An Instrument Rating allows the holder of a Private or Commercial Pilot’s License to fly in Instrument Meteorological Conditions – or in other words, less than perfect weather. The curriculum stresses the use of instruments in both the basic control of the aircraft as well as in 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:

1.      An applicant must be a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant, or a person lawfully admitted into Canada for the purpose of flight training.
 

2.      An applicant must hold a valid Private or Commercial Pilot’s License, issued in Canada or by a contracting state.

3.      An applicant must be a minimum of 17 years of age for the issue of the Instrument Rating.

Medical: An applicant must be the holder of a valid Category 1 or 3 aviation medical from a Transport Canada certified doctor.  

Ground School: The applicant must obtain a 70% overall on the 6 mandatory subject areas of the Transport Canada Instrument Rating Exam. No ground-school is required. However, ground-briefings are incorporated around flight training to satisfy knowledge requirements. In addition, most pilots attend a weekend preparatory course prior to writing the exam.

Flight Training: 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.

Approximate Cost for a Private Pilot (C-172):

35 Hours Dual @ $188 per hour  

$ 6,580.00

45 Hours Solo Cross-Country @ $132 per hour

$ 5,940.00

15 hours briefing (Pre and Post-flight) @ $ 56.00

$ 840.00

Flight Test Fee

$ 200.00

Written Examination Fee

$   35.00

Rating Endorsement Fee  

$   30.00

 

 

Approximate Total

$ 13,625.00

Approximate Cost for a Commercial Pilot (C-172):

20 Hours Dual @ $188 per hour  

$ 3,760.00

20 Hours Solo Cross-Country @ $132 per hour

$ 2,640.00

15 hours briefing (Pre and Post-flight) @ $ 56.00

$ 840.00

Flight Test Fee

$ 200.00

Written Examination Fee

$   35.00

Rating Endorsement Fee  

$   30.00

 

 

Approximate Total

$ 7,505.00

Note: Licensing requirements specified here are based on Transport Canada minimums and more training may be required.  Cross-country and instrument time acquired during the acquisition of a PPL or CPL can be applied towards the time required for the issuance of the Instrument Rating. A simulator can be used to reduce the cost of instrument time. Prices are subject to change without notice.  Membership fees and applicable taxes are not included in the above prices.  The Kingston Flying Club is a not for profit organization.