BIR SPA ME	Approach Plate	BIR SPA SE

Single Engine BIR - (BIR SPA SE)
Multi-Engine BIR - (BIR SPA ME)
Single and Multi-Engine BIR - (BIR SPA ME Class/SE)

General

The BIR is not available in the UK. The BIR is available in EASA Member States

Privileges and Conditions

The privileges of a BIR holder are to conduct flights under IFR on SPA for which class ratings are held, with the exception of high-performance aeroplanes and aeroplane variants if operational suitability data has determined that an IR is required

BIR privileges shall only be exercised in accordance with FCL.205.A

BIR privileges may be exercised at night only if the pilot holds a night rating in accordance with FCL.810

The privileges of a ME BIR shall also be valid on SE aeroplanes for which the pilot holds a valid SE class rating

The exercise of BIR privileges shall be subject to all of the following conditions:

(a) the decision height (DH) or minimum descent height (MDH) used in aerodrome operating minima shall be at least 200ft greater than what would otherwise be calculated according to ‘NCO.OP.110 Aerodrome operating minima - aeroplanes and helicopters’ and ‘NCO.OP.111 Aerodrome operating minima - NPA, APV, CAT I operations’ to Annex VII of Regulation 965/2012

(b) the visibility used in aerodrome operating minima shall not be less than 1500m

(c) the PIC shall not commence a flight under IFR or undertake a VFR-to-IFR transition, unless:

(i) at the aerodrome of departure, the visibility is at least 1500m and the cloud ceiling is at least 600ft, or the published circling minimum applicable to the aeroplane category, whichever is the greater

(ii) at the destination aerodrome and at any required alternate aerodrome the available current meteorological information indicates, for the period from 1 hour before until 1 hour after the estimated time of arrival, or from the actual time of departure to 1 hour after the estimated time of arrival, whichever period is shorter, a visibility of at least 1500m and a cloud ceiling of at least 600ft, or the published circling minimum applicable to the aeroplane category, or the DH/MDH incremented by 200ft in accordance with paragraph (a), whichever is the greater

Prerequisites

Pilots shall hold at least a PPL(A)

Training Course

Pilots shall have completed at an ATO:

(a) Theoretical knowledge instruction as specified in Theoretical Knowledge

(b) Flight instruction that comprises the following instrument flight instruction modules, the details can be found in AMC1 FCL.835:

(i) Module 1: Pre-flight operations and general handling

(ii) Module 2: Departure, precision (3D) approach procedures and non-precision (2D) approach procedures

(iii) Module 3: En-route IFR procedures

(iv) Module 4: Optional flight with one engine inoperative (multi-engine aeroplanes only)

(c) Flight instruction that complies with the following requirements:

# The module specified in paragraph (b)(i) shall be completed first. The modules specified in paragraphs (b)(ii) and (b)(iii), and, if applicable, (b)(iv), may be completed in an order chosen by the pilot

# The modules specified in paragraph (b) may be completed in aeroplanes, FSTDs or a combination of these. In any case, the applicant shall receive training in the aeroplane to be used for the skill test

# The modules specified in paragraphs (b)(i), (b)(ii) and (b)(iv) may be commenced outside an ATO but shall be completed at an ATO. The module specified in point (b)(iii) may be completed outside an ATO

# Prior to commencing the module specified in paragraph (b)(iv), a pilot who does not hold a ME aeroplane class or type rating shall have received the multi-engine training specified in Subpart H of Part-FCL

Theoretical knowledge

For details refer to:

# AMC1 FCL.615(b) IR - Theoretical knowledge and flight instruction

# AMC1 FCL.310, FCL.515(b), FCL.615(b), FCL.835(d) - Theoretical knowledge examinations

# GM1 FCL.310; FCL.515(b); FCL.615(b); FCL.835(d) - Theoretical knowledge examinations

The theoretical knowledge examination shall consist of one examination paper associated with each module as specified in Training Course paragraphs (b)(i), (b)(ii) and (b)(iii)

The theoretical knowledge examination shall be passed before taking the BIR skill test (FCL.030)

Credits
A pilot who has completed a modular IR(A) course according to Part FCL Appendix 6 Section A and passed the IR(A) theoretical knowledge examination should be fully credited towards the requirements of theoretical knowledge instruction and examination for a C-BIR(A) or EIR within the validity period of the examination

