The ground instruction requirements outlined by Transport Canada in the CARs state that you must complete a minimum 25 hour Instructor Rating ground school which includes instruction on the following topics:

• practical application of the basic principles of learning and techniques of instruction;
• preparation and use of lesson plans;
• procedures for planning and presenting preparatory ground instruction, pre-flight briefings, in-flight instruction, and post-flight debriefings;
• theory of flight required to teach the air exercises;
• aircraft flight manuals and aircraft operating limits;
• presentation of pilot decision-making concepts; and
• the use of the Transport Canada Flight Instructor Guide, Flight Training Manual, Canadian Aviation Regulations, Part IV and the appropriate Flight Test schedules and guides.
  (amended 2012/02/19)

Your understanding of these topics is assessed using a, multiple choice, written exam. The exam is called the Flight Instructor Rating - Aeroplane Class 4 (AIRAF). 

The examination, requirements, and knowledge areas are outlined in TP15219 - Study and Reference Guide for Written Examinations for the Flight Instructor Rating - Aeroplane

The study and reference guide outlines four subject, with multiple sub categories, that are considered essential background knowledge for obtaining your Flight Instructor Rating.

The four knowledge areas are:

1. Air Law
2. Fundamentals of Instructing
3. Aeronautical Subjects
4. Flight Test Standards

To be eligible to write the AIRAF exam you must:

• Complete a minimum of 25 hours of ground school,
• Complete a minimum of 15 hours of dual flight instruction,
• Obtain (and maintain) a category 1 medical certificate,
• Obtain a recommendation letter from the holder of a Class 1 Flight Instructor Rating - Aeroplane

The pass mark for the exam is 70% However, 70% must also be achieved in each of the individual knowledge areas to be successful. 

 The flight instruction requirements outlined by Transport Canada in the CARs state that you must complete a minimum of 30 hours of dual flight instruction with the holder of a Class 1 Flight Instructor Rating. 

The minimum of 30 hours of dual flight instruction are focused on overall pilot proficiency and the presentation of all exercises set forth in the Flight Instructor Guide and shall include a minimum of 5 hours of training in the teaching of instrument flight skills. 

A maximum 5 of the 30 hours may be conducted on an approved aeroplane simulator or flight training device. 

 Your proficiency in the Aeroplane is evaluated during a flight test. This flight test may be completed after 100% of the required dual flight hours are complete and the written exam is complete. 

You will be required to obtain a letter of recommendation from a Class 1 flight instructor to attempt the flight test.

Additional information can be found in TP5537 - Flight Test Guide - Flight Instructor Rating - Aeroplane

To obtain your Commercial Pilots License - Aeroplane , the pre-requisite for the Flight Instructor Rating, you must be 18 years of age.

You must complete your CPL Flight Test prior to commencing the Flight Instructor Ground School.

You must have obtained your CPL License prior to commencing the Flight Instructor Dual Flight Training.

Find a Civil Aviation Medical Examiner near you and make an appointment.

If you have not already, renew your Category 1 Medical Exam to validate your CPL.*

*Ensure that your Civil Aviation Medical Examiner knows that you already hold a medical so they do not accidentally apply for a new medical number. This will delay the process.

Work with your Class 1 Flight Instructor to complete all of the requirements for licensing.

Successfully complete your Ground School, Dual Flight Instruction, Written Exam, and Flight Test.

Safely and proudly explore all the employability options aviation has to offer as a safe, professional Flight Instructor!