An Instrument Rating allows the holder of a Private or Commercial Pilot’s License to fly in Instrument Flight Meteorological Conditions – weather that is below visual flight rules (VFR) conditions.  The curriculum stresses the use of instruments in both the control of the aircraft as well as for navigation.  For the avid Private Pilot the Instrument Rating adds another level of proficiency to those skills already acquired.  In addition, it provides the freedom to travel when weather conditions would otherwise not permit.  For the career pilot, the Instrument Rating is another step in acquiring the skills necessary to become employable in the job market.

Prerequisites: An applicant must hold a valid Private Pilot License, issued in Canada or by a contracting state, prior to commencing an instrument rating.

Knowledge: The applicant must obtain a 70% overall on the 6 mandatory subject
 

areas of the Transport Canada Instrument Rating Exam.

Experience: The Instrument Rating consists of 40 hours of flight instruction. In addition, Transport Canada requires a minimum of 50 hours of Pilot-In-Command cross-country flight time. The majority of the course is centered on learning the flying procedures required when operating under Instrument Meteorological Conditions. The course starts with a hood review consisting of basic aircraft handling including emergency procedure training and pilot navigation, advancing to include training in departure, en route, and approach procedures.

Skill: Upon completion of the flight training the applicant must pass flight test conducted by a Transport Canada Designated Flight Test Examiner.