1.1 In this section, unless the contrary intention appears:
aeronautical experience means experience gained:
(a) during flight time as a pilot member of the operating crew of an aircraft; or
(b) during simulated flight as a pilot member of the operating crew of an approved synthetic flight trainer.
AIP means the Aeronautical Information Publication published under regulation 4.12 of the Air Services Regulations.
category of aircraft means:
(a) aeroplanes; or
(b) helicopters.
centre-line thrust aeroplane has the meaning given by paragraph 1.2.
CFI means chief flying instructor.
command grade, in relation to the instrument rating, means 1 of the following grades of the rating:
(a) the command (multi-engine aeroplane) grade;
(b) the command (single engine aeroplane) grade;
(c) the command (multi-engine helicopter) grade;
(d) the command (single engine helicopter) grade.
correspond, in relation to grades of the instrument rating or of the PIFR rating, has the meaning given by paragraph 1.3.
DME means Distance Measuring Equipment.
dual instrument flight instruction time means flight time in an aircraft during which a person receives instruction in instrument flight from an authorised flight instructor.
Note: Time spent in synthetic flight trainers is not dual instrument flight instruction time.
eligible operation, in relation to an aircraft, means:
(a) a private operation; or
(b) flying training for the purpose of increasing the flying skill of the aircraft’s pilot in command;
carried out within Australian territory.
FPA means a flight procedure authorisation.
GNSS means the Global Navigation Satellite System, a satellite navigation system used by a pilot in flight to determine position from satellite data.
GPS means Global Positioning System.
IAL means Instrument Approach to Land.
ILS means Instrument Landing System.
instrument approach procedure has the same meaning as in the Regulations.
instrument time means:
(a) instrument flight time; or
(b) instrument ground time.
Note: For instrument flight time and instrument ground time see subregulation 2 (1) of the Regulations.
LLZ means the component of an ILS that provides azimuth guidance to a runway.
LSALT means lowest safe altitude, as determined under subregulation 178 (1) and published in the AIP or NOTAMS.
multi-pilot aircraft means an aeroplane or helicopter that is required by its flight manual to be flown by 2 or more pilots.
navigation aid means DME, GNSS, ILS, LLZ, NDB or VOR.
NDB means Non-Directional radio Beacon.
PIFR rating means a private I.F.R. rating.
published means published in AIP or NOTAMS.
regulation means a regulation in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.
RNAV(GNSS) approach means an instrument approach using only lateral navigation information from the GNSS.
SID means Standard Instrument Departure, that is, a designated instrument flight rule departure route linking an aerodrome or a specified runway of an aerodrome with a specified significant point normally on a designated ATS route, at which the en-route phase of a flight commences.
single-pilot aircraft means an aeroplane or helicopter that is not a multi-pilot aircraft.
standard instrument arrival means a designated instrument flight rule arrival route linking a significant point, normally on an ATS route, with a point from which a published instrument approach procedure can be commenced.
the Regulations means the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.
VOR means VHF omnidirectional radio range.
1.2 An aeroplane is a centre-line thrust aeroplane if:
(a) it has 2 or more engines; and
(b) the failure of 1 or more of its engines does not produce asymmetric handling qualities in the aeroplane.
1.3 The grade of the instrument rating set out in column 2 of an item in Table 1 and the grade of the PIFR rating set out in column 3 of that item correspond.
Table 1 — Corresponding grades of ratings
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
Item No.
Grade of the instrument rating
Grade of the PIFR rating
1
Command (multi-engine aeroplane)
Multi-engine aeroplane
2
Command (single engine aeroplane)
Single-engine aeroplane
3
Command (multi-engine helicopter)
Multi-engine helicopter
4
Command (single engine helicopter)
Single-engine helicopter
2 Application
2.1 For the purposes of regulation 5.14:
(a) the flight tests that must be passed; and
(b) the other requirements and conditions that must be satisfied;
for the issue of each grade of the PIFR rating are set out in subsection 5.
2.2 For the purposes of regulation 5.18:
(a) the authority given by each grade of the PIFR rating; and
(b) the limitations on that authority;
are set out in subsections 3 and 4.
