Flight Training on Unique Aircraft in Canada

Flight Training on Unique Aircraft Does Not Always Require a Flight Instructor

When pilots hear the words “flight training,” they often assume the training must always be completed with a licensed flight instructor.

That is not necessarily the case in Canada.

A qualified flight instructor is required for many types of formal training, including training toward certain licences, permits, ratings, flight reviews, and recency requirements. However, depending on the pilot, aircraft and purpose of the flight, some training or aircraft familiarization may be completed with another suitably qualified and experienced pilot.

This can be especially important when purchasing or transitioning to a rare, vintage, amateur-built or otherwise unique aircraft.

Why unique aircraft can create a challenge

Finding an instructor with meaningful experience on a common aircraft such as a Cessna 172 or Piper Cherokee is usually possible.

The situation can be much different when a pilot buys an aircraft such as:

- A rare tailwheel aircraft

- An amateur-built or homebuilt aircraft

- A vintage aircraft

- A specialized floatplane

- A warbird

- An aircraft with unusual systems or handling characteristics

- An aircraft located in a remote community

A flight instructor may be legally qualified to provide instruction in the category and class, but may have little or no experience on that specific aircraft.

Meanwhile, the previous owner or another commercial pilot may have hundreds of hours on the exact make and model. In the right circumstances, that experience can be extremely valuable.

Canadian flight-training rules provide some flexibility

Transport Canada’s flight-training standards recognize that not every person who provides training must hold a traditional flight instructor rating.

The qualifications depend on the type and purpose of the training. For example, certain training toward a landplane or seaplane class rating may be conducted by the holder of a Commercial Pilot Licence or Airline Transport Pilot Licence who has the required experience.

Training toward an aircraft type rating may also be conducted by a properly qualified commercial or airline transport pilot who meets the applicable category, class and aircraft experience requirements.

Instrument training can similarly be provided in certain circumstances by a commercial or airline transport pilot who holds an instrument rating and meets the required experience thresholds.

The exact requirements are contained in "Standard 425.21 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations" (https://tc.canada.ca/en/corporate-services/acts-regulations/list-regulations/canadian-aviation-regulations-sor-96-433/standards/standard-425-flight-training-canadian-aviation-regulations-cars).

This does not mean that any experienced private pilot can provide formal flight training or sign off a licensing requirement. It means that the regulations contain specific situations in which a properly qualified commercial or airline transport pilot may conduct training without holding a traditional flight instructor rating.

Training and aircraft familiarization are not always the same thing

It is important to separate formal flight training from aircraft familiarization or an insurance checkout.

Formal training may be completed toward a new licence, permit, rating, flight review or recency requirement. That training must be completed by someone who meets the applicable regulatory qualifications.

Aircraft familiarization is different. A licensed pilot who is already legally qualified to fly the category and class may want help learning the systems, procedures and handling characteristics of a particular aircraft.

For example, the previous owner may be able to explain:

- Starting procedures

- Fuel-system operation

- Aircraft-specific speeds

- Engine-management techniques

- Landing characteristics

- Common maintenance concerns

- Unusual systems or controls

- Procedures that have proven effective in that aircraft

On a rare aircraft, someone with extensive make-and-model experience may provide knowledge that is difficult to find elsewhere.

That does not automatically make the person a qualified flight instructor or allow the pilot receiving the training to log the flight as dual instruction. The qualifications of both pilots, their roles during the flight and the purpose of the training must be considered.

The insurance company must also approve the arrangement

Meeting the Canadian Aviation Regulations does not automatically mean the flight satisfies the aircraft insurance policy.

An insurance company may require:

- A specific number of hours on the make and model

- A checkout from a qualified flight instructor

- Training from a commercial pilot approved by the insurer

- Training from the previous owner

- A specified amount of dual flight time

- Solo time before passengers may be carried

- Written approval of the training pilot

For a rare or unique aircraft, the insurer may be willing to approve a commercial pilot, previous owner or another highly experienced pilot when a flight instructor with relevant make-and-model experience is unavailable.

That approval should always be obtained in writing before the training begins.

The most experienced person may sometimes be the best choice

A flight instructor rating is extremely valuable, but experience on the actual aircraft also matters.

If a pilot is transitioning to an unusual aircraft, the best solution may involve both:

- A qualified instructor who understands teaching, regulations and pilot decision-making

- An experienced aircraft owner or commercial pilot who understands the specific make and model

The goal should not be to avoid using a flight instructor. The goal should be to find the safest and most relevant person for the training while meeting all regulatory and insurance requirements.

Questions to ask before beginning

Before arranging training or a checkout on a unique aircraft, ask:

- Am I legally qualified and current to fly this category and class?

- Is this formal training toward a licence, rating, review or recency requirement?

- Does the person providing the training meet Transport Canada’s requirements?

- Who will act as pilot-in-command?

- Can the flight time legally be recorded as dual instruction?

- Has the insurance company approved the pilot providing the training?

- Does the policy require a specific checkout or number of hours?

- Do I have the insurer’s approval in writing?

Do not assume that an experienced pilot is automatically qualified to provide formal training. At the same time, do not assume that a traditional flight instructor is the only possible option in every situation.

Find the right person for the aircraft

Unique aircraft often require unique solutions.

An experienced commercial pilot, the previous owner or another pilot with substantial time on the make and model may sometimes assist with training or familiarization. The correct arrangement will depend on the pilot’s licence, the purpose of the training, Transport Canada’s requirements and the insurance policy.

Before beginning, speak with a qualified aviation professional and your insurance broker. A short conversation beforehand can prevent problems with pilot qualifications, logged flight time or insurance coverage later.

For help reviewing the pilot requirements or training conditions for an aircraft insurance policy, visit "Covalen Aviation Insurance" (https://covalen.ca/en/aviation_insurance_quote).

This article provides general information only. Flight-training requirements vary according to the licence, rating, aircraft and intended operation. Always confirm the current Canadian Aviation Regulations and obtain written approval from the applicable insurer before beginning training.

About the author

Caleb Winterburn is a commercial airplane and helicopter pilot who has specialized in aviation insurance for nearly two decades. He has helped arrange more than 22,000 aircraft insurance policies and works with pilots, aircraft owners, flying clubs and aviation businesses across Canada.