Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011Show full title

IR skill test U.K.

[F1 1. An applicant for an IR shall have received instruction on the same class or type of aircraft to be used in the test which shall be appropriately equipped for the training and testing purposes.] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F1 Substituted by Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/539 of 6 April 2016 amending Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 as regards pilot training, testing and periodic checking for performance-based navigation (Text with EEA relevance).

2. An applicant shall pass all the relevant sections of the skill test. If any item in a section is failed, that section is failed. Failure in more than one section will require the applicant to take the entire test again. An applicant failing only one section shall only repeat the failed section. Failure in any section of the retest, including those sections that have been passed on a previous attempt, will require the applicant to take the entire test again. All relevant sections of the skill test shall be completed within 6 months. Failure to achieve a pass in all relevant sections of the test in two attempts will require further training. U.K.

3. Further training may be required following a failed skill test. There is no limit to the number of skill tests that may be attempted. U.K.

CONDUCT OF THE TEST U.K.

4. The test is intended to simulate a practical flight. The route to be flown shall be chosen by the examiner. An essential element is the ability of the applicant to plan and conduct the flight from routine briefing material. The applicant shall undertake the flight planning and shall ensure that all equipment and documentation for the execution of the flight are on board. The duration of the flight shall be at least 1 hour. U.K.

5. Should the applicant choose to terminate a skill test for reasons considered inadequate by the examiner, the applicant shall retake the entire skill test. If the test is terminated for reasons considered adequate by the examiner, only those sections not completed shall be tested in a further flight. U.K.

6. At the discretion of the examiner, any manoeuvre or procedure of the test may be repeated once by the applicant. The examiner may stop the test at any stage if it is considered that the applicant’s demonstration of flying skill requires a complete retest. U.K.

7. An applicant shall fly the aircraft from a position where the PIC functions can be performed and to carry out the test as if there is no other crew member. The examiner shall take no part in the operation of the aircraft, except when intervention is necessary in the interests of safety or to avoid unacceptable delay to other traffic. Responsibility for the flight shall be allocated in accordance with national regulations. U.K.

8. Decision heights/altitude, minimum descent heights/altitudes and missed approach point shall be determined by the applicant and agreed by the examiner. U.K.

9. An applicant for an IR shall indicate to the examiner the checks and duties carried out, including the identification of radio facilities. Checks shall be completed in accordance with the authorised checklist for the aircraft on which the test is being taken. During pre-flight preparation for the test the applicant is required to determine power settings and speeds. Performance data for take-off, approach and landing shall be calculated by the applicant in compliance with the operations manual or flight manual for the aircraft used. U.K.

FLIGHT TEST TOLERANCES U.K.

10. The applicant shall demonstrate the ability to: U.K.

• operate the aircraft within its limitations;

• complete all manoeuvres with smoothness and accuracy;

• exercise good judgment and airmanship;

• apply aeronautical knowledge; and

• maintain control of the aircraft at all times in such a manner that the successful outcome of a procedure or manoeuvre is never seriously in doubt.

[F1 11. The following limits shall apply, corrected to make allowance for turbulent conditions and the handling qualities and performance of the aircraft used: U.K.

Height
Generally	± 100 feet
Starting a go-around at decision height/altitude	+ 50 feet/– 0 feet
Minimum descent height/MAP/altitude	+ 50 feet/– 0 feet
Tracking
On radio aids	± 5°
For angular deviations	Half scale deflection, azimuth and glide path (e.g. LPV, ILS, MLS, GLS)
2D (LNAV) and 3D (LNAV/VNAV) ‘ linear ’ lateral deviations	cross-track error/deviation shall normally be limited to ± the RNP value associated with the procedure. Brief deviations from this standard up to a maximum of 1 time the RNP value are allowable.
3D linear vertical deviations (e.g. RNP APCH (LNAV/VNAV) using BaroVNAV)	not more than – 75 feet below the vertical profile at any time, and not more than + 75 feet above the vertical profile at or below 1 000 feet above aerodrome level.
Heading
all engines operating	± 5°
with simulated engine failure	± 10°
Speed
all engines operating	± 5 knots
with simulated engine failure	+ 10 knots/– 5 knots,

CONTENT OF THE TEST U.K.

