“My experience at E-Flight Academy Teuge completely exceeded my expectations! From the moment I walked in, the entire staff was incredibly welcoming and helpful, even offering coffee and pastries. A huge thank you to my flight instructor, Stephanie Smulders. She made the theoretical briefing very interesting and interactive. The flight itself was superb—seeing the Netherlands from above is truly beautiful. We started by going through the pre-flight checklist together, and then I actually got to try some flight maneuvers under her careful supervision. Her instructions were remarkably clear and easy to follow, which was amazing considering I had absolutely zero prior knowledge or flying experience. She even took some great photos of me. I highly recommend this academy!”
13-06-2026
✓️ 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 cooperation 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 training, this product is largely custom-made. If you are interested in this training, you can contact us to ask for a time estimate or purchase the assessment on this page. In return, you will receive a full lesson with 2 hours of flight time and 3 IFR approaches. (allow 4 to 6 hours of time)
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 in IFR conditions without completing the full traditional 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 more operationally focused, and the training is tailored to your personal learning points. The result is training that is shorter, more flexible, and more affordable than the traditional IR. And the privileges? Once issued, they are exactly the same: same IFR privileges, same minima, same possibilities. Only the route to get there is different and, for many pilots, much more practical.
Come rain or shine
Just like with our regular IR Course, the CB IR at E-Flight Academy makes extensive use of advanced simulators. This means that 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. What is more, this allows us to keep the environmental impact of your training to a minimum. The 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 significantly expands your flying opportunities. Just think of all the days you could not fly because of bad weather — with your CB IR in your pocket, that is a thing of the past!
Course content
The CB IR(A) training consists of a minimum of 40 hours of instrument flight time with dual flight instruction. A significant portion of this takes place in our simulator, with the remainder flown in the Bristell B23. The exact distribution is determined in part by your previous experience, which can formally count toward the CB IR route. During an intake, we review your background together and draw up a training plan that matches your level and goals.
The training includes several progress tests and concludes with a skill test, through which you obtain the same instrument rating as with the traditional IR(A).
This training includes:
- VFR landings at Teuge instruction according to a tailor-made training plan
- All electricity and fuel required CO2 compensation via TreeByTree (we arrange this)
This training excludes:
- All fees for landings and ATC that we incur at other airfields
- The theory training and the theory exam
- Flight test (aircraft rental, landings, examiner hire, 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 airplanes or TMGs, of which at least 10 hours in airplanes.
- Night flying privilege: if you also want to use your IR at night, you must hold a valid night flying privilege 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 another training route, not a lighter licence. After issue, 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 a more compact theory component, allows previous experience to count, and offers more customization in practical training. As a result, the route is generally shorter, more flexible, and more cost-effective.
How long does the CB IR training take?
Together with the student, E-Flight Academy aims to complete the CB IR flight training within a few months. The exact duration depends on your previous experience, your availability, and the weather. The theory 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, radionavigation, 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. Do you want to become a professional pilot? Then 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 tests. Each exercise has a completion standard that must be met before moving on to the next phase, so that we can be sure you reach the required competency level.
Can I have previous experience counted?
Yes, that is exactly the core of the CB IR. Previous IFR experience, night flying, cross-country experience, and simulator time can be counted in 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, please contact us via hello@eflight.nl or call +31 55 203 2230.
Is the CB-IR exam included in the price?
The course price 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 is rented by the candidate for the exam and E-Flight arranges an examiner. Invoicing for aircraft rental and examiner, including the number of landings and fuel, is handled by E-Flight afterwards.
✓️ 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 cooperation 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 training, this product is largely custom-made. If you are interested in this training, you can contact us to ask for a time estimate or purchase the assessment on this page. In return, you will receive a full lesson with 2 hours of flight time and 3 IFR approaches. (allow 4 to 6 hours of time)
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 in IFR conditions without completing the full traditional 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 more operationally focused, and the training is tailored to your personal learning points. The result is training that is shorter, more flexible, and more affordable than the traditional IR. And the privileges? Once issued, they are exactly the same: same IFR privileges, same minima, same possibilities. Only the route to get there is different and, for many pilots, much more practical.
Come rain or shine
Just like with our regular IR Course, the CB IR at E-Flight Academy makes extensive use of advanced simulators. This means that 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. What is more, this allows us to keep the environmental impact of your training to a minimum. The 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 significantly expands your flying opportunities. Just think of all the days you could not fly because of bad weather — with your CB IR in your pocket, that is a thing of the past!
Course content
The CB IR(A) training consists of a minimum of 40 hours of instrument flight time with dual flight instruction. A significant portion of this takes place in our simulator, with the remainder flown in the Bristell B23. The exact distribution is determined in part by your previous experience, which can formally count toward the CB IR route. During an intake, we review your background together and draw up a training plan that matches your level and goals.
The training includes several progress tests and concludes with a skill test, through which you obtain the same instrument rating as with the traditional IR(A).
This training includes:
- VFR landings at Teuge instruction according to a tailor-made training plan
- All electricity and fuel required CO2 compensation via TreeByTree (we arrange this)
This training excludes:
- All fees for landings and ATC that we incur at other airfields
- The theory training and the theory exam
- Flight test (aircraft rental, landings, examiner hire, 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 airplanes or TMGs, of which at least 10 hours in airplanes.
- Night flying privilege: if you also want to use your IR at night, you must hold a valid night flying privilege 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 another training route, not a lighter licence. After issue, 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 a more compact theory component, allows previous experience to count, and offers more customization in practical training. As a result, the route is generally shorter, more flexible, and more cost-effective.
How long does the CB IR training take?
Together with the student, E-Flight Academy aims to complete the CB IR flight training within a few months. The exact duration depends on your previous experience, your availability, and the weather. The theory 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, radionavigation, 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. Do you want to become a professional pilot? Then 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 tests. Each exercise has a completion standard that must be met before moving on to the next phase, so that we can be sure you reach the required competency level.
Can I have previous experience counted?
Yes, that is exactly the core of the CB IR. Previous IFR experience, night flying, cross-country experience, and simulator time can be counted in 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, please contact us via hello@eflight.nl or call +31 55 203 2230.
Is the CB-IR exam included in the price?
The course price 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 is rented by the candidate for the exam and E-Flight arranges an examiner. Invoicing for aircraft rental and examiner, including the number of landings and fuel, is handled by E-Flight afterwards.
