Simulated instrument flight (SERA.3220)

General (ICAO)

ICAO Annex 2 §3.1.4 clarifies that simulated instrument flight — where a pilot's vision is artificially restricted to practice IMC conditions — requires special safety provisions.

Europe (EASA / EU)

SERA.3220 (Simulated instrument flights) stipulates: an aircraft may carry out simulated instrument flight only if:

(a) Dual controls

• The aircraft must have fully functional dual controls so that the safety pilot can take over at any time.

(b) Safety pilot

• A qualified pilot must occupy the seat next to the training pilot.
• Safety-pilot requirements:
  • Valid licence with privileges for the type,
  • Current class/type rating,
  • Vision sufficient to distinguish traffic and obstacles.

(c) Additional observer if safety pilot vision restricted

• If the safety pilot's view is so restricted by cockpit structure, seating or other factors that they cannot alone monitor the entire relevant airspace, an additional observer must be on board as a second lookout.

(d) Visual meteorological conditions

• Simulated instrument flight is only permitted in VMC — the whole flight must be in visual conditions because the safety pilot bears lookout responsibility.

Practical application:

• Hood/vision-limiting device (e.g. Foggles, view-limiting visor): restricts the training pilot to the instruments.
• The pilot under the hood flies by instruments; the safety pilot maintains an unrestricted outside lookout and traffic watch.
• Communications with ATC continue under VFR (no IFR flight plan, no IFR procedure — purely an instrument exercise).

Training purpose: preparation for IR licence, IR(R) practice, retention of instrument flying capability without an IR licence.

Distinction: Not to be confused with IFR flight under SERA.5015 — that is full IFR with instrument procedures, separately regulated.

Germany (national)

EU law applies directly. Common for PPL pilots to maintain instrument confidence or prior to obtaining an EIR/IR rating. The flight school or operator must ensure the dual controls are functional (maintenance evidence).