Modular student pilots have many training options, and it can be difficult to balance costs against training value. It’s possible to complete the required hours in the hours-building phase at minimum cost by flying mostly solo (as PIC) in a light aircraft. However, this can be a missed opportunity to improve your skills after your PPL, leading to extra training (and expense) later at the CPL and IR stages.
An alternative to doing around 100 hours of solo/PIC VFR cross-country flying is to complete an EASA Basic Instrument Rating (BIR) or the UK CAA Restricted Instrument Rating (IR(R)) after your PPL. These ratings allow you to build hours under IFR, improve your instrument flying skills, and potentially reduce costs at the full IR stage. Surprisingly, this route can work out cheaper overall.
The EASA BIR and UK CAA IR(R)
Overview
The BIR and IR(R) are simplified instrument ratings that allow PPL holders to fly in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) and under IFR without the expense of a full IR course. While they can be taken on multi-engine aircraft, they are most often done on single-engine types.
Advantages
If you opt to do a BIR or IR(R) course as part of your hours building:
- Fly in weather conditions that would normally ground you—gaining valuable experience and confidence.
- Gain meaningful IFR exposure during and after training, directly relevant to your future airline career.
- Fly into commercial airports that don’t permit VFR operations.
- The hours spent training and accumulated after you have your rating can be used to reduce the hours requirement when you do your full IR if you choose the CB-IR training option (see below). This can significantly reduce the cost of your IR course, more than compensating for the cost of the BIR or IR(R) course.
Pre-Training Requirements
BIR: Hold a PPL(A), and a Night Rating if you want to use the BIR at night. Must have a valid Class 1 or 2 medical and ICAO English Level 4.
IR(R): As above, plus at least 25 post-PPL hours (10 PIC, 5 cross-country).
Training Course
BIR: Includes a theory course with three exams (distance learning available). If you’ve already passed ATPL-level IR theory, you’re exempt. No minimum flight hours are set, but most courses range from 20–40 hours (aircraft + FNPT II simulator). Be cautious of overly long and expensive courses.
IR(R): Theory and exam are usually delivered by the flight school and integrated into training. Requires a minimum of 15 hours of flight training (often 20). Some schools include simulator time, though most is in aircraft.
Privileges
With a BIR or IR(R), you may:
- Fly under IFR and in IMC.
- Fly in uncontrolled (Class G) and controlled (Class D/E) airspace with permission.
- Operate out of sight of the surface, and take off/land with a minimum of 1500m visibility.
- Conduct instrument departures, approaches, and missed approach procedures.
Note: The BIR is valid only in EASA airspace, and the IR(R) only in UK airspace.
Getting help
Flight schools may offer different approaches to these ratings, which can be confusing. That’s why impartial advice is essential before deciding on your training route or provider. Organisations such as Wings Alliance provide free, independent guidance to modular students in both the UK and Europe.
Conclusion
Doing a single-engine BIR or IR(R) during your flight training can cut overall training costs, allow you to fly in poor weather conditions, and provide you with experience and confidence.
Planning your training is complex, so seek impartial advice before committing. With the right choices, you’ll stay firmly on track toward your ultimate goal: becoming an airline first officer.
If you have any questions as to whether or not a BIR or an IRR is the right choice for you, get in touch with our team today, who will be able to help you.