circuits and landings. A flight test pass may be gained in the course of up to 3 individual flights made during a 28 day period.
  
  
• IMC Validity. The IMC Rating Certificate of Test (C of T) is valid for a period of 25 months from the date of a successful flight test.
  
  

Flying Training for the IMC Rating

The flying training for the initial issue of an IMC Rating must include a minimum of 15 hours training in instrument flying of which up to 2 hours may be in a simulator. The remaining training must be completed in a suitably equipped dual control aeroplane. The go-around procedure is to be carried out in an aeroplane


• Basic Stage. Full panel - instrument attitude flight, basic flight manoeuvres and intermediate flight manoeuvres.
  
  
• Limited Panel. Simulated loss of gyroscopic pitch and bank indicator and gyroscopic direction indicator (AI and DI)
  
  
• Partial Panel. Simulated loss of pitot/static pressure, recognition of loss of pitot/static pressure, maintenance of attitude and safe airspeed, straight and level and turning flight.
  
  
• Applied stage. Pre-flight planning, departure and en-route, approach and let down and bad weather circuits and landings.
  
  

Telephone Jo Bampton (01234) 751800 for course prices and availability