3 What do the different grades of the PIFR rating authorise?
3.1 Subject to subsection 4, a grade of the PIFR rating authorises its holder to fly as pilot in command under the I.F.R. in the course of an eligible operation as follows:
(a) the multi-engine aeroplane grade of the PIFR rating authorises its holder to fly an aeroplane;
(b) the single-engine grade of the PIFR rating authorises its holder to fly a single-engine aeroplane or a multi-engine center-line thrust aeroplane;
(c) the multi-engine helicopter grade of the PIFR rating authorises its holder to fly a helicopter;
(d) the single-engine helicopter grade of the PIFR rating authorises its holder to fly a single-engine helicopter.
Note: The PIFR rating only authorises flight within Australian territory.
4 What are the limits of a grade of the PIFR rating?
4.1 A grade of the PIFR rating referred to in subsection 3 is subject to the following limitations:
(a) the holder may only fly a single-pilot aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 5 700 kg or less;
(b) unless otherwise authorised under subparagraph (c) the holder may:
(i) take off only during day time in VMC; and
(ii) fly below LSALT during departure and arrival only if the aircraft is clear of cloud and flight visibility is at least 5 000 metres;
(c) the holder may fly the aircraft to the extent only that the holder is authorised to do so by a FPA entered in the holder’s personal log book.
4.2 In this subsection:
arrival and departure have the same meaning as in paragraph 178 (5) (aa) of the Regulations.
5 Requirements for a grade of the PIFR rating
What are the requirements that all applicants must satisfy?
5.1 Every applicant for a grade of the PIFR rating must hold:
(a) a private, commercial, air transport, or special, pilot licence, authorising the applicant to fly aircraft of the same category as the aircraft relevant to the grade sought; or
(b) a certificate of validation for an overseas authorisation that is the equivalent of a licence mentioned in subparagraph (a).
What are the additional requirements if an applicant does not hold a command grade of instrument rating etc?
5.2 In addition to satisfying the requirements set out in paragraph 5.1, an applicant who does not hold a grade of rating specified in column 3 in Table 2 in paragraph 5.4 must:
(a) have passed under subsection 7, the flight test for the grade of the PIFR rating sought; and
(b) have passed the tests, or satisfied any other requirements for the issue of the Navigation using NDB FPA, or the Navigation using VOR FPA; and
(c) have the aeronautical experience set out in paragraph 5.3 or hold an overseas authorisation that is the equivalent of a command grade of the instrument rating.
What aeronautical experience is required if an applicant does not hold a command grade of instrument rating etc?
5.3 For the purposes of subparagraph 5.2 (c), the required aeronautical experience must:
(a) consist of at least 20 hours of instrument time of which 10 hours must be dual instrument flight instruction time in aircraft of the same category as the aircraft relevant to the grade of the PIFR rating sought by the applicant; and
(b) have been gained:
(i) while the applicant was a member of the Defence Force; or
(ii) while the applicant was receiving instruction from an authorised flight instructor approved under subregulation 5.20 (1) to give flying training for the issue of the grade of instrument rating that corresponds to the grade of the PIFR rating sought by the person; or
(iii) while the applicant was training for the purpose of obtaining a private pilot licence, or commercial pilot licence, of the kind referred to in subparagraph 5.1 (a) or a night V.F.R. rating.
Note: Table 1 in paragraph 1.3 sets out which grades of rating correspond.
Tests etc. not required by the holder of a command grade of instrument rating etc.
5.4 An applicant for a grade of the PIFR rating set out in column 2 of an item in Table 2 does not need to satisfy the requirements in subparagraph 5.2 if the person’s log book is endorsed with the grade of rating set out in column 3 of that item and that rating is current.
Table 2 — Grade of rating that must be in log book
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
Item
Grade of PIFR rating sought
Grade of rating that must be endorsed in personal log book
1
Single-engine aeroplane grade
Command (single engine aeroplane) grade; orCommand (multi-engine aeroplane) grade; orMulti-engine aeroplane grade of the PIFR rating
2
Single-engine helicopter grade
Command (single engine helicopter) grade; orCommand (multi-engine helicopter) grade; orMulti-engine helicopter grade of the PIFR rating
3
Multi-engine aeroplane grade
Command (multi-engine aeroplane) grade
4
Multi-engine helicopter grade
Command (multi-engine helicopter) grade
6 Duration of the PIFR rating and recent experience requirements
How long does a grade of the PIFR rating remain in force?
