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IR theory practice

EASA IR theory: practise all 7 subjects with the ATPL bank.

EASA IR(A) theory covers 7 subjects, every one of which is part of the ATPL syllabus. Pilots who have passed full ATPL theory are already credited with IR theory requirements under Part-FCL FCL.035. For everyone else studying for the IR theory exams, SkyStudy covers all seven subjects with 31,032 ATPL-depth questions, explanations, and spaced repetition. The question bank is free to use during beta, no card required.

SkyStudy questions are independently authored revision questions written to the EASA learning objectives. They are not ECQB exam dumps and are not affiliated with EASA or any civil aviation authority.

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IR theory subjects

7

The EASA IR(A) theoretical knowledge syllabus

Questions

31,032

ATPL-depth bank covering all IR subject areas; July 2026

Price today

Free

Free during beta: the full bank, no card required

Subset of ATPL

Yes

IR learning objectives sit within the ATPL syllabus

The 7 EASA IR theory subjects

EASA IR(A) theoretical knowledge is assessed across 7 subjects. All seven sit within the ATPL syllabus. Note that Principles of Flight (081) is an ATPL subject but is not part of the IR theoretical knowledge examination.

010

Air Law

IFR rules, airspace, ATC procedures

022

Instrumentation

Flight instruments, pitot-static systems, glass cockpit displays

033

Flight Planning and Monitoring

IFR flight plans, fuel planning, route monitoring

040

Human Performance and Limitations

Crew factors, spatial disorientation, instrument flying physiology

050

Meteorology

IMC weather, icing, fronts, weather minima

062

Radio Navigation

VOR, ILS, DME, NDB, GNSS; instrument approaches

090

Communications (IFR)

IFR phraseology, ATC instructions, distress procedures

Subject codes and scope are set by EASA Part-FCL. Always confirm the current syllabus with your approved training organisation and national aviation authority. SkyStudy is an independent study aid, not affiliated with EASA or any civil aviation authority.

How IR theory relates to ATPL theory

The 7 IR theory subjects are a subset of the 13 ATPL theory subjects. Every knowledge area tested in an IR theory exam is also tested (at greater depth) in the corresponding ATPL exam. This means:

  • If you are studying full ATPL theory, you are already covering all IR theory subject areas. No separate IR theory study track is needed.
  • If you are studying specifically for IR theory before or alongside ATPL, focusing on Radio Navigation, Instrumentation, and Meteorology gives the highest return for the IR practical and theory exam.
  • An ATPL-depth question bank prepares you for IR theory questions at the same time as ATPL preparation, without any separate system.

Radio Navigation depth

The most directly IR-relevant subject: VOR, ILS, NDB, DME, GNSS, and instrument approach procedures, all covered with explanations.

Instrumentation coverage

Pitot-static systems, gyroscopic instruments, ADI, HSI, modern glass cockpits: the subject that underpins flying safely in IMC.

Timed mock sessions

Shift from open practice into exam-pace sessions as your sitting approaches, so accuracy holds under time pressure.

Spaced repetition

Questions you miss come back on a spaced schedule so no subject fades while you study the others.

FCL.035: how ATPL theory passes credit the IR

Under EASA Part-FCL FCL.035, an applicant who has passed the full ATPL theoretical knowledge examinations is credited with the theoretical knowledge requirements for the IR in the same aircraft category. ATPL theory passes remain valid for 36 months for IR issue purposes.

The credit flows one way: ATPL theory satisfies IR theory, not the reverse. Holding IR theory passes does not credit ATPL theory requirements.

Note on the CB-IR: the competency-based modular IR route has somewhat different theory scope from the full IR. In particular, 040 Human Performance and Limitations and 050 Meteorology are handled differently in the CB-IR theory examination. If you are on the CB-IR route, confirm the exact theory requirements with your ATO and national authority before assuming the 7-subject list above applies directly.

