🛫 Everything You Need to Know About the AIRAF Flight Instructor Exam

Are you a pilot who’s completed flight school in Canada and looking to build your hours as a Flight Instructor?
If yes, then your next step is to pass the AIRAF (Flight Instructor Rating – Aeroplane) exam administered by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA).

The AIRAF exam is required for pilots who want to become a Class 4 Flight Instructor, the entry-level instructor rating that allows you to begin teaching students while building valuable PIC (Pilot-in-Command) hours toward your future ATPL.

🎥 Watch this quick video overview here:

Why Take the AIRAF Exam?

The AIRAF exam tests your ability not just to fly, but to teach.
As an instructor, your job is to transfer your flight knowledge to others while continuing to develop your own technical and communication skills.

Once you pass both the written exam and the instructor flight test, you’ll become a Class 4 Flight Instructor.
You can then progress through higher instructor classes as you gain experience:

• Class 4 → Entry level

• Class 3 → Intermediate instructor

• Class 2 → Senior instructor

• Class 1 → Supervising instructor

Each level increases your instructional privileges and your professional standing in aviation.

AIRAF Exam Overview

 
What Does the AIRAF Exam Cover?

To succeed, you’ll need strong knowledge in three main areas:

1. Air Law and Regulations

You must understand the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and your responsibilities as a flight instructor.

2. Flight Test Standards

Be familiar with the flight test standards for the Recreational, Private, and Commercial Pilot Licences.
You’ll need to teach your students according to these requirements.

3. Fundamentals of Instructing

This is the core of the AIRAF exam. It includes:
✅ The seven learning factors
✅ How to ask oral questions and assess answers
✅ Demonstration-performance teaching method
✅ Lesson planning and instructional techniques
✅ Recognizing learning rates and student differences
✅ Building effective instructor-student relationships
✅ Conducting pre- and post-flight briefings
✅ The checklist for good instruction

How to Prepare for the AIRAF Exam

Step 1: Study the Transport Canada Reference Guides
Review TCCA materials on air law, flight test standards, and instructional techniques.

👉 Visit: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/publications/study-reference-guide-written-examinations-flight-instructor-rating-aeroplane-tp-15219 

Step 2: Take a Structured Prep Course
Our AIRAF Exam Prep Course includes everything you need — lessons, quizzes, and mock exams to help you pass on your first attempt.

👉 Visit: https://courses.www.pilotdmello.com/airaf-flight-instructor-exam

Step 3: Write the Official Exam
You can book your written exam directly through Transport Canada’s scheduling system.

🗓 Reserve your exam here:
https://examens-aviation-exams.tc.canada.ca/en/schedule/step1/

What Happens If You Fail the Exam?

Transport Canada allows multiple attempts, but there are waiting periods:

• First failure: 14 days

• Second failure: 30 days

• Third failure and beyond: 30 days + an additional 30 days for each extra failure (up to 180 days)

That’s why it’s important to prepare thoroughly and aim to pass on the first try.

How Long Is the Result Valid?

Your AIRAF written exam is valid for 24 months.
You must complete your flight test and other requirements within that timeframe; otherwise, you’ll need to rewrite the exam.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a flight instructor is one of the most rewarding steps in your pilot career. It allows you to share your passion for aviation, refine your own flying skills, and accumulate the hours required for higher-level licences like the ATPL.

With proper preparation and the right study tools, you can confidently pass the AIRAF exam and start your journey as a certified flight instructor.

✈️ Start your AIRAF journey today:
https://courses.www.pilotdmello.com/airaf-flight-instructor-exam