6.1 For the purposes of paragraph 5.17 (1) (a) of the Regulations, a grade of the PIFR rating remains in force as long as the holder holds:
(a) a private, commercial, air transport or special, pilot licence; or
(b) a certificate of validation for an overseas authorisation that is the equivalent of a licence mentioned in subparagraph (a);
that authorises the holder to fly aircraft of the same category as the aircraft relevant to the grade.
What recent experience is required to exercise the privileges of a PIFR rating?
6.2 The holder of a grade of the PIFR rating must not fly an aircraft under the I.F.R. unless:
(a) within the period of 2 years immediately before the day of the proposed flight, the holder has completed:
(i) a flight test under subsection 7, or a flight review under subsection 8, relevant to the grade; or
(ii) a flight test for the issue or renewal of a command grade of the instrument rating; and
(b) the holder has sufficient recent experience to undertake the flight safely.
Note: Guidance on recent experience is contained in CAAP 5.13-1 “Private IFR rating”.
7 Flight tests for the grades of the PIFR rating
7.1 The flight test for a grade of the PIFR rating is a test of an applicant’s skills and knowledge in each unit listed in column 2 of an item in the Table in Appendix 1 (the relevant table).
How does a person pass the flight test?
7.2 To pass the test the person must be awarded a pass in each unit.
7.3 To obtain a pass in the unit set out in column 2 of an item in the relevant table, an applicant must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the person conducting the test, proficiency in each requirement listed in column 3 of that item for the category of aircraft to which the grade relates.
Flight test must be recommended by a CFI
7.4 An applicant must not undertake the flight test for a grade of the PIFR rating (the relevant grade) unless the applicant has been recommended in writing for the test by the CFI of a flying school authorised under an AOC to conduct flying training for the issue of the grade of the instrument rating that corresponds to the relevant grade.
Note: Table 1 in paragraph 1.3 sets out which grades of rating correspond.
When can a CFI recommend an applicant for a flight test?
7.5 The CFI of the flying school must not recommend an applicant for the flight test unless:
(a) the applicant satisfies the requirements of paragraph 5.1; and
(b) the applicant has:
(i) passed a written examination set by CASA or the CFI, based on so much of the flight crew rating syllabus published by CASA under regulation 5.59 as relates to the PIFR rating; or
(ii) passed the instrument rating examination (within the meaning of section 40.2.1); and
(c) the CFI believes that the applicant is of the standard required to pass the flight test.
What kind of aircraft can be used in a flight test?
7.6 The aircraft used for a flight test for the issue of a grade of the PIFR rating must:
(a) be fitted with dual controls; and
(b) be fitted with avionics systems that enable the person conducting the test:
(i) to communicate with the person taking the test; and
(ii) to monitor all radio signals received and transmitted during the test; and
(c) in relation to the grade of the PIFR rating specified in column 2 of an item in Table 3, be of a kind specified in column 3 of that item.
Table 3 — Aircraft that can be used for flight test
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
Item
Grade of the PIFR rating
Kind of aircraft required for test
1
Multi-engine aeroplane grade
Multi-engine aeroplane (except a multi-engine center‑line thrust aeroplane)
2
Single-engine aeroplane grade
Single-engine aeroplane or multi-engine aeroplane
3
Multi-engine helicopter grade
Multi-engine helicopter
4
Single-engine helicopter grade
Single-engine helicopter or multi-engine helicopter
Testing officer must occupy control seat
7.7 While an aircraft is being used for a flight test, the person conducting the test must occupy a control seat in the aircraft.
Under what conditions can a PIFR rating flight test be conducted?
7.8 A flight test for a grade of the PIFR rating must be conducted under the I.F.R.
7.9 However, a flight test may be conducted in V.M.C. if I.M.C. are simulated to the satisfaction of the person conducting the test.
Note: Regulation 163A requires the flight crew of an aircraft (whether flying I.F.R. or V.F.R.) to maintain vigilance so as to see, and avoid, other aircraft when weather conditions permit.
