UK Instrument Meteorological Conditions Rating

The IMC Rating allows the PPL to fly out of sight of the ground, into and above clouds. This allows the PPL to fly in weather conditions and lower visibility than a basic VFR pilot would be allowed. The CAA will only add an IMC Rating to a UK issued pilot licence. The IMC Rating is a national rating.

When applying for an IMC Rating you must have met the following flying requirements:- 25 hours total experience as pilot of aeroplanes following PPL issue and which must include 10 hours as Pilot in Command of aeroplanes to including 5 hours as Pilot in Command of aeroplanes on cross-country flights.

The training includes 15 hours as Pilot under Training in instrument flying with an instructor in a dual controlled aeroplane (during IMC course). Up to 2 hours of this can be in a device qualified BITD, FNPT 1, FNPT 2 or in other STDs recognised by the Authority. 10 hours total flight time by sole reference to instruments (during IMC course).

IMC Theoretical Knowledge & Examinations

You are required to pass a written ground examination covering subjects drawn from the IMC Rating course syllabus and the PPL(A) syllabus including questions on the planning and execution of a typical flight under IFR outside controlled airspace. The pass mark for the IMC ground examination is 72%.

UK IMC Rating Flight Test

An applicant for the rating must complete the required training before taking a Flight Test conducted by an Examiner authorised by the CAA. The test includes full and limited panel instrument flying, use of radio navigation aids whilst flying by sole reference to instruments, instrument approach procedures, bad weather circuits and landings. In the case of a multi-engine aeroplane it includes flight with asymmetric power. Initial, revalidation and renewal Flight Tests may be completed in more than one flight but not more than three and must be completed in a period of 28 days. Failure in any part of the test will require the candidate to take the full test again. Where a candidate chooses not to continue with a test for reasons considered inadequate by the examiner, that test will be regarded as a failure with regard to the items not attempted. There is no limit on the number of cycles of attempts that can be made to pass the flight test.

Validities

The IMC Rating is valid for a period of 25 months from the date of the successful flight test.

Privileges

The privileges of the IMC Rating may be exercised in UK territorial airspace. The IMC Rating may not be used in the airspace of any other Country unless permission to do so has been given by the appropriate authority of that Country.