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Aeroplane and Equipment Requirements

The initial flight test for the Instrument Rating may be conducted in an aeroplane or in a full-flight simulator (FFS) meeting the requirements stated in this section. The flight test for the renewal of the Instrument Rating may be conducted in an aeroplane, in a full-flight simulator or in a flight training device (FTD) meeting the requirements stated in this section.

Aeroplane

An aeroplane to be used for an Instrument Rating flight test will have a valid and current Canadian or Foreign Flight Authority in accordance with CAR 507 and meet the following requirements:

  1. be type-approved for IFR flight operations in the AFM/POH or AFM/POH Supplement (CAR 602.07 – Aircraft Operating Limitations);
     
  2. be equipped with sufficient navigational equipment to meet the requirements of CAR 605.18 – Power-driven Aircraft – IFR;
     
  3. be equipped in accordance with CAR 425.23 - Training Aircraft Requirements, Subsections (1), (2) and (7) of the Personnel Licensing Standards with the exception that aeroplanes equipped with an electronic primary flight display are exempt from the requirements of Paragraphs 425.23(1)(b).
       
  4. GPS equipment must be an approved installation that at least meets TSO C129 requirements for the RNAV(GNSS) approach or any other function, such as use in lieu of a DME or an NDB. For the LPV approach, the GPS must be an approved installation that meets TSO C145a/C146a (WAAS Class 2 or 3). Databases for GPS or FMS units in aeroplanes must be current and up to date;
     
  5. where an observer’s seat is occupied by an examiner, it will:
     
    1. be equipped with a safety harness installed in accordance with the Airworthiness Standards;
       
    2. be located to permit an unobstructed view of the aircraft instruments, radios and navigation equipment; and
       
    3. be equipped to monitor intercom and air to ground and air to air radio communications.

Flight Simulation Training Device

General

  1. Any flight simulation training device used for pilot testing, pursuant to Part IV of the Canadian Aviation Regulations, shall be approved in accordance with CAR 606.03.
     
  2. The examiner must either be trained in the use of the device or must monitor the candidate’s performance while an individual, that has been trained, operates the device in accordance with an agreed-upon script.
       
  3. A flight test in a flight simulation training device will include all portions of a flight as conducted in an aeroplane, i.e. normal engine start, taxi, takeoff, landing, taxi to parking and shutdown.  Even though these items are not assessed as flight test items, they must be conducted in a safe manner.
     
  4. The pilot seats will only be occupied by the required crewmembers. In the case of a single-pilot aircraft, that would be the candidate only.

Full Flight Simulator (FFS)

A full-flight simulator used for the Instrument Rating flight test shall be a Level A or higher FFS approved in accordance with the Aeroplane and Rotorcraft Simulator Manual (TP 9685). The pilot seats will only be occupied by the required crewmembers. In the case of a single-pilot aeroplane, that would be the candidate only.

Flight Training Device (FTD) (Instrument Rating Renewals only)

An FTD used for a Group 1, 2 or 3 Instrument Rating renewal flight test shall be a minimum level 2 aeroplane FTD with the following enhancements:

  1. An enclosed cockpit environment, which will have actuation of controls and switches that replicate those in the aeroplane or be representative of a single set of aeroplanes;
     
  2. Crew seats shall have sufficient adjustments to allow the occupant to achieve the design eye reference position appropriate to the aircraft and for the visual system to be installed to align with that eye position;
     
  3. A generic ground handling model that enables representative flare and touch down effects to be produced by the sound and visual systems;
     
  4. Installed systems must simulate the applicable aeroplane system operation. Systems shall be operative to the extent that it shall be possible to perform all normal, abnormal and emergency operations as may be appropriate for the aeroplane during the flight test. Flight and navigation controls, displays and instrumentation must be as set out in CAR 605.18 for IFR operations;
     
  5. The instructor’s station must have the capability to introduce failures on all required systems. Once activated, proper system operation must result from system management by the crew member and not require any further input from the instructor’s controls;
     
  6. Control forces and control travels which respond in the same manner under the same flight conditions as in the aeroplane or set of aeroplanes being simulated;
     
  7. Aerodynamic modeling shall reflect a rolling movement due to yawing;
     
  8. Communication equipment (intercom and air/ground) corresponding to that installed in the replicated aeroplane or set of aeroplanes;
     
  9. Significant cockpit sounds, responding to pilot actions, that correspond to the aeroplane or set of aeroplanes being simulated;
     
  10. A visual system (night/dusk or day), that provides an out-of-the-cockpit view, providing cross-cockpit viewing for the pilot occupying the left seat of a minimum field of view of 150° horizontally and 30° vertically, unless restricted by the type of aeroplane, including adjustable cloud base and visibility; and
     
  11. The visual system need not be collimated. The responses of the visual system and the flight deck instruments to control inputs shall be closely coupled to provide the necessary cues.

Other Equipment

The candidate will supply the following publications and ancillary equipment:

  1. Where the test is conducted in an aircraft, an effective means of excluding outside visual reference to simulate instrument flight conditions, while maintaining a safe level of visibility for the examiner or safety pilot.
     
  2. Appropriate and current electronic data bases, and officially recognized enroute, terminal and approach charts for the area where the flight test is to occur and, if the test is conducted in Canada, a current Canada Flight Supplement.

Note: In a flight simulation training device, when electronic databases have not yet been updated, the deficiency must be recorded and deferred. The matching charts must be retained until the deficiency has been rectified. Deficiencies must be rectified prior to the annual recertification of the device.

Date modified:
2011-02-25