Calculating the validity dates of instrument ratings
There is some confusion over the calculation of expiry dates of instrument ratings. These notes will hopefully help to prevent the common errors we see. All of the information can be found in Civil Aviation Order 40.2.1.
Initial issue of an instrument rating
See Civil Aviation Order 40.2.1, part 5
For the purposes of subregulation 5.17 (3), an instrument rating remains in force for the period of 1 year from the last day of the month in which the rating was issued or renewed.
Example
For an instrument rating that was initially issued on the 10th May 2007, the expiry date of the rating will be 31st May 2008.
Renewal of a command instrument rating
See Civil Aviation Order 40.2.1, part 12
A grade of instrument rating must be renewed for a period of 12 months
from the date of its expiry if:
(a) its holder passes the instrument rating test applicable to the renewal
of the grade of rating within the last 90 days before the grade of rating
is due to expire; or
(b) Is a participant of a cyclic program with an airline.
Examples
- Current Command Instrument rating is due to expire on the 31st August 2007. A flight test is conducted on the 20 June 2007 (Within the 90 day window), then the new expiry date would be the 31st August 2008.
- Current Command Instrument rating is due to expire on the 31st August 2007. A flight test is conducted on the 10 May 2007 (Outside the 90 day window), then the new expiry date would be the 31st May 2008.
- Current Command Instrument rating is due to expire on the 31st May 2007. A flight test is conducted on the 20 June 2007 (after the expiry date of the rating), the new expiry date would be the 30th June 2008.
Renewal after 12 months
See Civil Aviation Order 40.2.1, parts 12.2 and 12.3
Where an instrument rating has expired for a period of less than 12 months, an applicant may qualify for issue of a rating by passing the instrument rating test applicable to the renewal of a rating.Where an instrument rating has expired for a period in excess of 12 months, an applicant may qualify for issue of a rating by passing the instrument rating test applicable to the initial issue of an instrument rating.
Issue or renewal of an instrument rating at a different grade to the one that is currently held
Each grade of instrument rating is a separate entity and therefore does not influence the expiry date of another instrument rating – even if the flight test is within 90 days of the expiry date of the first rating.
Example
A person holds a Command Single Engine instrument rating that is due to expire on the 31st August 2007. They pass a flight test on the 20th June 2007 for a Command Multi-Engine instrument rating. The expiry date of the Command Multi-Engine instrument rating is the 30th June 2008 – not the end of August 2008.
Use of NavAids
There are six navigation aids (NavAids) or procedures (Section 6.5 (b)):
(i) RNAV/(GNSS);
(ii) ILS;
(iii) LLZ;
(iv) VOR;
(v) DME or GPS arrival procedure;
(vi) NDB;
Each navigation aid or procedure that has been satisfactorily tested, must also be entered in the person’s personal log book.
Section 6.6 states:
An endorsement entered in a person’s log book for a navigation aid or procedure:
(a) has no time limit; and
(b) may be used with any grade of instrument rating held by the person; and
(c) may only be used subject to compliance with the relevant recent
experience, and proficiency testing, requirements mentioned in subsection 11.