The instrument rating allows a pilot to fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), for example when cloud layers obscure the pilot’s view of the ground. An instrument-rated pilot is able to fly and maintain situational awareness strictly by using instruments and avionics. This rating is one of the more complex ratings and is a major step toward earning more advanced licences such as an airline transport pilot licence. It can be added to any aeroplane or helicopter licence and is a requirement for the issue of an Airline Transport Pilot Licence.

The rating may only be exercised for aircraft in the group endorsed. An instrument rating is often combined with other ratings to form a set of piloting privileges. For example, the multi-engine rating is required in addition to an instrument rating to fly a multi-engined aircraft under instrument flight rules.

VFR-Over-the-Top privileges are included in an instrument rating.

The requirements for an instrument rating are the same for both a private pilot licence—aeroplane and a private pilot licence—helicopter. Helicopters certified for IFR operations are generally complex multi-crew and multi-engine aircraft, so a helicopter instrument rating is generally issued in conjunction with other ratings.

Transport Canada issues distinct instrument ratings for each of the following four groups of aircraft types dependent upon the nature of the training for the instrument rating and the associated flight test.

Group 1 for multi-engine aeroplanes

Group 2 for multi-engine centre line thrust aeroplanes

Group 3 for single engine aeroplanes

Group 4 for helicopters