BIR Qualification

Basic Instrument Rating

Asteraviation’s BIR course is designed for pilots who wish to expand their skills and gain greater proficiency in managing instrument flight.

The program combines theoretical instruction with practical training, taking into account the pilot’s existing experience and their flight objectives.

The course in brief

Asteraviation • Flight School

BIR Qualification

Theory

For 70 hours

Theoretical training

Practice

For 25 hours

Practical training on SEP aircraft and simulator

Requirements

PPL(A) or CPL(A)

License required

validity

EASA Countries

Scope of validity

What is BIR qualification?

The BIR (Basic Instrument Rating) is a qualification introduced by EASA (regulation FCL.835) and valid within EASA member states. It is primarily aimed at General Aviation pilots who wish to expand their skill set without necessarily pursuing a professional aviation career. It enables pilots to acquire the competencies required to operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) through a specific training program—one that builds upon the pilot’s existing skills and differs from the training path required for the standard IR(A).

Why obtain a Basic Instrument Rating?

The Basic Instrument Rating allows General Aviation pilots to improve their proficiency in flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), including in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).

The course explores instrument navigation procedures in depth and helps develop the skills required to manage operational situations where external visual references are limited.

What does the BIR allow you to do?

The BIR rating allows for IFR flights in single-engine, single-pilot aircraft, in accordance with the privileges and limitations set out by EASA regulations.

To exercise these privileges at night, it is also necessary to hold a Night Rating.

To operate under IFR in multi-engine aircraft, it is necessary to obtain a multi-engine BIR and hold the class ratings required for the aircraft being flown. The privileges of a multi-engine BIR also apply to single-engine aircraft for which the pilot holds a valid class rating.

BIR and IR(A): what are the differences?

The BIR was conceived as a more accessible pathway compared to the standard Instrument Rating IR(A), with training that also builds upon the competencies the pilot has already acquired. Specifically:

70 hours

Theoretical training starts at a minimum of 70 hours

25 hours

Practical training consists of a minimum of 25 hours, conducted in a SEP aircraft and a flight simulator.

Medical fitness

The actual duration of the program is also determined based on previously acquired skills and an assessment by the school.

The choice between BIR and IR(A) therefore depends on the experience already gained and the type of flying activity one intends to carry out.

What are the limitations of BIR compared to standard IR?

Compared to the standard IR(A), the Basic Instrument Rating entails certain operational limitations:

Allows for IFR flights in single-pilot aircraft, excluding high-performance aircraft for which an IR is required.

It is valid within the EASA framework

It stipulates more restrictive weather minima for departure and approach operations, with specific requirements regarding visibility and meteorological conditions.

These limitations make the BIR a suitable solution for pilots who wish to expand their instrument flying skills, while remaining within the scope of the privileges defined by the regulations.

Requirements for the BIR course

To enroll in the Basic Instrument Rating course at Asteraviation, you must have:

PPL(A) or CPL(A) license, with a valid class rating

Class 1 or 2 aviation medical certificate

English language proficiency, in accordance with the requirements applicable to aeronautical communications as specified by the training program

Do you want to obtain the Basic Instrument Rating?

If you already hold a PPL(A) or CPL(A) and want to determine whether the BIR is suitable for your experience and the type of flying you intend to do, you can consult with the Asteraviation team.

Request information about the BIR course