In this article UKFlying.com will explain what is required to keep your ME-IR current or how
to get it valid again if it has expired. This is relevant for commercial pilots who are yet to
complete an airline / cargo / business jet Type Rating (TR). If you have a TR (A320, B737,
etc), then it might be better to keep that rating current via an approved simulator, as having
a current TR will open up more job opportunities. If you don’t have a TR, then you will need
a CPL (valid for life) and a ME-IR to gain employment. Below are common ME-IR questions.
Q. How long is an ME-IR valid for?
A. 12-months from the end of the month in which the test was taken. For example, if you
took your IR test on 5 th Nov 2020, it will be valid until 30 Nov 21.
Q. What is the difference between a Skills Test, LPC, Renewal and Revalidation.
A. Skills Test = first initial test.
LPC = subsequent tests of which there are 2 types:
Revalidation = Rating current on day of test.
Renewal = Rating has expired and you are testing to get it current again.
Q. Can you revalidate in a FNPT2 simulator?
A. Yes, on each alternative year, providing the test is a revalidation (rating still current). This
is a good idea as it is much cheaper and considerably quicker than a test in the aircraft.
Q. Does your MEP rating have to be kept current?
A. Yes and no. You don’t need a MEP rating to get a job, but it does need to be valid on the
day of the ME-IR test. We suggest completing each alternate ME-IR test in the simulator and
letting the MEP expire. This saves the costs of flying an MEP aircraft which are expensive.
Q. How early can you revalidate and keep the original expiry date, plus 12-months?
A. You can revalidate up to 3-months before expiry. For example, if your rating expired on 31
Mar 22, you can revalidate from 01 Jan 22 and your new expiry date would be 31 Mar 23.
Q. My ME-IR has expired, how much training will I need?
A. This depends on the individual and how long has passed since the expiry of your rating.
After a sim or flight, an instructor will have a good idea of what is required to get you to test
standard again. As you require a renewal, the ME-IR test will need to be flown in the aircraft.
Q. Can I revalidate my EASA and UK CAA ME-IR during the same LPC?
A. Yes, providing the sim is dual registered and the examiner is both EASA and UK approved.
Q. Are there EASA sims in the UK?
A. Yes.
Q. Can I revalidate my MEP in the same flight as the ME-IR?
A. Yes, if the flight is conducted in the aircraft. If you require a flight in the aircraft, then it is
a good idea to revalidate/renew the MEP at the same time.
Q. Can I revalidate my MEP in the simulator?
A. No, FNPT2 simulators are not approved for this.
Q. Is it worth having some refresher training before my ME-IR revalidation?
A. Depends. If you have been flying a lot of recent IFR then it is not required. If your last IFR
flight was the previous IR test, then some refresher training is a good idea. UKFlying.com
offer online refresher briefs, simulator training and classroom briefs before ME-IR
revalidations. We believe that training is essential to keep pilot skills to a high level.
In summary, if you want to become a commercial pilot, then you require a current ME-IR
to be able to apply for positions. If you can revalidate your IR in the simulator, then use
this option as it saves you time and money. With aviation employment opening up again,
now is the time to get your ME-IR current or to revalidate it for another 12-months.
More information on EASA and UK ME-IR ratings can be found on www.UKFlying.com
along with costs for the various tests.
Enhanced Flight School Profiles
Find Out More...
