✓️ Get your CB IR at E-Flight Academy
✓️ More compact theory, your previous flying experience counts
✓️ Faster, more flexible, and more affordable than the classic IR route
✓️ Exactly the same privileges as a standard IR(A)
✓️ CO2 is offset in collaboration with TreeByTree
Please note: the price shown is for an assessment for this training
The price for the CB-IR course is determined based on this assessment and a conversation with you about your previous experience. Unlike other flight schools, this product is largely tailor-made. If you are interested in this training, you can contact us to ask for an estimate of the time involved, or you can purchase the assessment on this page. For that, you will receive a full lesson with 2 hours of flight time and 3 IFR approaches. (allow 4 to 6 hours in total)
Who is the CB IR Course intended for?
Do you have your PPL and enjoy flying, but want to expand your skills so you can also fly under IFR conditions without going through the full classic IR training? Then the Competency Based Instrument Rating Course (CB IR) is ideal for you!
What is the CB IR?
The CB IR(A) was developed by EASA to make the Instrument Rating more accessible for experienced PPL pilots. It is a competency-based route in which your previous flying experience counts, the theory is more compact and focused on operations, and the training is tailored to your personal learning points. The result is a course that is shorter, more flexible, and more affordable than the classic IR. And the privileges? Once issued, they are exactly the same: same IFR rights, same minima, same possibilities. Only the route to get there is different, and for many pilots, a lot more practical.
Good weather or bad
Just like our regular IR Course, the CB IR at E-Flight Academy makes intensive use of advanced simulators. As a result, for most of your training you are not dependent on the weather and can master all aspects of IFR flying in a realistic, safe virtual environment. In addition, this keeps the environmental impact of your training to a minimum. Best of both worlds!
What can you do with a CB IR?
With a CB IR(A), you are allowed to fly under IFR (Instrument Flight Rules). This means, for example, that you can fly through clouds or fog, also known as blind flying. This skill greatly expands your flying possibilities. Just think of all the days when you could not fly because of bad weather; with your CB IR, that will be a thing of the past!
Course contents
The CB IR(A) training consists of at least 40 hours of instrument flight time with dual instruction. A significant part of this takes place in our simulator and the rest is flown in the Bristell B23. The exact split is partly determined by your previous experience, which may formally count within the CB IR route. During an intake, we map out your background together and create a training plan that matches your level and goals.
The training includes several progress checks and ends with a skill test, through which you obtain the same instrument rating as with the classic IR(A).
This training includes:
- VFR landings at Teuge instruction according to a tailor-made training plan
- All electricity and fuel needed CO2 offset through TreeByTree (we arrange this)
This training excludes:
- All fees for landings and ATC charges we incur at other airfields
- The theory training and theory exam
- Flight test (aircraft rental, landings, examiner rental, and Kiwa fees)
The criteria to start the CB IR Course
- Basic qualification: hold at least a PPL(A).
- Flight experience: at least 50 hours of flight time as pilot in command (PIC) on cross-country flights in aeroplanes or TMGs, of which at least 10 hours in aeroplanes.
- Night flying rating: if you also want to use your IR at night, you must hold a valid night flying rating in accordance with FCL.810.
- Theoretical knowledge certificate: a valid certificate of theoretical knowledge for the CB IR.
- Medical certificate: a valid Class 1 or 2 medical certificate. For Class 2, an additional audiogram must be performed by the AME for the IR(A).
- Radiotelephony: PPL holders usually have an RT privilege limited to VFR. To extend this to IFR, an additional practical course must be completed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the CB IR and the regular IR(A)?
The CB IR is a different training route, not a lighter licence. Once issued, you legally have exactly the same instrument privileges as with a standard IR(A). The differences lie in the route to get there: the CB IR has more compact theory, counts previous experience, and offers more customisation in practical training. As a result, the route is usually shorter, more flexible, and more affordable.
How long does the CB IR training take?
Together with the student, E-Flight Academy aims to complete the flight training for the CB IR within a few months. The exact duration depends on your previous experience, your availability, and the weather. The theoretical part of the course must be completed within 18 months and the practical part in any case within the validity period of the theoretical state exams (36 months after successful completion of the last exam).
What does the theoretical knowledge training involve?
The CB IR theory is more compact and more operationally focused than the classic IR theory, but still covers all relevant subjects such as meteorology, flight planning, air law, human performance, radio navigation, and IFR procedures. The theory training and exam are outside the scope of the E-Flight Academy CB IR course and are provided by a theory ATO. Want to become a professional pilot? Also check out our Zero-to-Hero information and ATPL(A) theory.
How is the student's progress assessed?
The CB IR training includes several theoretical and practical progress checks. Each exercise has a completion standard that must be met before moving on to the next phase, so we can be sure that you reach the desired level of competence.
Can I count previous experience?
Yes, that is exactly the core of the CB IR. Previous IFR experience, night flying, cross-country experience, and simulator time can be counted toward your training plan in consultation. During the intake, we map this out together with you.
Where is the CB IR training given?
The training is given at E-Flight Academy in Teuge. The IFR approaches are carried out at airfields such as Lelystad and Groningen. For more information, you can contact us via hello@eflight.nl or call +31 55 203 2230.
Is the CB-IR exam included in the price?
The price of the course is estimated based on your experience. The skill test is not included in the price. An exam has a standard level that must be demonstrated and therefore does not always take the same amount of time. The aircraft for the exam is rented by the candidate and E-Flight arranges an examiner. Billing for aircraft rental and examiner, including the number of landings and fuel, is handled afterwards by E-Flight.