[F2 Aeroplanes

a Must be performed by sole reference to instruments.
b May be performed in an FFS, FTD 2/3 or FNPT II.
c May be performed in either Section 4 or Section 5.
d [F3 To establish PBN privileges, one approach in either Section 4 or Section 5 shall be an RNP APCH. Where an RNP APCH is not practicable, it shall be performed in an appropriately equipped FSTD.] ]
SECTION 1 — PRE-FLIGHT OPERATIONS AND DEPARTURE Use of checklist, airmanship, anti-icing/de-icing procedures, etc., apply in all sections
a	Use of flight manual (or equivalent) especially a/c performance calculation, mass and balance
b	Use of Air Traffic Services document, weather document
c	Preparation of ATC flight plan, IFR flight plan/log
d	Identification of the required navaids for departure, arrival and approach procedures
e	Pre-flight inspection
f	Weather Minima
g	Taxiing
h	PBN departure (if applicable): — Check that the correct procedure has been loaded in the navigation system; and — Cross-check between the navigation system display and the departure chart.
i	Pre-take-off briefing, Take-off
j a	Transition to instrument flight
k a	Instrument departure procedures, including PBN departures, and altimeter setting
l a	ATC liaison — compliance, R/T procedures
SECTION 2 — GENERAL HANDLING a
a	Control of the aeroplane by reference solely to instruments, including level flight at various speeds, trim
b	Climbing and descending turns with sustained Rate 1 turn
c	Recoveries from unusual attitudes, including sustained 45° bank turns and steep descending turns
d b	Recovery from approach to stall in level flight, climbing/descending turns and in landing configuration
e	Limited panel: stabilised climb or descent, level turns at Rate 1 onto given headings, recovery from unusual attitudes
SECTION 3 — EN-ROUTE IFR PROCEDURES a
a	Tracking, including interception, e.g. NDB, VOR, or track between waypoints
b	Use of navigation system and radio aids
c	Level flight, control of heading, altitude and airspeed, power setting, trim technique
d	Altimeter settings
e	Timing and revision of ETAs (en-route hold, if required)
f	Monitoring of flight progress, flight log, fuel usage, systems’ management
g	Ice protection procedures, simulated if necessary
h	ATC liaison - compliance, R/T procedures
SECTION 3a — ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
a	Setting and checking of navigational aids, and identification of facilities, if applicable
b	Arrival procedures, altimeter checks
c	Altitude and speed constraints, if applicable
d	PBN arrival (if applicable): — Check that the correct procedure has been loaded in the navigation system; and — Cross-check between the navigation system display and the arrival chart.
SECTION 4 a — 3D Operations c
a	Setting and checking of navigational aids Check Vertical Path angle For RNP APCH: — Check that the correct procedure has been loaded in the navigation system; and — Cross-check between the navigation system display and the approach chart.
b	Approach and landing briefing, including descent/approach/landing checks, including identification of facilities
c c	Holding procedure
d	Compliance with published approach procedure
e	Approach timing
f	Altitude, speed heading control (stabilised approach)
g c	Go-around action
h c	Missed approach procedure/landing
i	ATC liaison – compliance, R/T procedures
SECTION 5 a – 2D OPERATIONS d
a	Setting and checking of navigational aids For RNP APCH: — Check that the correct procedure has been loaded in the navigation system; and — Cross-check between the navigation system display and the approach chart.
b	Approach and landing briefing, including descent/approach/landing checks, including identification of facilities
c c	Holding procedure
d	Compliance with published approach procedure
e	Approach timing
f	Altitude/Distance to MAPT, speed, heading control (stabilised approach), Step Down Fixes (SDF(s)), if applicable
g c	Go-around action
h c	Missed approach procedure/landing
i	ATC liaison – compliance, R/T procedures
SECTION 6 — FLIGHT WITH ONE ENGINE INOPERATIVE (multi-engine aeroplanes only) a
a	Simulated engine failure after take-off or on go-around
b	Approach, go-around and procedural missed approach with one engine inoperative
c	Approach and landing with one engine inoperative
d	ATC liaison – compliance, R/T procedures

Textual Amendments

F2 Substituted by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1747 of 15 October 2019 amending Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 as regards requirements for certain flight crew licences and certificates, rules on training organisations and competent authorities (Text with EEA relevance).

