Night Rating

Flying at night must be one of the aviator's great rewards, other than the act of flight itself. The air is still, the flight is smooth, and the views are wondrous. It is a rare pilot who would not admit to feeling just a little bit special when enjoying this kind of flying. However, before the pilot can fully enjoy this type of flight, extra skills and training are required. Because darkness hides clouds and obstructions, Night Flying relies heavily on Instrument Flying skills, and additional cross-country training.

The Night Rating can be applied to a Private Pilot License, and is normally included in the training for a Commercial Pilot License. An applicant for night rating shall have acquired in airplanes a minimum of 20 hours of pilot flight time which shall include a minimum of: 10 hours night, 5 hours minimum night dual, including a 2-hour cross-country, 5 hours minimum night solo and 10 hours dual instrument time.

There is no stated Ground School requirement, but the essential background knowledge is required, and usually presented in a classroom environment.

There is no flight test or ground exam. The rating is awarded by Transport Canada on the recommendation of the instructor who certifies that all requirements have been met, and that the applicant has reached the level of skill specified in the regulations set out by Transport Canada.