What is the IMC Rating?

The Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) rating is highly recommended for anyone who intends flying frequently in the UK. The rating allows pilots to fly in a much wider range of weather conditions than is possible with a 'standalone PPL' - including in clouds and poor visibility. The UK CAA issues the rating and its privileges extend only to UK airspace. However, one of the main advantages of attaining the IMC rating for non-UK based students is that it provides a strong foundation of theoretical and flight training prior to commencing the Commercial Pilot's Licence and the Instrument Rating.

The course length is fifteen hours and starts with a continuation of basic flight maneouvres in simulated IMC, and also flight on partial panel (simulating instrument failures etc.).

You then progress on to navigating by radio aids - including VORs and NDBs - before using instrument approach procedures and ILS (Instrument Landing System) to help you land in poor weather.

The IMC rating does not give you additional privileges to your PPL with regards to flying in airways (Class A airspace), and you are still more restricted than if you hold a full instrument rating.

Training for the IMC Rating

The courses comprises 15 hours of dual (with instructor) flight training, of which 10 hours are by sole reference to the aircraft instruments. There are also ten hours of theoretical briefing. Upon completion of the course, a written exam as well as a flight test must be passed with one of EFT's in-house examiners prior to rating issue.

You may either choose to complete this rating as a normal course or as a FastTrack™ course. Although the FastTrack™ course takes less time, it is also more intense, includes no rest days, and may require you to complete self-study at home before you commence flight training. Please contact us for more details, or apply online.