Who can conduct a PIFR rating flight test?
7.10 A flight test for a grade of the PIFR rating (the relevant grade) is to be conducted by:
(a) CASA; or
(b) an approved testing officer who holds a delegation that authorises him or her to conduct flight tests for the issue of the grade of the instrument rating that corresponds to the relevant grade.
8 Flight reviews
8.1 This subsection provides for PIFR rating flight reviews referred to in regulation 5.17A.
Note: Regulation 5.17A generally requires flight reviews every 2 years.
Flight review not required by the holder of a command grade of instrument rating
8.2 A person who holds the grade of the instrument rating set out in column 2 of an item in Table 4 need not complete a PIFR rating flight review for the grade of the PIFR rating set out in column 3 of that item.
Table 4 — Grades of instrument rating and PIFR rating
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
Item No.
Grade of the instrument rating
Grade of the PIFR rating
1
Command (multi-engine aeroplane)
Multi-engine aeroplaneSingle-engine aeroplane
2
Command (single engine aeroplane)
Single-engine aeroplane
3
Command (multi-engine helicopter)
Multi-engine helicopterSingle-engine helicopter
4
Command (single engine helicopter)
Single-engine helicopter
What must be included in a PIFR rating flight review?
8.3 A flight review for a grade of the PIFR rating consists of:
(a) a review of the holder’s knowledge of:
(i) each proficiency requirement listed in column 3 of item 1 or 2 in the Table in Appendix 1; and
(ii) the flight procedures covered by the FPA in the holder’s personal log book that are relevant to that grade of the rating (the relevant flight procedures); and
(b) an in-flight review of the holder’s aeronautical skills in:
(i) each proficiency requirement listed in column 3 of 1 of items 3 to 8 in the Table in Appendix 1; and
(ii) the relevant flight procedures.
Who can conduct a PIFR rating flight review?
8.4 A flight review for a grade of the PIFR rating (the relevant grade) is to be conducted by:
(a) CASA; or
(b) an approved testing officer who holds a delegation that authorises him or her to conduct flight tests for the issue of the grade of the instrument rating that corresponds to the relevant grade; or
(c) a flight instructor who is authorised to conduct:
(i) a flight review under regulation 5.81 or 5.91; and
(ii) training for the issue of a command grade of the instrument rating;
in the category of aircraft in which the PIFR rating flight review is to be conducted.
What kind of aircraft can be used for a PIFR rating flight review?
8.5 A flight review for the multi-engine aeroplane grade, or the multi-engine helicopter grade, of the PIFR rating must be conducted in a multi-engine aircraft of the relevant category.
8.6 A flight review for the single-engine aeroplane grade, or the single-engine helicopter grade, of the PIFR rating may be conducted either in a single-engine aircraft or a multi-engine aircraft of the relevant category.
Successful candidate’s log book must be annotated
8.7 If a holder of a grade of the PIFR rating has satisfactorily completed the flight review for that grade, the person who conducted the review must make an entry to that effect in the person’s personal logbook.
9 Flight procedure authorisations
9.1 For the purposes of paragraph 5.20C (a) of the Regulations, the FPAs that CASA may issue are those set out in column 2 of Table 1 in Appendix 2.
Note 1: Regulation 5.20A sets out the purpose of a FPA.
Note 2: Regulation 5.20B sets out the general eligibility requirements for a FPA.
What does a FPA authorise?
9.2 For the purposes of paragraph 5.20C (d) of the Regulations, the authority given by the FPA set out in column 2 of an item in Table 1 in Appendix 2 is set out in column 3 of that item.
FPA must be entered in log book
9.3 If CASA issues a FPA to an applicant, then, for the purposes of paragraph 5.20C (c) of the Regulations, CASA must enter the FPA in the person’s personal logbook.
What are the requirements for obtaining a FPA?
9.4 CASA may only issue a FPA set out in column 2 of an item in Table 2 in Appendix 2 to a person who satisfies the requirements specified in column 3 of that item.