F3 Substituted by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/359 of 4 March 2020 amending Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 laying down technical requirements and administrative procedures related to civil aviation aircrew pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Text with EEA relevance).

Helicopters

a [F3 To establish PBN privileges, one approach in either Section 4 or Section 5 shall be an RNP APCH. Where an RNP APCH is not practicable, it shall be performed in an appropriately equipped FSTD.]
b To be performed in Section 4 or Section 5.
c Multi-engine helicopter only.
d Only one item to be tested.]
SECTION 1 — DEPARTURE
Use of checklist, airmanship, anti-icing/de-icing procedures, etc., apply in all sections
a	Use of flight manual (or equivalent) especially aircraft performance calculation; mass and balance
b	Use of Air Traffic Services document, weather document
c	Preparation of ATC flight plan, IFR flight plan/log
d	Identification of the required navaids for departure, arrival and approach procedures
e	Pre-flight inspection
f	Weather minima
g	Taxiing/Air taxi in compliance with ATC or instructions of instructor
h	PBN departure (if applicable): Check that the correct procedure has been loaded in the navigation system; and Cross-check between the navigation system display and the departure chart.
i	Pre-take-off briefing, procedures and checks
j	Transition to instrument flight
k	Instrument departure procedures, including PBN procedures
SECTION 2 — GENERAL HANDLING
a	Control of the helicopter by reference solely to instruments, including:
b	Climbing and descending turns with sustained Rate 1 turn
c	Recoveries from unusual attitudes, including sustained 30° bank turns and steep descending turns
SECTION 3 — EN-ROUTE IFR PROCEDURES
a	Tracking, including interception, e.g. NDB, VOR, RNAV
b	Use of radio aids
c	Level flight, control of heading, altitude and airspeed, power setting
d	Altimeter settings
e	Timing and revision of ETAs
f	Monitoring of flight progress, flight log, fuel usage, systems management
g	Ice protection procedures, simulated if necessary and if applicable
h	ATC liaison — compliance, R/T procedures
SECTION 3a — ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
a	Setting and checking of navigational aids, if applicable
b	Arrival procedures, altimeter checks
c	Altitude and speed constraints, if applicable
d	PBN arrival (if applicable) Check that the correct procedure has been loaded in the navigation system; and Cross-check between the navigation system display and the arrival chart.
SECTION 4 — 3D OPERATIONS a
a	Setting and checking of navigational aids Check Vertical Path angle For RNP APCH: (a) Check that the correct procedure has been loaded in the navigation system; and (b) Cross-check between the navigation system display and the approach chart.
b	Approach and landing briefing, including descent/approach/landing checks
c b	Holding procedure
d	Compliance with published approach procedure
e	Approach timing
f	Altitude, speed, heading control (stabilised approach)
g b	Go-around action
h b	Missed approach procedure/landing
i	ATC liaison — compliance, R/T procedures
SECTION 5 — 2D OPERATIONS a
a	Setting and checking of navigational aids For RNP APCH: Check that the correct procedure has been loaded in the navigation system; and Cross-check between the navigation system display and the approach chart.
b	Approach and landing briefing, including descent/approach/landing checks and identification of facilities
c b	Holding procedure
d	Compliance with published approach procedure
e	Approach timing
f	Altitude, speed, heading control (stabilised approach)
g b	Go-around action
h b	Missed approach procedure b /landing
i	ATC liaison — compliance, R/T procedures
SECTION 6 — ABNORMAL AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
This section may be combined with sections 1 through 5. The test shall have regard to control of the helicopter, identification of the failed engine, immediate actions (touch drills), follow-up actions and checks and flying accuracy, in the following situations:
a	Simulated engine failure after take-off and on/during approach c (at a safe altitude unless carried out in an FFS or FNPT II/III, FTD 2,3)
b	Failure of stability augmentation devices/hydraulic system (if applicable)
c	Limited panel
d	Autorotation and recovery to a pre-set altitude
e	3D operations manually without flight director d 3D operations manually with flight director d

CONTENT OF THE TEST U.K.

