This training program is mandatory for professional pilot applicants and recommended for all recreational pilots who intend to perform long-range flights in a private airplane.

 

Theoretical training

 

After obtaining a PPL(A) certificate, the applicant may commence theoretical training for the IR(A). The course is modular, 200 hours, distance

form of training and is conducted in one of the following organizations- Private Transport College, Institute of Air Transport, Technical University of Sofia

The syllabus is divided into weekly periods and after each period a progress test is conducted with the candidate, which should be covered more than 75% and a consultation is held to clarify unclear parts of the study material and to enhance preparation.

 

In order to be licensed, the applicant shall be required to pass examinations in English before the CAA. The examination sessions are published on the CAA website www.caa.bg . In the theoretical examination applicants shall demonstrate a level of theoretical knowledge (FCL.615 IR) appropriate to the privileges granted in the following subjects: air law, general knowledge of aircraft – instruments, flight planning and control, human capabilities, meteorology, radio navigation, instrument flight rules (IFR) communications.

 

Flight training

Requirements for applicants to commence flight training:

– Minimum age – 18 years.

– Satisfactory knowledge of English.

– Possession of a valid PPL(A), CPL(A) or ATPL for another category of aircraft.

– Have at least 50 hours of en route flight time as PIC on aeroplanes, helicopters or airships, of which at least 10 hours (20 hours for airships) must be on aeroplanes.

– Have completed VFR Night flight training

– Completion of an ATPL or IR(A) theoretical knowledge course

– Class 1 medical certificate /the certificate must be issued by a European specialist medical centre/.

– Copy of diploma of education /secondary or higher/.

 

The programme includes 50 hours of flight training with an instructor. It is performed on FNPT 2-35 hours , and 15 hours on Cessna aircraft equipped for IFR flights.

 

The course consists of two sub-modules:

 

Basic Instrument Flight Module, which includes:

– Area flying to introduce the basics of instrument flying without external visual reference and the use of NDB, VOR/DME, ILS radio aids.

– Instrument flights on airport schemes.

– Navigation by radio navigation aids.

 

Instrument flight procedure module including:

 

Standard procedures for departure, en-route, approach and landing IFR using NDB, VOR/DME, ILS.

The applicant shall be provided with – the flight training program with elaboration of each exercise. Before proceeding with the exercises of the program, the instructor conducts lectures to familiarize the trainee with the specifics of IFR flight.

Before and after each flight, the instructor conducts a briefing with the trainee on the training, the trainee’s success rate, identification of errors and ways to prevent them.

Upon successful completion of the flight programme, the applicant shall be given a flight test by an examiner appointed by the DG CAA. During the test, the trainee shall demonstrate confident IFR flight performance to an international airport and the correct conduct of radio conversations in English.

The IR(A) rating must be renewed with a flight check every year by a checking instructor. If not renewed on time, the applicant shall undergo a recovery programme and a flight check .