VFR Over-The-Top Rating

Flying VFR Over-The-Top (OTT) means flying with visual reference to a layer of cloud instead of the earth's surface. This type of VFR flying has many advantages, but it also presents many challenges: instrument flying, radio navigation, weather reports and forecasts. The flight training for the VFR OTT rating includes the instrument flying elements of the commercial licence, and requires a total of 15 hours Instrument Training. Any instrument training time gained on the Private Pilot or Night Rating course can be credited.

The VFR OTT rating can be applied to a Private Pilot Licence-Aeroplanes, and to Private, Commercial, and Airline Transport Pilot Licence-Helicopter. Those holding a Commercial Pilot Licence-Aeroplanes, or an Instrument Rating will automatically be granted the VFR OTT privilege.

The ground portion of the training for the rating will include a general review of Canadian Airspace, weather requirements for VFR OTT flight, interpreting and applying weather products, instrument flying techniques, operation of ADF, VOR and GPS navigation systems.

The rating is awarded by Transport Canada on the recommendation of the Instructor, who must certify that all requirements have been met. There is no flight or ground exam.

The following cost breakdown has been provided assuming the applicant begins training with a bare Private Licence and 5 hrs total instrument time. Cost may also vary depending on the price of fuel.