Basic Instrument Rating - BIR(a)

What is Basic Instrument Rating - BIR(a)

Basic instrument rating, abbreviated as BIR(A), is a simplified instrument rating that allows the holder to fly to minimums DH/MDH +200 ft, with ground visibility at the airport of 1500m or greater and when cloud bases are at least 600ft.

Who is the Qualification Intended For

Private pilots who intend to fly in meteorological conditions where the use of instruments is necessary for safe flight and to avoid “VFR into IMC” incidents. This qualification cannot be used later for a commercial pilot license.

Simplified Theory and Shortened Training

The training is based on pilot competency, has simplified theory and shortened flight training, with no minimum flight time limit. The final theoretical examination database at CAA contains only approximately 2,700 questions. The estimated training scope is 25-30h IFR/40 approaches, however the scope is adapted to the student’s skills and abilities during training.
After completing theoretical instruction and passing the progress test, the student can obtain a partial certificate and take the examination at the office for one module. It is not necessary to complete all modules at once.

Master English for BIR with our Help

To obtain the BIR qualification, English proficiency at least at ICAO English Level 4 is required. If you are not confident in English, we are happy to help you with preparation – we have experience supporting pilots in this area. Do not hesitate to contact us, together we will find a solution that will allow you to complete the training without unnecessary concerns.

Removal of Meteorological Limitations CBIR(a)

Removal of meteorological limitations is possible through CBIR(A) training under these conditions (according to points 9 and 10, Aa, Annex No. 6 to Part-FCL):
  • Completed minimum of 10 hours in BIR(A) training under ATO
  • Flight time of at least 50 hours IFR as PIC after obtaining BIR(A) qualification
  • Completion of CBIR(A) theoretical knowledge assessment at ATO
  • Completion of additional training for IFR privileges extension according to Part.FCL605.IR(a)
  • Oral examination in Aviation Law, Flight Planning, Meteorology subjects and skill test with flight examiner

Why Choose Cirrus

The advantage of Cirrus SR2X aircraft is high cruise speed and therefore also the possibility of gaining experience in training to fly to: international airports with high traffic density using “High Speed” approaches, more challenging airports in mountainous environments with steeper descent angle or departure gradient.

Enhance your Qualification – Enroll in the Course and Obtain Certification

Dates will take place in September and October based on individual agreement and will be specified.

Theory in Czech language is conducted online with Cirrus specialized instructors and is focused only on flying with Cirrus and intended for private pilots.

Theory in English can be completed individually online through Bristol Ground School.

The theoretical examination consists of 3 modules containing approximately 2,700 questions. The student has 18 months to complete the theory course at ATO (from the start of theoretical instruction – until the theory certificate is issued). After completing theoretical training, the student can take the examination by individual modules and obtain a partial certificate, it is not necessary to complete all modules at once. To issue a partial certificate for a given module, it is necessary to complete the theory course in the classroom (or online) and pass the progress test for that module.

Change in examination procedures – applicants for BIR examination have unlimited number of “blocks” in which they must successfully pass the examination test at CAA (for CBIR, IR this number is limited to max 6 blocks). More about examinations can be found in the officially published procedure on CAA website (point 6.10 – examination rules).

Subjects in individual modules:

Module 1: 022 Instrumentation, 040 Human Performance and Limitations, 050 Meteorology
Module 2: 010 Aviation Law, 033 Flight Planning, 050 Meteorology, 062 Radio Navigation
Module 3: 010 Aviation Law, 022 Instrumentation, 033 Flight Planning, 050 Meteorology, 090 Communication

For more information contact us at training@cirrus.cz or by phone +420 773 066 706 (Dobroslav Chrobák). More detailed information about BIR(A) can be found below.

Inside IFR Pilot Training

CAA Entry Requirements before Starting the Course:

  • PPL(A) or CPL(A)

Cirrus Aircraft ATO Requirements before Starting Practical Training:

  • Completed Basic Transition Training according to Cirrus curriculum for the given SR2X version
  • Purchased course in Cirrus Approach Portal – Advanced Transition Training for the given Cirrus version (or Advanced Add-On depending on pilot experience)
  • Icing Awareness course

Requirements when Applying for BIR(a) Qualification Registration:

Medical fitness minimum Class II according to PART MED including tone audiometry (e.g., Dr. David Melechovský).

  • Completed training curriculum according to PART FCL. Recommended 25h (IFR flight time), of which part may be on FNPT II simulator. Training is based on applicant’s skills and abilities, progression to the next task and recommendation for final practical examination is after meeting criteria in the given task/training.

BIR(a) Theoretical Knowledge Examination in English at CAA from 3 Modules:

  • Module 1: Pre-flight operations and general handling
  • Module 2: Departure procedures, precision (3D) approach and non-precision (2D) approach procedures
  • Module 3: IFR en-route procedures

Before issuing a certificate of completed theoretical instruction (for registration for theoretical examinations at CAA), the applicant must complete progress tests from individual subjects on Aviation Exam (will be provided free for 1 year from ATO – CIRRUS AIRCRAFT as part of course fees), which are also preparation for these final theoretical knowledge tests.

ICAO English Examination Min Level 4 at our CTC

VFR NOC if BIR Qualification is to be Granted also at Night (not Only BIR Day)

Skill Test with Cirrus Standardized Examiner Authorized by CAA (Aleš Veselý, Martin Miček)

  • Contact Us

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