Written by AI from public information on 2026-10-26. Fees and rules change and vary by province — confirm with the official body before relying on anything here.
Typical cost
about CA$6,000 to CA$12,000
an estimate in Canadian dollars
Time to earn it
about 2 to 4 months
Issued by Transport Canada
Required to start: Teaching flying needs the Transport Canada flight instructor rating.
About
This rating lets you train student pilots and give flight instruction in aeroplanes. Without it, you cannot legally teach flying, even if you are an experienced pilot.
It is added to a pilot licence you already hold. Most people who earn it want to become a flight instructor at a flying school or flight training unit. Many new commercial pilots start their careers this way because it lets them build flying experience while being paid to teach.
How to get it
Hold the right pilot licence
You need a commercial pilot licence for aeroplanes and a valid medical certificate. You must also meet the flying experience that Transport Canada requires before you start the rating.
Complete instructor training
Take a flight instructor course at an approved flight training unit. You will study how to teach, how to plan lessons and how to explain flying skills clearly to students.
Pass the written exam
Study the required material and write the Transport Canada exam for the instructor rating. It tests your knowledge of flight instruction and the rules that apply to it.
Pass the flight test
Complete a flight test with a Transport Canada flight test examiner. You will show that you can teach flying manoeuvres in the air and explain them well on the ground.
Receive your rating
Once you pass, Transport Canada adds the flight instructor rating to your licence. You can then begin working as a flight instructor, usually under the supervision of a senior instructor at first.
The exam
There is a written exam and a flight test. The written exam checks what you know about teaching and the rules for instruction. The flight test is done in an aeroplane with an examiner. You will teach a lesson in the air and show that you can fly safely and explain clearly.
Careers that mention it
No Canadian career on the site names this yet.
Keeping it
The rating must be kept current. Transport Canada requires instructors to show recent flying and teaching activity, or to take an update or refresher, to keep the privileges of the rating. You must also keep your medical certificate valid. Check with your flight training unit or Transport Canada for the exact requirements that apply to you.