9.5 For the purposes of paragraph 5.20C (b) of the Regulations:
(a) the applicant for a FPA specified in column 2 of an item in Table 3 in Appendix 2 must have passed a flight test covering the person’s skills listed in column 3 of that item; and
(b) the applicant must also have:
(i) passed a written examination set by CASA or the CFI of a flying school that is authorised under an AOC to conduct flying training for the issue of an instrument rating, being an examination based on so much of the flight crew rating syllabus published by CASA under regulation 5.59 as relates to the FPA; or
(ii) passed the instrument rating examination (within the meaning of section 40.2.1).
Night FPA — holder of a NVFR rating
9.6 Despite paragraph 9.5, a person who holds a NVFR rating may be issued with the Night FPA without taking the tests mentioned in that paragraph for that FPA.
GNSS FPA — holder of a PIFR rating and instrument rating etc
9.7 Despite paragraph 9.5, a person who holds a PIFR rating may be issued with the Navigation using GNSS FPA without taking the tests mentioned in that paragraph for that FPA if the person:
(a) holds a grade of the instrument rating; and
(b) is authorised to use GNSS under paragraph 13.6 of section 40.2.1
GNSS FPA — holder of a PIFR rating and flight instructor satisfied about competence to use GNSS
9.8 Despite paragraph 9.5, a person who holds a PIFR rating may be issued with the Navigation using GNSS FPA without taking the tests mentioned in that paragraph for that FPA if:
(a) the person has satisfactorily completed a course of training in accordance with the syllabus set out in Appendix IV of section 40.2.1 conducted by a flying school authorised by its AOC to conduct training for the issue or renewal of a grade of the instrument rating; and
(b) a flight instructor who:
(i) is employed by, or working under an arrangement with, the school; and
(ii) holds a flight instructor (aeroplane) rating grade 1 or flight instructor (helicopter) rating grade 1 and a command instrument rating;
is satisfied that the person is competent to use GNSS when exercising the authority given by the person’s PIFR rating and has made an entry to that effect in the person’s personal log book.
GNSS FPA — holder of a PIFR rating and CASA satisfied about competence to use GNSS
9.9 Despite paragraph 9.5, a person who holds a PIFR rating may be issued with the Navigation using GNSS FPA without taking the tests mentioned in that paragraph for that FPA if CASA:
(a) is satisfied that the person has received training in the subjects set out in the syllabus in Appendix IV of section 40.2.1; and
(b) is satisfied that the person is competent to use GNSS when exercising the authority given by the person’s PIFR rating and has made an entry to that effect in the person’s personal log book.
Issue of FPAs to holders of a command grade of instrument rating
9.10 Despite paragraph 9.5, these provisions apply to a person who holds, or has satisfied the requirements for the issue of, a PIFR rating:
(a) if the person holds a command grade of the instrument rating, the person may be issued with each of the following FPAs without taking the tests mentioned in paragraph 9.5 for that FPA:
(i) Navigation using NDB;
(ii) NDB holding;
(iii) Night;
(iv) STAR;
(v) Instrument departure (SE);
(vi) Instrument departure (SE) SID;
(vii) Visual circling;
(viii) IAL NDB;
(b) if the person holds a command (multi-engine aeroplane) grade of the instrument rating, the person may, in addition to the FPAs mentioned in subparagraph (a), be issued with each of the following FPAs without taking the tests mentioned in paragraph 9.5 for that FPA:
(i) Instrument departure (MEA);
(ii) Instrument departure (MEA) SID;
(iii) Instrument approach (MEA);
(c) if the person holds a command (multi-engine helicopter) grade of the instrument rating, the person may, in addition to FPAs mentioned in subparagraph (a), be issued with each of the following FPAs without taking the tests mentioned in paragraph 9.5 for that FPA:
(i) Instrument departure (MEH);
(ii) Instrument departure (MEH) SID;
(iii) Instrument approach (MEH).
Issue of FPAs to holders of a command grade of instrument rating in relation to navigation aids and procedures endorsed in holder’s log book
9.11 Despite paragraph 9.5, if a person:
(a) holds a command grade of the instrument rating; and
(b) has a navigation aid or procedure set out in column 2 of an item in Table 5 entered in his or her personal log book;
the person may, in addition to the FPAs that may be issued to the person under subparagraph 9.10 (a), (b) or (c), be issued with the FPA, or each FPA, set out in column 3 of that item without taking the tests mentioned in paragraph 9.5 for that FPA.
