EASA progress on easier instrument flying for GA pilots

The new EASA Basic Instrument Rating (BIR) is expected to reach the halfway stage in October towards being approved by the European Commission. That’s when the EASA Opinion is due to be published – a year later than originally expected.

If the BIR continues along the EASA Rulemaking Process without further delay, it could become law by the end of 2019.

The BIR is an attempt by EASA to provide easier access to instrument flying for General Aviation pilots. It will have much the same approach limits as the IR(R) (formerly the UK IMC Rating) but will be usable throughout all EASA countries and – unlike the IR(R) – will include airways flying.

The BIR will have simpler theoretical knowledge requirements than either the Competency-Based IR (CB-IR) or IR, and there will be some credit for existing IR(R) holders.

“Unless you really, really want to fly down to 200ft in poor weather in a puddlejumper, you’ll probably find that the BIR is all you really need,” said Nick Wilcock, the AOPA representative at EASA on flight crew licensing.

BIR details here: www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/NPA%202016-14.pdf

• The CAA has agreed an exemption for existing IR holders who have yet to add a Performance Based Navigation (PBN) qualification to allow them to use PBN routes and procedures. However, all holders of an IR or En-route IR (EIR) will require a PBN endorsement by 25 August 2020.