VFR Over The Top Rating

A VFR Over-The-Top Rating allows pilots to fly over a layer of cloud as long as they keep 1,000 feet vertical clearance from cloud, maintain at least 5 miles visibility and there is 5,000 feet vertical clearance between cloud layers. If flying under “VFR OTT rules” the destination aerodrome must not have a forecast of precipitation, fog, thunderstorms or blowing snow during 1 hour before and 2 hours after your ETA using a Terminal Area Forecast or; 1 hour before and 3 hours after your ETA using a Graphical Area Forecast.  If flying under VFR OTT rules the aircraft must be equipped in accordance with CAR 605.15.

The “Enrolment“ page will guide you in starting your training program and provide you with a list of ground school supplies required for the course.

Requirements

An applicant for a VFR OTT rating shall complete a minimum of 15 hours dual instrument time of which a maximum of 5 hours may be instrument ground time. Training shall be in accordance with the Transport Canada Flight Instructor Guide - VFR Over-the-Top Rating.

Commercial pilots will normally require 5 hours training since they have acquired 10 hours of instrument training during their CPL-H training.

Private pilots will normally require 10 hours of training since they have acquired 5 hours of instrument training during their PPL-H training.

Holders of an Instrument Rating in any aircraft category may have the VFR OTT Rating added to their licence on request to their Regional Personnel Licensing office of Transport Canada.

Cost:

VFR Over-The-Top instrument training is offered at $795 per hour using the Robinson R44.

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