Table 5 — FPAs that may be issued
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
Item No.
Navigation aid or procedure entered in person’s personal log book under section 40.2.1
FPAs that may be issued to the person
1
RNAV(GNSS)
(a) Navigation using GNSS(b) GNSS holding(c) IAL RNAV(GNSS)
2
ILS
(a) IAL ILS(b) IAL LLZ
3
LLZ
IAL LLZ
4
VOR
(a) Navigation using VOR(b) VOR holding(c) IAL VOR
5
DME or GPS arrival procedure
DME or GPS Arrival
10 Flight tests for the issue of FPAs
How do you pass the test for a FPA?
10.1 To pass the flight test for a FPA listed in column 2 of an item in Table 3 in Appendix 2, a person must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the person conducting the test, proficiency in each skill listed in column 3 of that item.
Who can conduct a FPA flight test?
10.2 The flight test for a FPA is to be conducted by:
(a) CASA; or
(b) an approved testing officer who holds a delegation that authorises him or her to conduct flight tests for the issue of the grade of the instrument rating that corresponds to the relevant grade.
Prerequisites for FPA flight tests
10.3 The flight test for the issue to a person of a FPA except:
(a) Navigation using NDB; or
(b) Navigation using VOR; or
(c) Navigation using DME; or
(d) Night;
may only be conducted after the person has been issued with, or has satisfied the requirements for the issue of, a grade of the PIFR rating.
Applicant for a FPA flight test must be of a suitable standard
10.4 The flight test for a FPA may be conducted only if the CFI of a flying school authorised under an AOC to conduct flying training for the issue of an instrument rating has stated in writing that he or she believes that the applicant is of the standard required to pass the test.
What kind of aircraft must be used for a FPA flight test?
10.5 The aircraft used for a flight test for a FPA must:
(a) be fitted with dual controls; and
(b) be fitted with avionics systems that enable the person conducting the test:
(i) to communicate with the person taking the test; and
(ii) to monitor all radio signals received and transmitted during the test.
10.6 A multi-engine aeroplane, except a centre-line thrust aeroplane, must be used for a flight test for 1 of the following FPAs:
(a) Instrument departure (MEA);
(b) Instrument departure (MEA) SID;
(c) Instrument approach (MEA).
10.7 A multi-engine helicopter must be used for a flight test for 1 of the following FPAs:
(a) Instrument departure (MEH);
(b) Instrument departure (MEH) SID;
(c) Instrument approach (MEH).
10.8 A single-engine aircraft or a multi-engine aircraft may be used for a flight test for a FPA other than those mentioned in paragraph 10.6 or 10.7.
Testing officer must occupy a control seat
10.9 While an aircraft is being used for a flight test, the person conducting the test must occupy a control seat in the aircraft.
Under what conditions can a FPA flight test be conducted?
10.10 A flight test for a FPA must be conducted under the I.F.R.
10.11 However, a flight test may be conducted in V.M.C. if I.M.C. are simulated to the satisfaction of the person conducting the test.
Note: Regulation 163A requires the flight crew of an aircraft (whether flying I.F.R. or V.F.R.) to maintain vigilance so as to see, and avoid, other aircraft when weather conditions permit.
11 Automatic approval to give flying training for a PIFR rating
Approval for training in aeroplanes
11.1 For the purposes of subregulation 5.20 (1), a person who:
(a) holds a flight instructor (aeroplane) rating; and
(b) is approved by CASA to give flying training for the issue of the command (multi-engine) aeroplane grade, or the command (single engine) aeroplane grade, of the instrument rating;
is approved to give flying training for the issue of the grade of the PIFR rating that corresponds to that grade.
Approval for training in helicopters
11.2 For the purposes of that subregulation, a person who:
(a) holds a flight instructor (helicopter) rating; and
(b) is approved by CASA to give flying training for the issue of the command (multi-engine) helicopter grade, or the command (single engine) helicopter grade of the instrument rating;
is approved to give flying training for the issue of the grade of the PIFR rating that corresponds to that grade.
Note: Table 1 in paragraph 1.3 sets out which grades of rating correspond to that grade.