The IMC RatingAn Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) Rating is an invaluable aid to all pilots whether old hands or fresh from the PPL course. The rating permits flight in a much wider range of weather conditions including cloud and poor visibility, useful given our country’s changeable conditions! An IMC rating extends the privileges of a PPL (A) holder to be able to fly in the UK
The course consists of a minimum of 15 hours flying (with a minimum of 10 hours solely on instruments), and a minimum of 20 hours ground instruction. On completion of the course there is a flight test and a ground examination. The training will be conducted in simulated or real instrument conditions and can be split into 2 phases. Phase 1Basic general handling skills on instruments to include- Full panel work developing the necessary skills and techniques required for straight and level flight, climbing, descending and turning. Limited panel instrument work, simulating the loss of the vacuum pump, which drives the Attitude Indicator and Direction Indicator. Recovery from unusual attitudes full panel and limited.
Phase 2The use of radio navigation equipment, such as VOR, ADF, DME, VDF and RADAR. With these mastered let downs to local airfields will take up much of the course combined with using the skills already gained to navigate in the local area whilst liaising with ATC in an IMC environment. Once the required standard has been achieved a flight test of about 1.5 hours is taken. The examiner will discuss the route with you and you will be asked to brief the examiner on the forecast/required weather for the route, minima to which you will fly the approaches and alternative aerodrome choice. The CAA has laid down limits on the flying accuracy required, however allowance is made for adverse weather conditions. Ground examination follows a format similar to the PPL navigation exam and consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. Suggested reading for this aspect of the course is Volume 5 of Trevor Thom’s series. To apply for the IMC rating you must have 25 hours experience as an airplane pilot since the date of an application for your PPL. The 25 hours must include 10 hours as a pilot in command, of which at least 5 hours must be on cross-country flights, and may include the 15 hours instrument training flown on the IMC course. This rating will give any pilot the confidence to explore far and wide secure in the knowledge that navigation in unfamiliar territory can be accomplished in a precise, safe and easy manner. Situations such as channel crossings and hazy summer days will present no problems. Compton Abbas is ideally situated to provide IMC training, close to several suitable airfields where approaches can be practised. Two airway equipped PA28’s and our own NDB further facilitate training. Training is carried out at normal school dual rates. If you wish to contact us, you can reach us by: |
