Earning an Instructor Rating from Transport Canada signifies a transformative phase in a pilot’s career, as it empowers them to share their wealth of knowledge and expertise with aspiring aviators. This specialized certification allows pilots to become flight instructors, guiding and shaping the next generation of aviation enthusiasts. The training process involves not only reinforcing advanced flying skills but also developing effective instructional techniques. Instructors equipped with this credential play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aviation, imparting essential knowledge, honing flying abilities, and instilling a strong commitment to safety and professionalism in their students. Beyond the altruistic fulfillment of passing on aviation wisdom, obtaining an Instructor Rating enhances a pilot’s employability, opening avenues for roles in flight schools, and training institutions, and fostering leadership qualities that contribute to the overall advancement of the aviation industry.

Obtaining an Instructor Rating in Canada allows you to teach others to become pilots. Here’s a detailed procedure with steps and requirements:

1. Prerequisites:

Hold a valid Commercial Pilot License or Airline Transport Pilot License.

Have a minimum of 250 hours of flight time as a pilot, including 100 hours of pilot-in-command time.

2. Ground School:

Enroll in a Transport Canada approved Flight Instructor Rating ground school or study independently.

Cover subjects such as instructional techniques, regulations, and teaching methods.

3. Written Exam:

Pass the Transport Canada Flight Instructor Rating written exam.

The exam assesses your knowledge of teaching principles, aviation regulations, and instructional techniques.

4. Flight Training:

Undergo a minimum of 30 hours of flight training, including:

A minimum of 25 hours of dual flight instruction with a qualified Flight Instructor.

A minimum of 5 hours of supervised solo flight time while acting as an instructor.

5. Preparatory Flight Test:

Pass a preparatory flight test with a Transport Canada Designated Flight Test Examiner.

This test assesses your ability to instruct and demonstrate flying skills.

6. Instructor Rating Course:

Complete an Instructor Rating Course at a Transport Canada-approved Flight Training Unit.

7. Simulator Training (Optional):

Some programs may include simulator training for specific aspects of flight instruction.

8. Flight Test:

Successfully pass the Transport Canada Flight Instructor Rating flight test (checkride) with a qualified Transport Canada Designated Flight Test Examiner.

The flight test evaluates your ability to instruct, demonstrate, and evaluate a student’s flying skills.

9. Submit Application:

Complete and submit the Transport Canada Flight Instructor Rating application form along with the required documentation.

10. Licensing Fee:

Pay the applicable licensing fee to Transport Canada.

11. Receive License:

Once all requirements are met and approved by Transport Canada, you will receive your Flight Instructor Rating.

12. TC Study guide:

For Transport Canada’s Instructor Ratings study guide click here