Instrument Ratings

Learn to fly solely by reference to instruments!

Instruments Ratings

An Instrument Rating (Group 1 or 3) allows you to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), meaning you can operate in low visibility and clouds. Whether you’re working toward a commercial flying career or want to expand your flying capability, this rating is an essential upgrade.

Why Get a Instrument Rating?

Fly in More Weather Conditions

An Instrument Rating allows you to operate in:

Low visibility (cloud, rain, snow, fog)
Controlled airspace under IFR
This significantly reduces weather-related limitations compared to visual-only flying.

Increase Safety and Control

Training focuses on:

Aircraft control solely by instruments
Advanced navigation and procedures
Decision-making in challenging conditions

Expand Your Range and Reliability

IFR flying allows for:

More consistent cross-country travel
Fewer delays or cancellations due to weather
Access to a wider range of airports and airspace

Professional Advancement

Essential for most commercial aviation careers, required for airline, charter, and many instructor roles

Challenge and Skill Development

Instrument training is one of the most demanding and rewarding phases of pilot training, building Precision, Discipline and Situational awareness

Training Requirements

Flight Hours:

Minimum 40 hours instruments time, which includes:
20 Hours dual flight time (can include previous instrument flight time), including a 100 NM Cross country
20 Hours could be done in a Flight Simulator (can include previous instrument flight time)
Have a total of 50 Hours PIC Cross country by rating completion (PPL and CPL hours included)

Skill Requirement:

Must pass the Transport Canada INRAT Exam
Must pass the Transport Canada IFR Rating Exam in the appropriate Group

Estimated Duration & Costs

Estimated Duration:

Approximately 2-3 weeks full time
Approximately 1-3 months or more part time
Flexible schedules
Training is done at the students convenience

Estimated Costs:

$7,000 approximately for Group 3 IFR, which varies by hours flown
This prices are an estimation of:
- Flight hours
- Ground briefings
- Flight test and Written Exam Fees

*This calculation is an estimate, costs will vary based on students experience and training hours needed.*

Prerequisites

Entrance Requirements

Canadian Private Pilot License or higher

Medical Certificate

Category 3 or higher Canadian Aviation Medical certificate

Language Proficiency

Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English

Take the first step today!

Submit your application here!

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VFR Over the Top

Fly VFR Above the Clouds

VFR Over the Top (VFR OTT)

This rating allows you to fly above cloud layers in VFR conditions, expanding your cross-country flexibility, especially in marginal weather. It’s particularly useful in Canada where weather can vary rapidly.

Why Get a VFR OTT Rating?

Fly above cloud layers
Cruise on top of scattered or broken cloud, where conditions are often smoother and clearer.

Increase trip flexibility
Avoid being limited by low cloud layers while still operating under VFR.

Improve safety margins
Provides options to stay clear of marginal weather rather than flying below it.

Build instrument skills
Includes basic instrument training, helping pilots become more comfortable referencing instruments.

Stepping stone to IFR
A practical intermediate step toward a full Instrument Rating.