New course: Basic Instrument Rating

NEW COURSE: Basic instrument rating BIR(A)


The EASA standards offer pilots new type of instrument rating course for single-engine (SE) airplanes the Basic instrument rating (BIR(A)). The BIR qualification is suitable for private pilots, holders of a PPL (A) license, who require maximum flexibility in their flights and want to fly safely and legally even in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).

The BIR is simplified instrument rating replacing the En-road Instrument Rating (EIR) and aimed at private pilots who intend to fly under instrument condition.

The BIR qualification has a simplified theory and shortened flight training compared to the classic instrument qualification for professional pilots Instrument Rating IR(A). However, the only difference compared to the IR qualification is the higher limits of meteorological conditions under which the pilot is entitled to fly with this qualification.  More in instrument rating types comparison table IR/CBIR/BIR.

The first BIR (A) training course in the Czech Republic

BLUE SKY AVIATION is the first flight school in the Czech Republic with the right to provide pilot training to obtain the Basic Instrument Rating license, both a flight training course and a separate theory course:

  • Basic Instrument Rating – theory course  The first BIR theory course will start on April 18, 2022. The BIR theory course, like our other theory courses, has the form of distance learning through our e-Learning and online consultations with our instructors. The length of the course is 8 weeks. The graduates of the course then have to pass the BIR exam at the Civil Aviation Authority.
  • Basic Instrument Rating – flight training BIR flight training can be started at any time during the year, only the entry requirements for starting the course are required.

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News: Helicopter Guimbal Cabri G2 in the BSA fleet

NEWS: Helicopter Guimbal Cabri G2 in the BSA fleet


Let me introduce you a new member of our fleet Guimbal Cabri G2 with a call sign OK-HKI. We arrived with a brand new Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter from the GUIMBAL factory in Les Milles, Provence, France in January. Now this new helicopter OK-HKI is available for your flights and training.

The Guimbal Cabri G2 is a two-seat light helicopter produced by Hélicoptères Guimbal with a three-bladed fully articulated main rotor and a Fenestron-type tail rotor. The Cabri is powered by a single 180 hp Lycoming O-360 piston engine, which has been rated to 145 hp max continuous power.

The Cabri employs a side-by-side seating arrangement for a pilot and passenger, which is ideal for training purposes, which is an intended role for the type.

Photos from the flight with our new helicopter from the factory in France to the home base at Kladno Airport:

Helicopter

Type of helicopter GUIMBAL Cabri G2
Call sign OK-HKI
Year of production 2021

Technical specifications

Speed 100 knots ( 180 km/h )
Crew 1 pilot, 1 pax
Operation range 700 km
Engine rating 145 hp

Equipment of the helicopter

VFR/NIGHT, engine Textron Lycoming O360-J2A, Garmin GTN 635 Xi, Garmin 500 TXi, GPS, ELT, S Mode Transponder, Fenestron, Governor

Price

1 flight hour 8 800 CZK
All prices are without VAT 21% per a wet flight hour – including fuel. Prices are for renting a helicopter without a pilot.

Requirements and rental conditions:

Valid pilot license and type rating
Pilot liability insurance
Chech ride with a BLUE SKY AVIATION’s instructor

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Instrument rating types comparison – IR / CBIR / BIR

Instrument rating types comparison
IR / CBIR / BIR

The Instrument Rating IR (A) qualification allows the pilot to conduct flights under meteorological conditions where the visibility is so low that it is necessary to operate instrument flights at any stage of the flight.

The EASA standards currently distinguish 3 basic types of instrument rating courses for single-engine (SE) airplanes.

These courses differ not only in the length and method of training, but also in the scope of authorization that the pilot obtains. Below you can find a comparison table with the differences between the individual instrument rating courses. The table can help you to find out which course is the most suitable for you.

Instrument rating types comparison table

Name Instrument rating
IR(A)
Competency based instrument rating
CBIR(A)
Basic instrument rating
BIR(A)
Requirements 50 hours PIC on aircraft

ATPL, CPL or IR theory

50 hours PIC on aircraft

ATPL, CPL or IR theory

ATPL, CPL, IR, Basic IR theory
Duration Minimum 50 hours Minimum 40 hours Minimum 0 hours, recommended 35 hours
Credits from previous experience 10 hours from CPL 10 hours from CPL

Up to 30 hours from IFR PIC experience

Up to 30 hours from IR training with an instructor outside the ATO

None
Limitations CAT I CAT I For departure visibility 1500 m and cloud ceiling 600 ft

For arrival visibility 1500 m and cloud ceiling 600 ft or DH/MDH + 200 ft

DH/MDH increased by 200 ft

Use Commercial pilot Commercial pilot Private pilot
Summary The traditional instrument rating as we know it The new equivalent of the traditional instrument rating. Shorter flight training and more crediting options. No limitations against conventional IR. Simplified instrument rating replacing the EIR. Aimed at private pilots who intend to fly under instrument condition. Simplified theory and shortened flight training.
Source: EASA STANDARD: PART FCL and BLUE SKY AVIATION

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On-line ICAO English Proficiency Test

NEW ICAO English Language Proficiency Test ON-LINE

Our flight school is introducing aviation English exams ON-LINE. In addition to the possibility of a present form of the ICAO aviation English exam at the premises of our flight school in the Kladno airport, you now also have the opportunity to take the exam from home or anywhere in the world via the Zoom application.

On-line examination

  • It takes place on the same dates as the present exams (see scheduled dates below)
  • The candidate can join the exam from anywhere via the Zoom application
  • Verification of an identity of the candidate, administration and payment for the exam we do on-line in advance
  • There are always 2 examiners present at the exam
  • The candidate will find out the result and the level achieved of the ICAO English exam no later than the day following the on-line exam by an e-mail

MORE >

ICAO EN Proficiency test dates

17 June 2023
2900CZK
10 July 2023
15 July 2023
2900CZK
19 August 2023
2900CZK
11 September 2023
16 September 2023
2900CZK
13 November 2023

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