Instrument Flight Rules - Multi Engine (M-IFR)

The Instrument Flight Rules - Multi Engine (M-IFR) Rating allows pilots to fly a multi-engine aircraft in lower visibility conditions and through cloud, when operating in accordance with an IFR flight plan. The Ottawa International Airport offers a busy IFR environment to learn the skills to operate in any airspace. With precision and non-precision approaches available, students don't have to go far to find the approaches and navigation aids required for training. The Ottawa Flight College also offers training for single-engine instrument ratings.

One of the biggest benefits of IFR training at the Ottawa Flight College is the experience gained in actual Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). When weather permits, M-IFR training flights will take place in IMC conditions, rather than under a hood. This experience is priceless when students first fly in actual IMC without an instructor. Other schools do not train in IMC conditions so students graduate without any real experience in the environment they will be operating in. At the Ottawa Flight College, we ensure students are job ready by providing training that builds confidence and experience in real-life conditions.

Admission

Prior to commencing training, students must hold a Private or Commercial Pilot License endorsed with a Multi-engine rating (Type Class SMEL) with a valid Class 3 or higher Medical Certificate. Students must also have 50 hours of cross-country flight as pilot in command.

To apply, fill out the student application form and submit it to the CFI.

Program of Study

Flight Training

The flight training will take place in a multi-engine Beechcraft Model 76 Duchess aircraft. The training will exceed the following minimum Transport Canada standards:

1. 50 hours of cross-country flight as pilot-in-command (part of the admission requirements); and
2. 40 hours of instrument time of which a maximum of 20 hours may be instrument ground time. The 40 hours instrument time shall include a minimum of:
   1. 5 hours of dual instrument flight with a flight instructor;
   2. 5 hours dual instrument time in the aircraft
   3. Fifteen (15) hours of dual instrument flight time provided by a qualified person*
   4. One dual cross-country flight under simulated or actual IMC conditions of a minimum of 100 nautical miles, the flight to be conducted in accordance with an IFR flight plan to include at, two different locations, an instrument approach to minima.

In order to meet or exceed the minimum hour requirements for someone starting the rating with a PPL and a multi-engine endorsement, the OFC flight training portion of the program will cover:

• 15 to 20 hours in the Ottawa Flight College’s flight simulator;
• 15 to 20 hours of flight time in our Beechcraft Duchess aircraft (includes the 100 nm dual cross-country)**;
• 1.5 hours solo time on Beechcraft Duchess for the flight test.

For someone starting the rating with a CPL and a multi-engine endorsement, the OFC flight training portion of the program will cover:

• 10 to 15 hours in Ottawa Flight College’s flight simulator;
• 0 to 15 hours of flight time in our Beechcraft Duchess aircraft (includes the 100 nm dual cross-country);
• 1.5 hours solo time on a Beechcraft Duchess for the flight test.

* All training is completed with a flight instructor holding a current group 1 instrument rating.
** The 100 nm dual cross country may be conducted in an IFR certified Cessna 172.

Ground School

The ground school component of the program is common with the Single-Engine IFR program and prepares the students to write the Instrument Rating (INRAT) exam. The course covers the following subjects:

1. Canadian Aviation Regulations;
2. Instrument Flight Rules and Procedures;
3. Meteorology;
4. Instruments;
5. Radio and Radar systems; and
6. Navigation.

The ground school classes are scheduled annually but can be held more often if there is sufficient student demand.

Graduation

Students graduate from the program once they have been awarded a Transport Canada Instrument Rating - Group 1.

Each May at the annual Wings Dinner, a graduation certificate is issued to each candidate who completes the M-IFR Program. Also the Chief Flying Instructor’s award is presented to the candidate with the highest academic performance for their written and flight skills.

Fees