Instrument Rating – Program Requirements

(1) General
An instrument rating is issued for aircraft in one of the following groups:
(a) Group 1 for all aeroplanes where the flight test was conducted in a multi-engine aeroplane,
(b) Group 2 for multi-engine centre line thrust and single engine aeroplanes where the flight test was conducted in a multi-engine centre line thrust aeroplane,
(c) Group 3 for single engine aeroplanes where the flight test was conducted in a single engine aeroplane, and
(d) Group 4 for helicopters where the flight test was conducted in a helicopter.

(2) Requirements
(a) Knowledge
An applicant shall have obtained a minimum of 70% on the written examination Instrument Rating (INRAT) which shall include the following subjects:
(i) Canadian Aviation Regulations;
(ii) Instrument Flight Rules and Procedures;
(iii) Meteorology;
(iv) Instruments;
(v) Radio and Radar systems; and
(vi) Navigation.
(b) Experience
An applicant shall have completed a minimum of:
(i) 50 hours of cross-country flight as pilot-in-command in aeroplanes or helicopters of which 10 hours must be in the appropriate category; and
(ii) 40 hours of instrument time of which a maximum of 20 hours may be instrument ground time. The 40 hours instrument time shall include a minimum of:
(A) 5 hours of dual instrument flight time acquired from the holder of a flight instructor rating ,
(B) 5 hours in aeroplanes where the applicant is applying for a Group 1, 2 or 3 instrument rating or in helicopters where the applicant is applying for a Group 4 instrument rating,
(C) Fifteen (15) hours of dual instrument flight time provided by a qualified person as specified in section 425.21(9); and
(D) one dual cross-country flight under simulated or actual IMC conditions of a minimum of 100 nautical miles, the flight to be conducted in accordance with an IFR flight plan to include at, two different locations, an instrument approach to minima.

(c) Skill
(i) Subject to paragraph (ii), an applicant shall successfully complete:
(A) a flight test as pilot-in-command of an aeroplane or helicopter, in accordance with Schedule 8 “Flight Test for the Issuance or Renewal of an Instrument Rating” of Standard 428 — Conduct of Flight Tests, or
(B) a Pilot Proficiency Check (PPC) for operations under IFR in accordance with Part VI or Part VII , as applicable.
(ii) An applicant who successfully completes a Line Operational Evaluation (LOE) from an approved Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) is deemed to have met the requirement of clause (B).