Published date: 20 March 2024

Purpose

This Advisory Circular (AC) describes an acceptable means of compliance with requirements for flight time experience and on the examination syllabus content for meeting the Civil Aviation Rule (CAR) requirements for the issue of an Instrument Rating (IR).

Related rules

This AC relates specifically to Civil Aviation Rule Part 61 Subpart Q–Instrument Ratings.

Change notice

Revision 16:

  • updates the flight test requirements for an Instrument Rating (IR) in rule 61.801
  • updates the suggested logbook format in the section on rule 61.803
  • adds guidance on the 2D approach in the section on rule 61.807
  • adds detail on the 2D approach in Appendix II, and
  • adds guidance on straight-in approaches in the section on missed approach procedures in Appendix II.

A version of the new AC with the insertions in yellow highlight and the deletions in strikethrough can be accessed here for easy reference:

AC61-17 Pilot licences and ratings - Instrument ratings - marked up version [PDF 931 KB]

Note: While we have endeavoured to keep references to rules and other ACs current, there may be changes after this Revision is published. If in doubt, please check the subject and match with the correct table or reference in the other document.