The IMC rating allows you to pilot your aircraft wher visibility is lower than visual meteorological conditions. The rating is designed to give you the skills to fly in clouds and land in IMC weather conditions. The IMC rating is a national rating and can only be endorsed onto a UK or JAR-FCL aeroplane license.
Specific requirements must be met prior to applying for the IMC rating which include training with an instructor consisting of a minimum of 15 hours, including 10 hours flying by sole reference to the aircraft's instruments. You must also pass both a written theoretical examination and practical flight examination. The rating is valid for 25 months and which needs to be renewed by completing a re-validation flight test.
When flying in IMC conditions, even the private pilot is expected to demonstrate a high level of skill and professionalism. In Cranfield Airport, we have available full lighting and instrument approach procedures allowing us to offer the IMC training with no need for costly positioning to other airports.