15/11/2016 (Agence Europe) – On 9 November 2016, the EASA published a Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) to provide more accessible Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) for pilots holding non-commercial licences in general aviation. Instrument Flights are flights that exclusively take place using instruments and air traffic control when it is impossible to fly on sight. The NPA therefore proposes the introduction of a ‘Basic Instrument Rating (BIR)’, a qualification for flying according to Instrument Flight Rules but based on more “proportionate” requirements when compared to the traditional instrument rating, and tailored to the need of general aviation pilots. EASA points out that this involves one of the key initiatives in the roadmap for general aviation pilots. The notice is open until 31 January 2017. (PH)