CPL, ME, IR: the commercial and instrument stage explained
Three sets of initials make up the most demanding flying stage of the modular route. Together they are the qualifications that allow a pilot to be paid to fly, in a twin-engine aeroplane, in cloud.
ME: the multi-engine rating
The multi-engine piston class rating teaches you to fly a twin, and above all to fly it safely when one engine fails. You need 70 hours as pilot in command in aeroplanes for the rating to be issued. The course is at least 7 hours of theory, at least 2 hours 30 minutes of dual instruction in normal multi-engine operations, and at least 3 hours 30 minutes in engine-failure procedures and asymmetric flight.
IR: the instrument rating
The instrument rating allows you to fly without reference to the ground or horizon, under instrument flight rules. This is how airlines fly every day. On the modular route the multi-engine instrument rating course is at least 55 hours of instrument time under instruction, part of which may be completed in a simulator. It ends in a skill test, and the rating must be revalidated every year.
CPL: the commercial licence
The Commercial Pilot Licence is what allows you to be paid. The modular course is at least 25 hours of flight instruction, or 15 hours if you already hold an instrument rating. You need 150 hours before you begin and 200 hours, with 100 as pilot in command, by the time the licence is issued. You must be 18 and hold a Class 1 medical.
Why they are flown together
The CPL and the IR each give credit towards the other, the multi-engine rating is needed for both when they are flown on a twin, and the flying overlaps. Doing them as one stage, on a twin throughout, means the instrument flying and the commercial flying are learned on the kind of aeroplane you will be tested on, without relearning between courses. It is also the stage where gaps cost most: instrument flying fades quickly without practice.
Before you start
- ATPL theory passed. The theory passes must be in place and in date.
- Hours complete. The pilot-in-command and cross-country requirements from hour building.
- Class 1 medical valid.
- English language proficiency endorsed on your licence, at level 4 or above.
- Time set aside. This stage is best flown continuously.
The CPL ME IR course page describes how this stage is organised on the FlyInPoland route.
FlyInPoland.com plans and coaches your route. The training itself is delivered by the approved training organisation named in your written offer, and the figures here are the legal minimums, not a quotation.
