Night Rating Program
Fly After Sunset
Master the Skies, Even After Dark
Night Rating Program Start Your Career with at Air Pockets Adventures
Our Night Rating Program at Air Pockets Adventures equips pilots with the advanced skills needed to safely operate aircraft in night conditions. Designed for both aspiring commercial pilots and passionate private flyers, this rating allows you to fly between sunset and sunrise under VFR (Visual Flight Rules). Training at our Southern Alberta facility means you’ll experience diverse environments and real-world scenarios. Guided by seasoned instructors, including our CFI Jack Paquette (25,000+ flying hours), you’ll receive personalized training that meets Transport Canada standards. From ground theory to dual and solo night flying, we ensure you are confident and competent in night-time operations. This rating not only enhances your skills but also increases safety, versatility, and value in your aviation journey.
Our Night rating program includes :
- Fly in diverse Western Prairie night conditions
- Learn under a TC-authorized examiner with 25,000+ hours of flying
- Real-world instruction based on Transport Canada syllabus
- Dual and solo night flying experience
- Advanced navigational and situational awareness skills
- Complete integration with your PPL or CPL training path
Night Rating Requirements
- Hold a valid Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
- Valid Category 3 or 1 Medical Certificate
- Minimum of 5 hours night flight time, including:
- 2 hours dual cross-country
- 5 takeoffs and landings solo at night
- Completion of Transport Canada knowledge and practical standards
Benefits of the Night Rating
- Extend your flying hours legally and safely
- Boost visibility and employability in commercial aviation
- Enhance pilot confidence and readiness
- Meets insurance and advanced licence requirements
- Seamlessly integrates with CPL and IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) paths
- Opens opportunities for ferry and time-building flights
At Air Pockets Adventures, the Night Rating isn’t just a certification—it’s a critical skill set that empowers you to fly with greater flexibility and confidence. Our seasoned instructors, real-world training environments, and Transport Canada-compliant program structure ensure that you’re ready for every night flight. Whether you’re working toward your commercial goals or expanding your personal flying privileges, night flying with Air Pockets prepares you for the skies—no matter the time of day.
Our Training Programs
- Ground Schools
- Student Pilot Permit (SPP)
- Private Pilot License (PPL)
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
- Ratings
- Night Rating
- Instrument Rating
- Instructor Rating
Contact Us
The Path to Becoming a Professional Pilot
4-Step Process to Obtain Your Night Rating
Begin Ground Training
Start your night flying journey with focused theory sessions on navigation, lighting, and safety protocols.
Master Night Flights
Log dual and solo night flying hours with certified instructors to gain confidence in dark-sky operations.
Pass Flight Test
Showcase your night flying skills during the final Transport Canada-approved check with a certified examiner.
Earn Your Rating
Once requirements are fulfilled, officially receive your Transport Canada-approved Night Rating certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Night Rating allows Private Pilot Licence (PPL) holders to fly during night hours under visual flight rules (VFR), significantly enhancing flight flexibility and real-world capability.
To earn a Night Rating, you must hold a valid Private Pilot Licence and complete a minimum of 10 hours of night flying, including 5 hours of dual instruction and 5 solo takeoffs and landings.
Yes, once you have obtained your Private Pilot Licence, you can begin your Night Rating training right away with a certified flight school like Air Pockets Adventures.
Ground school is not mandatory, but some classroom or briefing sessions are included to ensure you understand night flying operations, navigation, and safety protocols.
Air Pockets Adventures offers expert instruction, real-world weather conditions in the Western Prairies, and flexible training schedules—making it ideal for both local and international students.
Real Success Stories from Our Students
Trusted Training for Future Pilots
Hear directly from our successful graduates and aviation enthusiasts who experienced top-tier training at Air Pockets Adventures. Our unique approach and expert instructors have helped students achieve their dreams of becoming skilled and confident pilots in the diverse conditions of Southern Alberta.
Jack prepared me well for my flight test which I aced at the first attempt. Now I got my Private Pilot Licence, I was so happy to bring my family up so that they can enjoy flying too. I will definitely continue my training here towards night and instrument ratings!
Jeremy
Many thanks to Air Pockets Adventures and personally Jack for making my dream come true! I was able to solo after just 13 hours of flight training and complete my entire PPL within 45 hours as per Transport Canada requirements. Unlike some other places, Jack's primary focus is to get you flying, successfully graduate and make you an ultimately safe and proficient pilot within minimum time required!
Roman G
Take Off With Professional Training & Flexible Aircraft Rentals with Air Pocketsin Alberta
At Air Pocket Adventures you will not be taught the bare bones needed to pass a flight test, you will be taught the skills to make you an adept lifetime pilot, whether or not you intend to pursue more than a private licence. This does not mean that training will take longer than is necessary, apply yourself and Jack will have you ready for your ride within the minimum hours. A huge thank you to him and Sherry for helping me complete my longtime goal of acquiring my PPL and having me on my way to my CPL as well.
Veronica S PPL Student