This is a specialized rating which is most often acquired by pilots who wish to build extensive flying time along with valuable expertise gained through the teaching experience. Extensive classroom time is devoted to methods of instruction and considerable emphasis is placed on flight instruction training to the Transport Canada standard.

The prerequisites for an instructor rating as prescribed by Transport Canada are as follows:

• The applicant must hold a valid Canadian Commercial Pilot Licence or higher with twenty (20) hours instrument time, ten (10) of which shall be instrument flight time.
• Applicants must be a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant or a person lawfully admitted into Canada for flight training.
• Before commencing ground training, an applicant shall have successfully completed the written examination and flight test for the Commercial Pilot Licence .

Training requirements for this rating are as follows:

Ground School

A minimum of twenty five (25) hours of Instructor rating ground instruction is required.

Flight Training

A minimum of 30 hours dual flight instruction on overall pilot proficiency and the presentation of all exercises set forth in the Flight Instructor Guide consisting of:

• a minimum of five (5) hours of training in the teaching of instrument flight skills
• a maximum of five (5) of the thirty (30) hours may be conducted on an improved aeroplane simulator or flight training device.

Note :

These flight training times are based on Transport Canada minimums and more training may be required.

Graduation Requirements

• The applicant must pass a Practical Flight Test conducted by a Transport Canada Flight Test Examiner.
• An applicant shall obtain a minimum of 70% in the written examination Flight Instructor Rating - Aeroplane Class 4 (AIRAF).
• The applicant must satisfy all training criteria as outlined in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).

Graduation Privilages of the Instructor Rating

• The conduct of dual instruction for a pilot permit or licence or endorsement of a night or VFR "Over The Top" (OTT) rating on the latter
• Recommend a trainee for a night or VFR OTT rating
• Recommend a trainee for flight tests on permints or licences
• Authorize a trainee for solo flight
• Instruct on ultra light aircraft without being supervise.