An Instrument Rating (IR) is required if you wish to be able to fly the aircraft by instruments only (IFR). This is a requirement for all pilots who wish to fly for an airline as a career. The Instrument Rating can be completed on a PPL or CPL licence. The Fiji IR is an ICAO recognised rating, so if you are an International Student you can convert this rating and continue to use it when you return home, if your country is also ICAO accredited.
To obtain a Instrument Rating, you need to complete:
Single Engine Instrument Rating | |
INSTRUMENT RATING EXAMINATION (THEORY) | FIJI IFR AIRLAW |
40 hours of instrument time in aircraft of which not more than 20 hours, or 30 hours where a flight simulator is used, may be instrument ground time. The ground time shall be under the supervision of an authorised instructor. | |
50 hours of Cross-country flight time as pilot in command (PIC) in aircraft in categories acceptable to the Authority, of which not less than 10 hours shall be in the aircraft category being sought. |
Multi Engine Instrument Rating (Multi Type Rating Required) | |
INSTRUMENT RATING EXAMINATION (THEORY) | FIJI IFR AIRLAW |
40 hours of instrument time in aircraft of which not more than 20 hours, or 30 hours where a flight simulator is used, may be instrument ground time. The ground time shall be under the supervision of an authorised instructor. | |
50 hours of Cross-country flight time as pilot in command (PIC) in aircraft in categories acceptable to the Authority, of which not less than 10 hours shall be in the aircraft category being sought. |
South Pacific Aviation Training Institute offers scheduled courses per year to complete the IR theory subjects depending on the number of licence holders. Students must achieve a mark of 70% or better to pass each theory exam.
The IR flying component is offered throughout the year at two monthly intervals. Our course consists of 20 hours of flight time and 20 hours of simulator time excluding the flight test. Our course is designed to complete a multi engine instrument rating, however single engine instruments are available.
The course cost includes all landing and airways fees as well as the initial flight test and rating issue fees. As flying is a skill, your actual course cost may vary and will depend on your abilities, knowledge and effort put towards acquiring this licence. Any additional hours required to meet the IR standard over and above the 40 hours allocated will be charged at the current aircraft and simulator rates at the time of training. Examination retests and flight test partials will incur additional charges.
The duration of the IR flying component is twelve weeks, but can vary due to weather delays and students ability.