Rating
A rating is an authorization included in or associated with a pilot licence that defines the scope of privileges beyond the basic licence. Ratings expand what a pilot is legally permitted to fly or how they may operate.
Common Ratings in Canada
- Night Rating: Authorizes VFR flight at night; requires 10 hours night flight
- Instrument Rating (Group 1, 2, 3): Authorizes IFR flight in specified aircraft categories
- Multi-Engine Rating: Authorizes operation of multi-engine aircraft
- Seaplane Rating: Authorizes operation on water
- Class 1/2/3/4 Flight Instructor Rating: Authorizes flight instruction at various levels
- Float Rating: Part of seaplane endorsement
Currency Requirements
Many ratings have currency requirements beyond the initial qualification. The instrument rating requires 6 instrument approaches and 6 hours under the hood in the preceding 6 months. Night rating requires no specific currency check but logbook hours should support proficiency.