Group 1 Instrument Rating.
A Group 1 Instrument Rating in Canada permits a pilot to operate multi-engine aeroplanes under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), allowing flight in instrument meteorological conditions using cockpit instruments rather than outside visual references. This rating also includes the privileges of Group 2 and Group 3 instrument ratings, meaning the holder can fly both single and multi-engine aircraft under IFR. It is essential for pilots pursuing careers in commercial aviation, especially those aiming to work for airlines or charter operations, and is a requirement for obtaining an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).
Requirements as per CAR 421.47 Subpart 2
Knowledge
a) 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.
Skill
b) An applicant shall have completed a minimum of:
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(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
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(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:
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(A) 5 hours of dual instrument flight time acquired from the holder of a flight instructor rating
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(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,
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(C) Fifteen (15) hours of dual instrument flight time provided by a qualified person as specified in section 425.21(9);
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(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.
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Group 3 Instrument Rating
​​The requirements for the Group 3 Instrument Rating (Single-Engine IFR) are the same as the above, however the difference is the type of aircraft you complete your Instrument Flight Test on will determine with Group Instrument Rating you will hold. The difference in the standards of the flight test can be found in the Flight Test Guide Group 1, , 2, & 3. ​​​​​​​​
*Approximate Cost
Flight Instruction
10 Hours Dual (C-172) $330/ Hour
$3300
43 Hours Solo (C-150) $195 / Hour
$8385
Flight Test Examiner
INRAT Written Test
$500
$35
5 Hours Dual Pa-23 $490/ Hour
$2450
1 Hour Solo Pa-23 $400/ Hour
$400
Total $15,035 + HST
* These prices are based on the hours you have accumulated during your PPL and Night Rating training. This includes 5 hours of solo cross-country time from your PPL and 2 hours from your Night Rating. Additionally, the pricing reflects the assumed 5 hours of instrument time completed during your PPL and 10 hours from your Night Rating. Any solo cross-country time previously acquired will count toward the requirements outlined in CAR 421.47. Additionally these figures to the left do not include ground briefing charges as they also vary student to student. It’s important to note that each student progresses at their own pace and may require additional training time. At Island Air, our priority is to ensure you become the safest and most competent pilot possible, which may result in exceeding the minimum required hours.