When there are no visual flight conditions, flying is done according to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR); for which the pilot must have an Instrument Rating in his/her licence. Instrument time is the time which is flown solely by reference to instruments without reference to outside conditions.
To obtain an instrument rating, theoretical and practical training shall be completed at an ATO authorised to train students for the IR.
Theoretical instrument training
This is generally taken in combination with theoretical CPL training. The completion of a commercial pilot theoretical knowledge examination (ATPL) shall be valid for a period of 36 months for the completion of a CPL practical training and a skill test for the issue of a CPL/IR licence, counted from the date on which all theoretical knowledge examinations are completed.
Special theoretical instrument flight courses, for example for private pilots, may also be possible if offered by the relevant airline school. Following such a course, the student must pass the theoretical instrument flight test (IR) at the Icelandic Transportaions Authority in 7 subjects:
010 - Air law (LAW)
022 - Instrumentation (INST)
033 - Flight planning and monitoring (FPM)
040 - Human performance (HUM)
050 - Meteorology (MET)
062 - Radio navigation (R NAV)
090 - Communications (COM)
To receive an IR on a licence, a Course of theoretical Instrument Flight Test (IR) must be passed (if the person concerned has not completed a CPL theoretical knowledge examination within 36 months) and/or a practical skill test with an examiner.
Performance Based Navigation
Further information material for pilots regarding the implementation of a PBN requirement,
Service provider
The Icelandic Transport Authority