Take your flying to the next level with the EASA Basic Instrument Rating.

 

Waterford Aeroclub has been approved to teach the EASA Basic Instrument Rating. We are currently the only ATO in Ireland approved for this rating.

The BIR was introduced by EASA as a alternative to the instrument rating targeted at recreational pilots looking to further enhance their skills without having to sit all seven written exams previously required to gain an EASA IR (the BIR only has three exams and they’re valid for life with no expiry). The rating grants pretty much the same privileges as the IR other than you have to add 200 feet to the approach minimums and it’s only valid in EASA airspace. It can also be upgraded to an IR without any further written exams after gaining 50 hours of IFR experience.

Read the full details about our basic instrument rating: WAC Basic Instrument Rating – Explainer 2024

Our next BIR course is scheduled to start in June with a ground briefing day for Module 1 on June 22nd. If you’d like to book onto the training day (€150) email info@waterfordaeroclub.com to reserve your slot or get more information. Similar to PPL training, the course is just pay as you go and you can fly as frequently or infrequently as you wish – there is no time pressure to complete the full course.