Private IFR - Flight Procedure Authorisations (Vol 2)
Private IFR - Initial (Vol 1)

The PIFR Rating was introduced to offer pilots the opportunity to conduct limited IFR operations as an alternative to, or an escape from, those situations of deteriorating weather or daylight where scud running, disorientation, controlled flight into terrain and loss of control accidents have been all too frequent.

The PIFR Rating is designed to be done in at least two stages:

• the initial issue; and
• subsequent Flight Procedure Authorisations (FPAs)

Initial Issue

The initial issue is a foundation of theoretical and practical training leading to the issue of the Rating.  The initial issue must include at least the NDB navigation or VOR navigation flight procedure authorisations.  Only two other FPAs may be added to this initial issue: DME navigation and / or night (the latter if the test is conducted at night).

Private IFR Rating Volume 1 covered the theoretical and practical knowledge required for the initial issue.

Private IFR Rating Volume 2 includes all of the additional FPAs.

Additional FPAs

There are many additional FPAs; for example, holding (which is a requirement for operations into controlled airspace - Class C or E), standard instrument departures and arrivals (SIDs and STARs), GPS navigation, VOR or ILS approaches and so on.  All approach FPAs must also include the Holding FPA.

Ultimately, you can build a complete suite of FPAs so that you can operate as freely as a Command Instrument Rated pilot, although the PIFR Rating may only be used for private category operations.