Flight School - VFR OTT Rating

*Please note: Flight School is not in service during the Olympic period.
(January 29th to March 24th)

A VFR Over-the-Top Rating allows a Private Pilot the freedom to safely operate under visual conditions, on top of a layer of cloud without reference to the ground or water below. This training is included in the syllabus of the Commercial Pilot License. All pilots who hold a Commercial Pilot License, Airline Transport License, or Instrument Rating will automatically be granted the privileges of VFR Over-the-Top. Pilots using this rating must still takeoff, depart, approach, and land clear of cloud and with the ground or water in sight at all times. The benefit is during cruise flight where pilots normally limited to flight below cloud ceilings may now fly above solid cloud layers provided the destination meets minimum weather specifications. Because flight over a cloud layer without reference to the ground or water can present difficulty with navigation and situational awareness, the VFR Over-the-Top Rating requires specialized skills gained through additional instrument training.

Sea-to-Sky Air is authorized by Transport Canada to provide training towards a VFR Over-the-Top Rating. This training requires a minimum of 15 hours dual instrument flight time with a certified flight instructor. As you typically complete the Private Pilot License with a minimum 5 hours instrument flight time, there will be a requirement for a further 10 hours of instrument flying to be conducted with a certified flight instructor. This further instrument flight training will cover knowledge and operation of VOR, ADF, and GPS systems beyond what you may have learned during the Private Pilot License. Weather knowledge and interpretation will also be covered in detail as pilots must be able to determine suitable weather conditions for departure and arrival so they will not become stuck above a solid cloud layer in flight. When possible, an actual cross-country flight VFR Over-the-Top will be planned and executed at the discretion of the instructor. Upon satisfactory completion of the flight training, the flight instructor certifies that all requirements have been met and the student will be authorized for solo VFR OTT or VFR OTT flight with passengers. There is no written exam or flight test required although there is a fair amount of background knowledge required for flying VFR OTT which will be met through intensive ground briefings prior to each flight.

Squamish Airport is located within short flight time to obtain signals from the VORs of Pitt Meadows, Vancouver, Bellingham, and Victoria thus making it easy to practice VOR navigation. There are also numerous NDBs located in the same areas.

Prior to beginning training towards a VFR OTT Rating, the student must have successfully completed the Private Pilot License and hold at least a valid category 3 medical certificate.

The following cost estimate has been provided to assist those who are interested in pursuing a VFR Over-the-Top Rating and is based on 10 hours of instrument flight time. Although prices may vary slightly due to individual skill and local conditions, the following is a fairly accurate account of what is to be expected: