Instrument Ratings
(PIFR, SECIR)
Wanting to get a little more adventurous?
An instrument rating is a great way to improve your flying skills and qualifications and will allow you to fly in a range of different conditions. An instrument rating allows you to fly using radio navigation aids and GPS for navigation instead of ground features.
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Mareeba is serviced by an RNAV whilst Cairns is serviced by NDB, VOR, VOR/DME, LLZ/DME, GPS and ILS approaches, meaning all your navaid endorsements can be done right here, without the need to travel too far.
Instrument Rating Course Overview
The Instrument Rating Course commences once you have passed your CASA IREX or PIFR examination.
You will complete approximately half of the flying in the simulator and the other half in the aircraft.
PIFR Requirements
A Private Instrument Flying Rating (PIFR) is best suited for Private Pilots who would like to fly in conditions other than VFR. This is for a basic en-route PIFR and does not include departure or approach procedure endorsements. You can add Flight Procedure Authorisations (FPA's) to your rating to allow you to carry out approaches or departures under the IFR.
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Prior to undertaking the PIFR Flight test, you must:
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Hold either a PPL or CPL with an aircraft rating relevant to the instrument rating endorsement
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Pass the Instrument Rating Exam
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Meet the relevant experience requirements
CIR Requirements
A Command Instrument Rating is the most advanced Instrument Rating and is usually most suited to the Commercial Pilot. This includes 2D and 3D approaches and departure endorsements.
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Prior to undertaking the CIR Flight test, you must:
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Hold either a PPL or CPL with an aircraft rating relevant to the instrument rating endorsement
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Pass the Instrument Rating Exam
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Have 50 hours Cross Country as PIC
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Have 40 hours of Instrument time
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Have 5 hours of night flying including 1 hour Solo
Instrument Rating Flight Test
The instrument rating flight test is carried out by an independent examiner from outside the organisation.
Hours & Cost
Private Instrument Flight Rating (PIFR)
$9,770*
*A PIFR involves approximately 20 hours of instrument flying, around 10 of which may be conducted in a simulator to keep costs down.
Single Engine Command Instrument Flight Rating (SECIR)
$16,410*
*A SECIR involves approximately 35 hours of instrument flying, around 15 of which may be conducted in a simulator to keep costs down.
Instrument Rating Endorsements
The NQAC can train you for Flight Procedure Endorsements once you have achieved a PIFR. If you are interested in doing a Flight Procedure Endorsement please Contact Us for more information.
Any instrument rating carried out in a pilots own aircraft would be $158 per hour for instructor hire and subject to strict insurance requirements.