The EIR allows a pilot to fly in accordance with IFR in the en-route section of the flight and requires the pilot to perform a take-off and landing in accordance with VFR. The regulation indicates that the meteorological forecasts be made one hour prior to the planned time of arrival as well as an hour after arrival in accordance with VMC conditions. The privileges:

• IFR flights are allowed in class A, B or C airspace at the en-route stage
• Special VFR flights are allowed in conditions lower than VMC prior to departure
• Special VFR only allowed in VMC conditions prior to landing

In order to be allowed to perform these privileges during the night, one should own a ‘night rating’. However, this is not obligatory; i.e., one can only perform the EIR privileges in daytime in case one does not own a ‘night rating’.

One requirement for a candidate for an EIR is ownership of a PPL and having flown a minimum of 20 hours over land (cross-country). A candidate is also required to attend an approved theory training with a licensed ATO. This theory training comprises 7 subjects, the majority of which contains a considerably lower amount of study material than they used to at ATPL or the traditional IR training and includes 80 study hours of which 8 hours exam training in a classroom.

We collaborate with Orbit Groundschool. For more info, please visit http://www.orbit-groundschool.nl/

The flight training comprises 15 hours with an instructor for single engine airplanes.

Because the EIR facilitates a broader range of operations on a medium level, this may be a very attractive option that several aspirant pilots may find welcoming. An additional advantage is that the EIR may act as a steppingstone to the CB-IR.