Successful IMC / IR(R) exam!

Huge congratulations to our student Tom who successfully passed his IMC flight test today!

Tom completed his PPL training with Redhill Aviation in 2015 and since then has been gaining experience. He first started his IMC training in 2016 but decided to put his training on hold due to other commitments. 

Tom recently recommenced his IMC training in our PA28 Archer G-BPTE. This is a four seat aircraft with an IFR avionics fit, including Garmin 430 and makes a stable platform on which to fly on instruments:

Today's test was flown with our in-house Examiner and Head of Training, Islam. Although it was forecast to be a very warm day, the clouds didn't dissipate until late into the afternoon and Tom and Islam had to divert into Headcorn on the way back from the test as the clouds had temporarily descended over Redhill! 

However, they were able to soon return and Tom was delighted to receive the good news – Congratulations Captain!

More about the IMC rating:

The IMC rating qualifies you to fly IFR in class D to G airspace, together with making instrument approaches down to an absolute minimum of 500 feet. The course consists of a minimum of 15 hours of dual instruction, a simple written exam and a flight test. Instruction includes: 

• Instrument flying (full and limited panel)
• Unusual attitude recoveries
• Instrument approaches (ILS, NDB, VOR, SRA, RNAV)
• Radio Navigation

Validity is for 25 months and requires a test to revalidate. Course entry requirements: 

• 25 hours flying time since PPL issue of which
• 10 hours must be PIC including 5 hours cross-country

The IMC rating is recorded on your EASA licence as an IR(R) – Instrument Rating (Restricted) – or if you maintain your CAA licence, it remains as an IMC. Please note that the rating cannot be added to a LAPL, it is also only recognized within UK airspace.