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Flight Test

A candidate who holds a valid Pilot Licence, including a valid flight crew licence or rating issued by a contracting state or a Canadian military flight crew permit, licence or rating, may exercise the privileges of an Instrument Rating for the sole purpose of the candidate’s Instrument Rating flight test.

Flight tests are conducted when weather conditions do not present a hazard to the operation of the aircraft, the aircraft is airworthy and the candidate’s and the aircraft’s documents are valid, as required by the Canadian Aviation Regulations. It is the sole responsibility of the examiner to make the final decision as to whether or not all or any portion of the flight test may be conducted.
Whenever practicable, flight tests for the Instrument Rating should be conducted in accordance with a filed IFR flight plan. The direct interaction between the candidate and ATS in an IFR controlled environment makes the test more realistic.
Suitable radio navigation facilities must be available to complete the flight test.

The candidate is expected to utilize an installed autopilot and/or flight management system (FMS) during the instrument flight test to assist in the management of the aircraft. The examiner is expected to test the candidate’s knowledge of the systems that are installed and operative during the oral and flight portions of the test. The candidate will be required to demonstrate the use of the autopilot and/or FMS during one of the non-precision approaches. The candidate is expected to demonstrate satisfactory automation management skills. Although autopilots may be used during the flight test, at least one of the approaches will be hand-flown during the flight test for the initial qualification.

All of the required flight test items on the flight test report must be completed and the minimum pass mark for the Instrument Rating flight test of 39 (60%) must be achieved.

Ground flight test items are items 1A, 1B and 2.

Air flight test items are those items, tasks or manoeuvres performed directly with the aircraft, including emergency procedures.
Ground flight test items will be assessed before the flight portion of the flight test.

Where the test is conducted in a flight simulation training device, all segments will be conducted, as they would normally be performed in an aeroplane.

Date modified:
2011-02-23