Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 5 seconds ago
After eight months of hard work, seven exams, and a lot of late nights, I’ve finally completed the instrument theory for the UK’s competency-based instrument rating (CBIR). In this video I share the moment I got my final results, my reflections on the process and how I found the different subjects.
For those outside Europe, the UK IR is a huge undertaking compared to many parts of the world. The CBIR is supposed to be a “shortcut,” to getting a full IR, but in reality the theory requirements are still very heavy – closer to ATPL level than you might expect. I talk through what was manageable, what was difficult and what I’d recommend to anyone considering it.
We also head off on a flight to Oxford to pick up some friends, so you’ll see the full journey along with my verdict on the CBIR theory and what comes next as I start the practical training.
If you’ve been through the process yourself, I’d love to hear how you found it. Did you have a favourite subject? Which one tripped you up the most?
I make inspirational videos about my flying adventures around the UK and Europe. I have a dream too, to one day fly my PA28 across the atlantic to the USA. Subscribe to my channel for more inspirational flying vlogs and honest post-flight debrief videos.
About me: jonhunt.net
Bonus content on Patreon: patreon.com/join/theflyingreporter
Facebook: facebook.com/theflyingreporter
Instagram: instagram.com/flyingreporteruk
My channel advertisers and sponsors
I'm most grateful for the guidance and support of Aero Anglia - A light aircraft maintenance organisation at Elmsett in Suffolk. The nicest and thorough aircraft engineers I've come across.
aeroanglia.com
I've recently partnered with Aerobytes to promote their services to commercial aviation. Aerobytes is fanatical about flight safety - a passion close to my heart. Aerobytes provide Flight Data Monitoring services to the airlines.
aerobytes.co.uk
AOPA has supported me for many, many months now. They work so hard to promote our interests as private pilots and I'm happy to endorse AOPA UK's mission to secure our freedom to fly. Get a 25% discount on your AOPA UK membership.
aopa.co.uk/flying-reporter-discount-membership-offer
For all my licence revalidations, tests, and flight training I turn to the team at Anglian Flight Centres. It's a friendly flight training organisation (ATO) based at Earls Colne in Essex. With its hard and grass runways and open airspace, it's a great place to learn to fly.
anglianflightcentres.co.uk
Before CloudbaseGA, my aircraft log books were a work of fiction. Now that I have one of their automatic flight loggers fitted, all my trips are recorded automatically and updated to a cloud server. It's a great solution for flying schools, clubs or aircraft shares.
https://www.cloudbasega.aero/
If you should ever need your engine overhauled, require a shock load inspection, or general advice about the operation of your engine, contact Norvic Aero Engines. I only partner with companies who treat their customers fairly and offer good service. I am thrilled to be working with Norvic and I am delighted to be able to endorse their services.
norvic.com
Before I had my propeller dynamically balanced by Proptech, I used to experience quite a lot of vibration in the cruise. Proptech came to my airfield with their equipment and after a short time they'd tuned-up my prop so that the cruise is silky smooth (turbulence permitting!)
https://proptech.aero/
I keep my aeroplane clean and dry in-between flights by using a custom-made cover from Vertigo Covers. The Hampshire-based company prides itself on excellent customer service, an attention to detail, modern designs and materials and covers that are lightweight and affordable.
vertigocovers.co.uk
#generalaviation #flying #privatepilot #pilot #atc #airtrafficcontrol #aviation #pa28 #flight #debrief #travel
00:00 Instroduction
00:18 Engine start
00:36 I've finished my CBIR theory study
01:19 Getting my last 3 results
02:46 Taking off from Redhill
04:09 Starting my practical instrument training
06:01 How I found the IR theory studies & exams
11:02 Approaching Oxford Airport
14:19 Final approach
15:10 Landing
After eight months of hard work, seven exams, and a lot of late nights, I’ve finally completed the instrument theory for the UK’s competency-based instrument rating (CBIR). In this video I share the moment I got my final results, my reflections on the process and how I found the different subjects.
For those outside Europe, the UK IR is a huge undertaking compared to many parts of the world. The CBIR is supposed to be a “shortcut,” to getting a full IR, but in reality the theory requirements are still very heavy – closer to ATPL level than you might expect. I talk through what was manageable, what was difficult and what I’d recommend to anyone considering it.
We also head off on a flight to Oxford to pick up some friends, so you’ll see the full journey along with my verdict on the CBIR theory and what comes next as I start the practical training.
If you’ve been through the process yourself, I’d love to hear how you found it. Did you have a favourite subject? Which one tripped you up the most?
I make inspirational videos about my flying adventures around the UK and Europe. I have a dream too, to one day fly my PA28 across the atlantic to the USA. Subscribe to my channel for more inspirational flying vlogs and honest post-flight debrief videos.
About me: jonhunt.net
Bonus content on Patreon: patreon.com/join/theflyingreporter
Facebook: facebook.com/theflyingreporter
Instagram: instagram.com/flyingreporteruk
My channel advertisers and sponsors
I'm most grateful for the guidance and support of Aero Anglia - A light aircraft maintenance organisation at Elmsett in Suffolk. The nicest and thorough aircraft engineers I've come across.
aeroanglia.com
I've recently partnered with Aerobytes to promote their services to commercial aviation. Aerobytes is fanatical about flight safety - a passion close to my heart. Aerobytes provide Flight Data Monitoring services to the airlines.
aerobytes.co.uk
AOPA has supported me for many, many months now. They work so hard to promote our interests as private pilots and I'm happy to endorse AOPA UK's mission to secure our freedom to fly. Get a 25% discount on your AOPA UK membership.
aopa.co.uk/flying-reporter-discount-membership-offer
For all my licence revalidations, tests, and flight training I turn to the team at Anglian Flight Centres. It's a friendly flight training organisation (ATO) based at Earls Colne in Essex. With its hard and grass runways and open airspace, it's a great place to learn to fly.
anglianflightcentres.co.uk
Before CloudbaseGA, my aircraft log books were a work of fiction. Now that I have one of their automatic flight loggers fitted, all my trips are recorded automatically and updated to a cloud server. It's a great solution for flying schools, clubs or aircraft shares.
https://www.cloudbasega.aero/
If you should ever need your engine overhauled, require a shock load inspection, or general advice about the operation of your engine, contact Norvic Aero Engines. I only partner with companies who treat their customers fairly and offer good service. I am thrilled to be working with Norvic and I am delighted to be able to endorse their services.
norvic.com
Before I had my propeller dynamically balanced by Proptech, I used to experience quite a lot of vibration in the cruise. Proptech came to my airfield with their equipment and after a short time they'd tuned-up my prop so that the cruise is silky smooth (turbulence permitting!)
https://proptech.aero/
I keep my aeroplane clean and dry in-between flights by using a custom-made cover from Vertigo Covers. The Hampshire-based company prides itself on excellent customer service, an attention to detail, modern designs and materials and covers that are lightweight and affordable.
vertigocovers.co.uk
#generalaviation #flying #privatepilot #pilot #atc #airtrafficcontrol #aviation #pa28 #flight #debrief #travel
00:00 Instroduction
00:18 Engine start
00:36 I've finished my CBIR theory study
01:19 Getting my last 3 results
02:46 Taking off from Redhill
04:09 Starting my practical instrument training
06:01 How I found the IR theory studies & exams
11:02 Approaching Oxford Airport
14:19 Final approach
15:10 Landing
