An instrument rating is a great way to improve your flying skills, your qualifications and it will allow you to fly in a range of different conditions. An instrument rating allows you to fly using radio navigation aids and GPS for navigation instead of ground features.

A Private Instrument Flying Rating (PIFR) is best suited for Private Pilots who would like to fly in conditions other than VFR. The costs are based on the candidate holding a PPL or CPL with a pass in the CASA PIFR theory examination. This is for a basic en-route PIFR and does not include departure or approach procedure endorsements.

All candidates for a Command Instrument Rating, single or multi must hold either a PPL or CPL. You must also have a pass in the CASA IREX theory examination, 50 hours cross country PIC and 5 hours night flying including 1 hour solo and a minimum of 5hrs basic IF. It is also assumed that you will hold a multi-engine endorsement if you intend to undertake the MECIR.

Mareeba is serviced by an RNAV whilst Cairns is serviced by NDB, VOR, VOR/DME, LLZ/DME, GPS and ILS approaches, meaning all your navaid endorsements can be done right here, without the need to travel too far.

Hours & Cost

PIFR

$9 770

A PIFR involves approximately 20 hours of instrument flying, around 10 of which may be conducted in a simulator to keep costs down.

SECIR

$16 410

A SECIR involves approximately 35 hours of instrument flying, around 15 of which may be conducted in a simulator to keep costs down.

MECIR

Contact Us

A MECIR involves approximately 40 hours of instrument flying, around 15 of which may be conducted in a simulator to keep costs down.

PIFR Flight Procedure Endorsements

The NQAC can train your for Flight Procedure Endorsements once you have achieved a PIFR. If you are interested in doing a Flight Procedure Endorsement please use the contact form for more information. Any instrument rating carried out in a pilots own aircraft would be $158 per hour for instructor hire and subject to strict insurance requirements.