*Note that the VFR over-the-top rating is included in the Commercial Pilot Licence program. This is not a separate program. 

Successful completion of the VFR On-the-top (VFR OTT) Rating Program leads to eligibility for a VFR OTT Rating issued by Transport Canada, and the issuance of a Certificate of Qualification—VFR On-the-top Rating by Acadia College.  The holder of a VFR OTT Rating may conduct flight above cloud where the ground is not visible in accordance with Section 602.611 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.  Credit for the VFR OTT rating may be transferred to Commercial Pilot Program.

CAR 602.611 states that an aircraft may be operated in VFR OTT flight during the cruise portion of the flight during the day if

• • the aircraft is operated at a vertical distance from cloud of at least 1,000 feet;

  • where the aircraft is operated between two cloud layers, the vertical distance between the layers is at least 5,000 feet;

  • flight visibility at the cruising altitude of the aircraft is at least five miles; and

  • the weather at the aerodrome of destination is forecast to have no broken, overcast or obscured layer lower than 3,000 feet above the planned flight altitude and the ground visibility is forecast to be five miles or greater with no thunderstorms or precipitation

    • • where the forecast is an aerodrome forecast (TAF), for the period from one hour before to two hours after the estimated time of arrival, using the worst forecast condition together with any of the references TEMPO (temporary fluctuation), BECMG (becoming) or PROB (probability), and

      • where an aerodrome forecast (TAF) is not available and the forecast is an area forecast (FA), for the period from one hour before to three hours after the estimated time of arrival.