Aeroplanes

a May be performed in an FFS, FTD 2/3 or FNPT II.
b (+) May be performed in either section 4 or section 5.
c (o) Must be performed by sole reference to instruments.
SECTION 1 — PRE-FLIGHT OPERATIONS AND DEPARTURE
Use of checklist, airmanship, anti-icing/de-icing procedures, etc., apply in all sections
a	Use of flight manual (or equivalent) especially a/c performance calculation, mass and balance
b	Use of Air Traffic Services document, weather document
c	Preparation of ATC flight plan, IFR flight plan/log
d	Pre-flight inspection
e	Weather Minima
f	Taxiing
g	Pre-take-off briefing, Take-off
hc	Transition to instrument flight
ic	Instrument departure procedures, altimeter setting
jc	ATC liaison — compliance, R/T procedures
SECTION 2 — GENERAL HANDLINGc
a	Control of the aeroplane by reference solely to instruments, including: level flight at various speeds, trim
b	Climbing and descending turns with sustained Rate 1 turn
c	Recoveries from unusual attitudes, including sustained 45° bank turns and steep descending turns
da	Recovery from approach to stall in level flight, climbing/descending turns and in landing configuration — only applicable to aeroplanes
e	Limited panel: stabilised climb or descent, level turns at Rate 1 onto given headings, recovery from unusual attitudes — only applicable to aeroplanes
SECTION 3 — EN-ROUTE IFR PROCEDURESc
a	Tracking, including interception, e.g. NDB, VOR, RNAV
b	Use of radio aids
c	Level flight, control of heading, altitude and airspeed, power setting, trim technique
d	Altimeter settings
e	Timing and revision of ETAs (en-route hold, if required)
f	Monitoring of flight progress, flight log, fuel usage, systems’ management
g	Ice protection procedures, simulated if necessary
h	ATC liaison — compliance, R/T procedures
SECTION 4 — PRECISION APPROACH PROCEDURESc
a	Setting and checking of navigational aids, identification of facilities
b	Arrival procedures, altimeter checks
c	Approach and landing briefing, including descent/approach/landing checks
db	Holding procedure
e	Compliance with published approach procedure
f	Approach timing
g	Altitude, speed heading control (stabilised approach)
hb	Go-around action
ib	Missed approach procedure/landing
j	ATC liaison — compliance, R/T procedures
SECTION 5 — NON-PRECISION APPROACH PROCEDURESc
a	Setting and checking of navigational aids, identification of facilities
b	Arrival procedures, altimeter settings
c	Approach and landing briefing, including descent/approach/landing checks
db	Holding procedure
e	Compliance with published approach procedure
f	Approach timing
g	Altitude, speed, heading control (stabilised approach)
hb	Go-around action
ib	Missed approach procedure/landing
j	ATC liaison — compliance, R/T procedures
SECTION 6 — FLIGHT WITH ONE ENGINE INOPERATIVE (multi-engine aeroplanes only)c
a	Simulated engine failure after take-off or on go-around
b	Approach, go-around and procedural missed approach with one engine inoperative
c	Approach and landing with one engine inoperative
d	ATC liaison — compliance, R/T procedures

Helicopters

a To be performed in section 4 or section 5.
b Multi-engine helicopter only.
c Only one item to be tested.
SECTION 1 — DEPARTURE
Use of checklist, airmanship, anti-icing/de-icing procedures, etc., apply in all sections
a	Use of flight manual (or equivalent) especially aircraft performance calculation; mass and balance
b	Use of Air Traffic Services document, weather document
c	Preparation of ATC flight plan, IFR flight plan/log
d	Pre-flight inspection
e	Weather minima
f	Taxiing/Air taxy in compliance with ATC or instructions of instructor
g	Pre-take-off briefing, procedures and checks
h	Transition to instrument flight
i	Instrument departure procedures
SECTION 2 — GENERAL HANDLING
a	Control of the helicopter by reference solely to instruments, including:
b	Climbing and descending turns with sustained Rate 1 turn
c	Recoveries from unusual attitudes, including sustained 30° bank turns and steep descending turns
SECTION 3 — EN-ROUTE IFR PROCEDURES
a	Tracking, including interception, e.g. NDB, VOR, RNAV
b	Use of radio aids
c	Level flight, control of heading, altitude and airspeed, power setting
d	Altimeter settings
e	Timing and revision of ETAs
f	Monitoring of flight progress, flight log, fuel usage, systems management
g	Ice protection procedures, simulated if necessary and if applicable
h	ATC liaison — compliance, R/T procedures
SECTION 4 — PRECISION APPROACH
a	Setting and checking of navigational aids, identification of facilities
b	Arrival procedures, altimeter checks
c	Approach and landing briefing, including descent/approach/landing checks
da	Holding procedure
e	Compliance with published approach procedure
f	Approach timing
g	Altitude, speed, heading control (stabilised approach)
ha	Go-around action
ia	Missed approach procedure/landing
j	ATC liaison — compliance, R/T procedures
SECTION 5 — NON-PRECISION APPROACH
a	Setting and checking of navigational aids, identification of facilities
b	Arrival procedures, altimeter checks
c	Approach and landing briefing, including descent/approach/landing checks
da	Holding procedure
e	Compliance with published approach procedure
f	Approach timing
g	Altitude, speed, heading control (stabilised approach)
ha	Go-around action
ia	Missed approach procedurea/landing
j	ATC liaison — compliance, R/T procedures
SECTION 6 — ABNORMAL AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
This section may be combined with sections 1 through 5. The test shall have regard to control of the helicopter, identification of the failed engine, immediate actions (touch drills), follow-up actions and checks and flying accuracy, in the following situations:
a	Simulated engine failure after take-off and on/during approachb (at a safe altitude unless carried out in an FFS or FNPT II/III, FTD 2,3)
b	Failure of stability augmentation devices/hydraulic system (if applicable)
c	Limited panel
d	Autorotation and recovery to a pre-set altitude
e	Precision approach manually without flight directorc Precision approach manually with flight directorc

Airships

a (+) May be performed in either section 4 or section 5.
SECTION 1 — PRE-FLIGHT OPERATIONS AND DEPARTURE
Use of checklist, airmanship, ATC liaison compliance, R/T procedures, apply in all sections
a	Use of flight manual (or equivalent) especially a/c performance calculation, mass and balance
b	Use of Air Traffic Services document, weather document
c	Preparation of ATC flight plan, IFR flight plan/log
d	Pre-flight inspection
e	Weather minima
f	Pre-take-off briefing, off mast procedure, manoeuvring on ground
g	Take-off
h	Transition to instrument flight
i	Instrument departure procedures, altimeter setting
j	ATC liaison — compliance, R/T procedures
SECTION 2 — GENERAL HANDLING
a	Control of the airship by reference solely to instruments
b	Climbing and descending turns with sustained rate of turn
c	Recoveries from unusual attitudes
d	Limited panel
SECTION 3 — EN-ROUTE IFR PROCEDURES
a	Tracking, including interception, e.g. NDB, VOR, RNAV
b	Use of radio aids
c	Level flight, control of heading, altitude and airspeed, power setting, trim technique
d	Altimeter settings
e	Timing and revision of ETAs
f	Monitoring of flight progress, flight log, fuel usage, systems’ management
g	ATC liaison — compliance, R/T procedures
SECTION 4 — PRECISION APPROACH PROCEDURES
a	Setting and checking of navigational aids, identification of facilities
b	Arrival procedures, altimeter checks
c	Approach and landing briefing, including descent/approach/landing checks
da	Holding procedure
e	Compliance with published approach procedure
f	Approach timing
g	Stabilised approach (altitude, speed and heading control)
ha	Go-around action
ia	Missed approach procedure/landing
j	ATC liaison — compliance, R/T procedures
SECTION 5 — NON-PRECISION APPROACH PROCEDURES
a	Setting and checking of navigational aids, identification of facilities
b	Arrival procedures, altimeter settings
c	Approach and landing briefing, including descent/approach/landing checks
da	Holding procedure
e	Compliance with published approach procedure
f	Approach timing
g	Stabilised approach (altitude, speed and heading control)
ha	Go-around action
ia	Missed approach procedure/landing
j	ATC liaison — compliance, R/T procedures
SECTION 6 — FLIGHT WITH ONE ENGINE INOPERATIVE
This section may be combined with sections 1 through 5. The test shall have regard to control of the airship, identification of the failed engine, immediate actions, follow-up actions, checks and flying accuracy in the following situations:
a	Simulated engine failure after take-off or on go-around
b	Approach and procedural go-around with one engine inoperative
c	Approach and landing, missed approach procedure, with one engine inoperative
d	ATC liaison — compliance, R/T procedures