These are summary descriptions of a regulatory route, not legal advice. Rules can change and individual circumstances vary. Always confirm your exact position with your ATO and national aviation authority.

What SkyStudy gives IR theory candidates

SkyStudy is an ATPL-depth question bank. For IR theory preparation, every relevant subject is fully covered.

  • All 7 IR theory subject areas covered at ATPL depth.
  • Deep Radio Navigation coverage: VOR, ILS, NDB, DME, GNSS, RNP, and instrument approach procedures with full explanations.
  • Every question mapped to an EASA learning objective so topic-level gaps are visible, not just subject-level scores.
  • Explanations after every answer: a miss becomes a lesson, not just a wrong tick.
  • Installable as a PWA for offline study on phone, tablet, or laptop. See /get-the-app.
  • Free during beta: the full bank across all 13 ATPL subjects, no card required.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use SkyStudy to prepare for IR theory exams?

Yes. The 7 EASA IR(A) theory subjects are all within the ATPL syllabus, and SkyStudy covers every one of them with explanations, timed sessions, and spaced repetition. ATPL preparation covers everything IR theory requires and more. Questions are independently authored revision questions written to the EASA learning objectives, not ECQB exam dumps.

What subjects are in EASA IR theory?

EASA IR(A) theory covers 7 subjects: 010 Air Law, 022 Instrumentation, 033 Flight Planning and Monitoring, 040 Human Performance and Limitations, 050 Meteorology, 062 Radio Navigation, and 090 Communications (IFR). Note that Principles of Flight (081) is an ATPL subject but is not part of the IR theory examination.

Does passing ATPL theory exempt me from IR theory?

Under EASA Part-FCL FCL.035, an applicant who has passed the full ATPL theoretical knowledge examinations is credited with the knowledge requirements for the IR in the same aircraft category. The ATPL theory passes remain valid for 36 months for IR issue. Pilots who have completed full ATPL theory do not need to sit separate IR theory exams.

Is there a difference between IR theory and ATPL theory for the same subjects?

IR theory and ATPL theory cover the same 7 subject areas at the IR level. The ATPL syllabus includes and exceeds the IR knowledge requirements in each of those subjects. Preparing with an ATPL-depth question bank therefore puts you well above the IR theory standard in all relevant areas.

What subjects matter most for IR preparation?

Radio Navigation is the most directly relevant IR theory subject: instrument approaches, airways, and navaids are all covered there. Instrumentation is equally critical because flying in IMC safely depends on understanding how primary flight instruments work and recognising their limitations. Meteorology provides the weather knowledge needed to assess conditions and minima when operating in cloud.

Does the CB-IR require the same theory as a full IR?

The competency-based IR (CB-IR) covers similar subject areas but there are differences in scope. In particular, CB-IR theory does not include 040 Human Performance and Limitations or 050 Meteorology in the same way as the full IR theory. If you are preparing for the CB-IR route, confirm the exact theory requirements with your approved training organisation and national authority, as the details matter.

What is the ECQB and does SkyStudy use it?

The ECQB (European Central Question Bank) is the official EASA question bank used in actual IR, CPL, and ATPL theory exams. SkyStudy does not use ECQB questions. SkyStudy questions are independently authored revision questions written to cover the EASA learning objectives. They are a study aid, not exam dumps.

Related guides

These pages cover the instrument rating itself, the ATPL question bank, and the key IR-relevant subjects.

Instrument Rating (IR) explained

What the IR adds, training routes, and where it fits in the frozen ATPL path.

ATPL question bank

31,032 questions across every EASA ATPL subject, with counts per subject.

Radio Navigation subject guide

The subject at the core of instrument flying preparation.

CPL question bank

Preparing for CPL theory too? All 13 CPL subjects are covered in the same bank.

Strengthen your Radio Navigation and IR theory before the rating.

The SkyStudy question bank covers all 7 EASA IR theory subjects at ATPL depth, with explanations, timed sessions, and spaced repetition. Free during beta, no card needed.

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