At the end of this course, you will obtain a Class 4 Flight Instructor Rating. This rating allows you to conduct dual flight instruction in respect to the issuance of a Recreational Pilot Permit, Private Pilot Licence, Commercial Pilot Licence, Night Rating and VFR OTT rating.
The instructor rating is one of the most challenging and rewarding ratings that you can get on your pilot licence. It brings your flying skills to a whole new level. You will learn how to fly an aircraft from the right seat, and demonstrate flight manoeuvres with perfection. On the ground, you will be expected to understand the Canadian Aviation Regulations, understand and explain Theory of Flight, and develop lesson plans with appropriate teaching methods using learning factors. The vast majority of the work for the instructor rating is developing and rehearsing your lesson plans at home.
Many people in aviation have started their carriers as instructors, some stay in the profession, while others move to airlines. All airlines require people to train their flight crews, and they like to hire people with an instructor background for those positions. Whatever your goals are, the instructor rating will always be a benefit to you.
Once you obtain the instructor rating (Class 4), you will be allowed to conduct flight training for the issue of licences and permits. All new instructors must teach under the supervision of a class I or II instructor.
Admission Requirements
1. Regulatory Requirements
An applicant must have successfully completed the written examination and flight test for the Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane, in accordance with Canadian Aviation Regulation (CAR) 421.69. CAR 421.69(1) establishes distinct prerequisites for different stages of training:
subsection (a) applies prior to commencing flight training; and
subsection (b) applies prior to commencing ground school instruction.
The Flight Instructor Rating program includes both ground and flight training components. In accordance with CAR 421.69(1), applicants who have completed the CPL written examination and flight test may commence the ground instruction component of the program. The Commercial Pilot Licence must be issued prior to commencing flight training.
2. Institutional Assessment Requirements
SLA accepts students for the Flight Instructor Rating when a Class 1 Instructor considers the individual to be a suitable instructor candidate. The following steps are required:
A Class 1 Instructor will conduct an interview using the interview form [SLA-063-03-22] to assess the applicant’s potential suitability. The applicant must present the following documents at the interview:
CPL flight test report
CPL written examination results
Personal logbook
A Class 1 Instructor will conduct a flight review using the Sea Land Air Evaluation Form [SLA-059-03-22] when:
The Commercial Pilot Licence has been completed at another flight training unit; or
Flight proficiency required by the Commercial Pilot Licence flight test standards has not been demonstrated to a Class 1 Instructor.
Licensing Requirements
Medical Fitness
You must hold a valid Category 1 Medical Certificate.
Experience
You must complete in an aeroplane a minimum of 30 hours of dual flight instruction on overall pilot proficiency and the presentation of all exercises set forth in the Flight Instructor Guide and shall include a minimum of 5 hours of training in the teaching of instrument flight skills. A maximum 5 of the 30 hours may be conducted on an approved aeroplane simulator or flight training device.
Skill
You must complete an instructor flight test to the standard outlined in the Flight Test Standard - Flight Instructor Rating - Aeroplanes, Helicopters, Aerobatic (TP5537).
Knowledge
You must complete a minimum of 25 hours of Instructor Rating ground school instruction which shall include:
Practical application of the basic principles of learning and techniques of instruction.
Preparation and use of lesson plans.
Procedures for planning and presenting preparatory ground instruction, pre-flight briefings, in-flight instruction, and post-flight debriefings.
Theory of flight required to teach the air exercises.
Aircraft flight manuals and aircraft operating limits.
Presentation of pilot decision-making concepts.
The use of the Transport Canada Flight Instructor Guide, Flight Training Manual, Canadian Aviation Regulations, Part IV and the Flight Test Standards, Private and Commercial Pilot Licences - Aeroplane Category.
*25 hours ground school is the minimum required by Canadian Aviation Regulation. As you can imagine this is very small number of hours for a CPL holder to be ready to teach as an instructor. How much time you spend to prepare and rehearse your lesson plans will be reflected in these hours.
You must obtain a minimum of 70% in the written examination Flight Instructor Rating - Aeroplane Class 4 (AIRAF).
Note: Prices are based on Transport Canada minimum requirements. Students may require additional flight training hours and ground briefing time before being ready for flight test. All prices are in CAD and are subject to change without prior notice. An hourly fuel surcharge will apply due to fuel price fluctuation.
Download Flight Instructor Rating Written Test Guide here
Download Flight Instructor Rating Flight Test Guide here
Download Flight Instructor Rating Enrollment Contract
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
Training Costs
DA20-A1 $180/hr soloDA20-C1 $195/hr solo
Application fee
$50.00
$50.00
30 hours of Dual Flight Training
$8,250.00
$8,700.00
25 hours Ground School Instruction ($95/hour)
$2,375.00
$2,375.00
Assessment Fee (1.0hr of Dual Flight)
$275.00
$290.00
Written Examination
$35.00
$35.00
Flight Test (1.2hr Aircraft rental + Flight test fee $246.36)
$462.36
$480.36
Licensing fee
$30.00
$30.00
Total Estimated Cost
$11,477.36
$11,960.36
604-940-6811