Aircraft instrument certification must suit the purpose for which the aircraft will be used in order to potentially minimise operating costs, maintenance costs and maintenance downtime.
Let’s explore this in more detail.
An aircraft which will be utilised for the sole purpose of scenic flights, aerial survey, aerial photography or ab initio training functions does not need to be certified in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operating category. Visual Flight Rules (VFR) certification will be most appropriate. VFR certification significantly reduces maintenance costs and accordingly downtime. As per the certification description, the aircraft will be limited to operating in visual meteorological conditions. In most instances it would be cost prohibitive to upgrade a VFR category aircraft to IFR category.
If the aircraft is required to have all weather flight capabilities, IFR certification will be necessary. The aircraft will be subject to higher maintenance costs, as it will be subject to scheduled instrument maintenance program which does not apply to VFR certified aircraft. Accordingly, maintenance costs and maintenance downtime will be greater for IFR certified aircraft.
Please be mindful, if you purchase an IFR certified aircraft, but this capability is not required, it is not a problem to downgrade to VFR category, however, recertification of VFR aircraft to IFR category can be problematic and costly.
Safe flying to all.
Roman Badov
Air Transport Pilot
Head Of Flying Operations - Elite Airways
Head of Aircraft Airworthiness and Maintenance Control
PH: 0400 780 130
eliteairways.com.au