A student wishing to transfer to a C-BIR(A) or BIR course during a modular IR(A) course should be credited towards the requirements of theoretical knowledge instruction and examination for a C-BIR(A) or BIR for those subjects or theory items already completed

BIR Skill Test - Appendix 7 to Part FCL

After the completion of the training course, the pilot shall pass a skill test in an aeroplane in accordance with Appendix 7 to Part FCL. The training course should be on the same class of aeroplane to be used in the skill test

For a ME BIR, the skill test shall be taken in a ME aeroplane. For a SE BIR, the skill test shall be taken in a SE aeroplane. A ME centreline thrust aeroplane shall be considered to be a SE aeroplane for the purposes of this paragraph

Conducted by an Instrument Rating Examiner (IRE). The BIR skill test comprises of the following sections:

Section 1 - Pre-Flight Operations and Departure
Use of flight manual (or equivalent) especially aircraft performance calculation, mass and balance
Use of Air Traffic Services document and weather document
Preparation of ATC flight plan and IFR flight log
Pre-flight Inspection
Weather Minima
Taxying
Pre take-off briefing, take-off
Transition to instrument flight
Instrument departure procedures, altimeter setting
ATC liaison - compliance, R/T procedures

Section 2 - General Handling
Control of the aeroplane by reference solely to instruments, including: level flight at various speeds, trim
Climbing and descending turns with sustained Rate 1 turn
Recoveries from unusual attitudes, including sustained 45° bank turns and steep descending turns
Recovery from approach to stall in level flight, climbing/descending turns and in landing configuration
Limited panel: stabilised climb or descent, level turns at Rate 1 onto given headings, recovery from unusual attitudes

Section 3 - En-Route IFR Procedure
Tracking, including interception, e.g. NDB, VOR, RNAV
Use of radio aids
Level flight, control of heading, altitude and airspeed, power setting, trim technique
Altimeter settings
Timing and revision of ETAs (en-route hold, if required)
Monitoring of flight progress, flight log, fuel usage, systems' management
Ice protection procedures, simulated if necessary
ATC liaison - compliance, R/T procedures

Section 4 - Precision Approach Procedures
Setting and checking of navigational aids, identification of facilities
Arrival procedures, altimeter checks
Approach and landing briefing, including descent/approach/landing checks
Holding Procedure
Compliance with published approach procedure
Approach timing
Altitude, speed heading control (stabilised approach)
Go-around action
Missed approach procedure/landing
ATC liaison - compliance, R/T procedures

Section 5 - Non-Precision Approach Procedures
Setting and checking of navigational aids, identification of facilities
Arrival procedures, altimeter checks
Approach and landing briefing, including descent/approach/landing checks
Holding Procedure
Compliance with published approach procedure
Approach timing
Altitude, speed heading control (stabilised approach)
Go-around action
Missed approach procedure/landing
ATC liaison - compliance, R/T procedures

Section 6 - Flight with One Engine Inoperative (ME only)
Simulated Engine Failure After Take Off or on go-round
Asymmetric approach and procedural go around
Asymmetric approach and full stop landing
ATC liaison - compliance, R/T procedures

Note: Use of checklist, airmanship, anti-icing/de-icing procedures, etc. apply in all sections

Credits towards a BIR

The holder of an IR shall receive full credits for the requirement to complete a training course for the BIR

Pilots who hold a PPL or CPL issued in accordance with Annex I (Part-FCL) and a valid IR(A) issued in accordance with the requirements of Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention by a third country may be credited in full towards the training course

In order to be issued with the BIR, the pilot shall:

(a) successfully complete a skill test in accordance with Appendix 7 to Part FCL
and
(b) demonstrate orally to the examiner during the skill test that they have acquired an adequate level of theoretical knowledge of air law, meteorology, and flight planning and performance
and
(c) have experience of at least 25 hours of flight time under IFR as PIC on aeroplanes

SE BIR conversion to ME BIR

Holders of a SE BIR who also hold a ME class rating and who wish to obtain a ME BIR for the first time shall complete a training course at an ATO that comprises the training as specified in paragraph (b)(iv) of the Training Course and shall pass the skill test in accordance with Appendix 7 to Part FCL

Validity

12 months

Revalidation

For the revalidation of a BIR a pilot shall:

(a) within a period of three months immediately preceding the expiry date of the rating, pass a proficiency check in accordance with Appendix 9 to Part FCL
or
(b) within the validity period, complete 6 hours as PIC under IFR including three instrument approach procedures and complete a training flight of at least one hour with an instructor who holds privileges to provide training for the BIR

For each alternate subsequent revalidation, the holder of the BIR shall pass a proficiency check in accordance with Appendix 9 to Part FCL in an aeroplane

If a pilot chooses to fulfil the revalidation requirements earlier than three months immediately preceding the expiry date of the rating, the new validity period shall commence from the date of the proficiency check

Pilots who fail to pass the relevant sections of a BIR proficiency check before the expiry date of the BIR shall not exercise the BIR privileges until they have passed the proficiency check

The proficiency check for the revalidation of a BIR may be combined with a proficiency check for the revalidation of a single-pilot aeroplane class rating on which BIR privileges may be exercised in accordance with FCL.835(a)(1)

Renewal

If a BIR has expired, in order to renew the privileges, a pilot shall:

(a) where necessary to reach the level of proficiency needed, complete refresher training provided by an ATO or, if the BIR is expired for three years or less, by an instructor who holds privileges to provide training for the BIR
and
(b) pass a proficiency check in accordance with Appendix 9 to Part FCL in an aeroplane

The proficiency check for the renewal of a BIR may be combined with a proficiency check for the renewal of a single-pilot aeroplane class rating on which BIR privileges may be exercised in accordance with FCL.835(a)(1)

BIR Proficiency Check - Appendix 9 to Part FCL

Conducted by an IRE or Class Rating Examiner (CRE) with IR privileges. The BIR elements of the revalidation/renewal proficiency check include:

Section 1 Departure
Preflight including: documentation, mass and balance, weather briefing, NOTAM
Pre-start checks: external, internal
Engine starting: normal, malfunctions
Taxiing
Pre-departure checks: engine run-up (if applicable)
Take-off procedure: normal with flight manual flap settings, crosswind (if conditions are available)
Climbing: Vx/Vy, turns onto headings,  level off
ATC liaison - compliance, R/T procedure

Section 3B Instrument Flight
Departure IFR
En route IFR
Holding procedures
3D operations to BIR decision height/altitude (DH/A) (autopilot may be used to the final approach segment vertical path intercept)
2D operations to BIR minimum descent height/altitude (MDH/A)
Flight exercises including simulated failure of the compass and attitude indicator: rate 1 turns, recoveries from unusual attitudes
Failure of localiser or glideslope
ATC liaison - compliance, R/T procedures

Section 6 Simulated Asymmetric Flight (not applicable to SE BIR)
(This section may be combined with Sections 1 and 3B)
Simulated engine failure during take-off (at a safe altitude unless carried out in an FFS or an FNPT II)
Asymmetric approach and go-around
Asymmetric approach and full stop landing
ATC liaison - compliance, R/T procedures

References

Part FCL, AMC and GM and Appendicies

Expiry Dates

The UK CAA is adopting the rule given in Part ARA.FCL.215 extending the validity period to the end of the month

Initial Issue
Test date extended to the end of the month plus rating validity period
Entered in the licence by the NAA

Renewal
Test date extended to the end of the month plus rating validity period
Entered in the licence by the examiner or licence re-issued by NAA (see note 2)

Revalidation (see note 1)
Current expiry date extended to the end of the month plus rating validity period if carried out in the laid down period before expiry
Entered in the licence by the examiner

Notes:
1. If revalidation is carried out early, prior to the laid down period before expiry, the new expiry date will be the test date extended to the end of the month plus rating validity period
2. If the BIR is not on the licence the NAA must re-issue the licence. The examiner can not endorse the licence

Definitions

Revalidation
The administrative action taken within the period of validity of a rating or certificate which allows the holder to continue to exercise the privileges of a rating or certificate for a further specified period consequent upon the fulfilment of specified requirements

Renewal
The administrative action taken after a rating or certificate has lapsed for the purpose of renewing the privileges of the rating or certificate for a further specified period consequent upon the fulfilment of specified requirements

Skill Test
The demonstration of skill for a licence or rating issue, including such oral examination as may be required.

Proficiency Check
The demonstration of skill to revalidate or renew ratings, and including such oral examination as may be required