Regarded by many pilots as the most interesting pilot training course, the instrument rating course trains private and commercial pilots alike to the level of proficiency required to operate in cloud or low visibility conditions.
Training flights are initially flown using the Cessna 172 as part of the Basic Instrument Flight Module (BIFM), if this was not already completed under the CPL. From the 55 hours of flight training under instruments (45 hours for CPL holders), 10 hours will be for the BIFM, 30 hours are flown on the FNPTII (ALSIM ALX) under simulation and a minimum of 15 hours need to be flown on the P2006T twin engine aircraft. These training sessions allow the students to adapt to flying instrument procedures at the higher speed of the P2006T, whilst introducing instrument procedures under asymmetric conditions, as well as becoming familiar with flying in a simulator.
The Professional Aviation Training Academy – Malta Instrument Rating is specifically designed to provide students with the highest exposure to a variety of instrument conditions. Students can fly a number of routes and approaches at nearby airports such as Lampedusa, Pantelleria, Catania, Reggio Calabria and Palermo. Students also gain proficiency flying in Instrument Meteorological Conditions using both the Electronic Flight Instrument System equipped P2006T and the analogue instruments on the C172. Finally, by using the P2006T, students are introduced to the operation of modern equipment such as the on-board autopilot capable of flying the aircraft during the climb, cruise and approach, as well as the stormscope which is a valuable tool for the avoidance of significant weather.
The final skill test will be done in the aircraft. By completing this course the student would then have obtained the Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (ME-IR)
The following entry requirements apply to the Professional Aviation Training Academy – Malta IR Course
By doing part of the training on the FNPTII students can save around Euro 2,400, instead of doing the full course on the aircraft, therefore giving students more options.
The Academy can assist pilots who do not yet satisfy the course entry requirements. The IR course can typically be completed in 8-12 weeks on a full-time basis.
The holder of a current and valid EASA single-engine SE-IR(A) who also holds a multi-engine class or type rating wishing to obtain a multi- engine IR(A) for the first time shall complete a course at an ATO comprising at least 5 hours instruction in instrument flying in multi-engine aeroplanes, of which 3 hours may be in an FFS or FNPT II. Following this, they would need to do the ME-IR skill test.
The course requires:
