Instrument Meteorological Conditions Course (UK/IMC): This rating enables the PPL(Aeroplanes) holder to fly with sole reference to instruments whilst carrying passengers within UK airspace. The IMC Rating is a national rating that can be added to a UK issued pilot licence. It is designed to enhance the privileges and instrument flying skills of a PPL holder that will enable a pilot to fly in weather conditions below the minimum requirements for a basic PPL holder. However, it is not a substitute for a full Instrument Rating, which is required for flight into controlled airspace.
The ground examinations for the IMC Rating include questions on the planning and execution of a typical flight under instrument flight rules (IFR) outside of controlled airspace.
Privileges:
The IMC rating allows the PPL (A) pilot to fly:
a. out of sight of the surface.
b. IFR in un-controlled airspace, and IFR in Class D and E airspace.
c. in reduced visibility (3km) in Class A Control Zones.
I am planning on doing my Instrument Rating (the mother of all ratings in flying!) once I meet the requirements. The IMC rating touches the basics of IR training. Doing the IMC will lay a foundation layer of experience to help me in the IR stage.
The minimum requirement is to have 15 hours dual training with an IMC instructor in an aircraft that has the required avionics and sit a ground examination and an IMC flight test. Those 15 hours can be done in real IMC conditions (in cloud, poor weather and poor visibility) or it can be done in a nice VFR (Visual Flying Rules) day where the IMC student (me) has a device attached around the head called a “hood” or foggles, these devices do as they suggest, they block the pilots vision of the windows. So all flying done by the student will be completed on sole reference to the instruments.
It has been just over 2 years since I passed my general fight test and after many hours of flying across the UK, it is now time to sharpen my flying abilities. There is a huge campaign to keep the IMC rating in the UK. I am a big supporter of this and AOPA have a strong voice in their advocacy and lobbying with European Aviation Safety Authority.
