FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
INSTRUMENT RATING
Q: How much does it cost to complete the training for the Instrument Rating?
A: Based on Transport Canada minimum requirements, the estimated costs are as follows:
- $12,730 CAD - Group 1 (Initial Training)
- $4,225 CAD - Group 1 (Recurrent Training)
- $11,230 CAD - Group 3 (Initial Training)
- $3,475 CAD - Group 3 (Recurrent Training)
Detailed information sheets are available here for a detailed breakdown of training costs
Q: How long will it take to complete the training for the Instrument Rating?
A: It depends on how often you are able to fly - our best estimates are as follows:
- 4 Months if you are able to fly at least 3 flights each week (Full Time)
- 12 Months if you are able to fly at least 1 flight each week (Part Time)
Q: At what age can I begin training for the Instrument Rating?
A: You must hold a minimum of a valid Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and be at least 17 years of age
Q: What is the purpose of the Instrument Rating?
A: The Instrument rating allows pilots who normally fly in Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to fly in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). That is to say, it allows pilots to fly in the clouds (also known as instrument meteorological conditions, AKA “IMC”). The instrument rating is very valuable to pilots because it would allow them to fly through weather that would normally prevent VFR pilots from flying.
Q: What will I learn during my Instrument Rating training?
A: An Instrument Rating will increase your skill and ability in many areas. These include: advanced navigation, advanced aircraft control, advanced weather theory, IFR procedures, multi-tasking, and many more. Overall, the Instrument Rating will greatly strengthen your skills as a pilot.
Q: Is an instrument rating difficult to obtain?
A: An Instrument Rating is challenging and well worth the investment it takes to obtain it. An Instrument Rating is an incredibly rewarding accomplishment that opens up your flying to truly amazing possibilities. Both your skills and proficiency will be greatly enhanced with an Instrument Rating.
Q: Will I get actual experience flying in/above the clouds?
A: Yes! If IMC (instrument meteorological conditions) exist, we will encourage a flight into those conditions, assuming they are safe conditions. There is nothing like the real thing for teaching and preparing someone to become an excellent instrument-rated pilot. The experience will become a great resource for you to draw upon after you obtain your instrument rating.
Q: Could the training be delayed by weather?
A: Severe icing conditions and/or thunderstorms can prevent flying on a given day. However, the curriculum is so flexible, and the simulator is so versatile, that training is very rarely delayed.
Q: Will I use a flight simulator for my instrument rating training?
A: Yes! In fact, we encourage it! The Flight Training Device (FTD) is a practical tool for learning IFR procedures. In an FTD, you can stop to discuss a point or back it up to repeat an exercise. Later, you will be able to perfect these procedures in the airplane. With this method, you will learn IFR procedures approximately four times faster than you could in the airplane alone!