IATRA Exam Prep and Ground School

Ready to move beyond your CPL and into two-crew, IFR, or cruise relief roles? This is the IATRA exam prep you need.

Preparing for the IATRA exam is a major milestone for any aspiring commercial pilot in Canada. Whether you’re pursuing a type rating, aiming to qualify as a cruise relief pilot, or progressing toward your airline transport licence, the IATRA is a requirement many pilots can’t skip. This online ground school gives you the tools to meet the IATRA requirements, understand Transport Canada standards, and master the material with clarity. With our focused exam prep, you’ll gain the confidence to not only write the IATRA exam, but to pass it the first time—and start flying in real-world, multi-crew environments.

What Is the IATRA Exam and Who Needs It?

If you’re aiming to operate larger, faster aircraft in Canada—particularly as part of a two crew flight deck or in a cruise relief pilot role—you’ll likely need to pass the IATRA exam. But what is the IATRA, exactly?

The IATRA is a Transport Canada written exam that evaluates your readiness for more complex, multi-crew operations. It bridges the gap between a CPL and full ATPL privileges, assessing knowledge of aircraft systems, meteorology, performance, CRM, and human factors.

If you’re preparing for an aeroplane type rating, planning to fly two-crew, or become a cruise relief pilot, you’ll likely need to write the IATRA. While less extensive than the ATPL exams, the IATRA is a required and targeted milestone in your aviation career. This online ground school course gives you the foundation to meet all IATRA requirements in Canada

IATRA exam requirements include knowledge concerning topics like flight planning, aircraft systems, high-altitude operations, and human factors. These are all skills you’ll use on the flight deck of a two-crew aircraft.

IATRA – Type Rating for Two Crew Aeroplane or Cruise Relief Pilot

Passing the IATRA exam is one of the requirements for obtaining a type rating or acting as a cruise relief pilot. It’s something many pilots need after completing their commercial pilot licence while looking for their first job.

Transport Canada mandates that you complete the IATRA written exam before you can exercise these privileges. This ensures every multi-crew pilot has a solid grasp of CRM (crew resource management), high-performance aircraft handling, and IFR-level knowledge—even if you’re not yet pursuing the full ATPL.

As for logistics: the IATRA exam cost is modest by aviation standards. It’s the preparation that matters most—having a focused, structured path to mastering the material is what makes the difference between just “writing the IATRA” and passing it with confidence.

When Do You Need the IATRA?

Understanding when and why you need the IATRA exam is essential for planning your commercial pilot career. To meet IATRA requirements in Canada, you’ll need at least 250 hours of total flight time and a valid Category 1 medical. While it’s often a stepping stone toward the ATPL, many Canadian pilots use the IATRA to begin flying IFR commercially under two crew operations well before accumulating the total hours needed for an ATPL.

In short: if your career goals include charter, commuter, or regional airline work, or you’re on a path to the airline transport pilot licence,you’ll need to pass the IATRA along the way. The IATRA’s validity period is 24 months, giving you time to transition into real-world ops and apply for type ratings as your career unfolds.

IATRA vs ATPL? Think of the IATRA as your mid-career milestone. It gets you into the flight deck sooner, lets you build the hours and experience you’ll need for your ATPL, and signals to employers that you’re ready for serious responsibilities in Canadian airspace. Many students who write the IATRA at this stage go on to pass the exam and secure a job with a charter commuter, or regional airline.

Ground School Course Overview – Smarter IATRA Exam Prep

This IATRA course is built specifically for Canadian pilots preparing to write the IATRA exam. Grounded in Transport Canada’s IATRA study and reference guide, it breaks complex topics into focused lessons designed to prepare you for the IATRA exam. Instead of sorting through scattered notes or AVCanada IATRA threads, we give you everything you need during your exam prep. You get a clear path through everything required. This course not only mirrors the topics found in the IATRA examination, it also delivers concise presentations for easy understanding. No fluff, no filler.

This course includes:

• Hundreds practice questions
• Simulated exams with randomized questions
• Need to know items highlighted for quick reference.
• Video lessons
• 270 days of access

Expert Pilot Ground School Instructors

Learn from working Canadian pilots who’ve flown IFR, instructed at FTUs, and sat the same exams. Their insights make each lesson practical, concise, and easy to retain.

Structured Learning for the IATRA Exam

Every module is mapped to topics found in the IATRA study and reference guide. You’ll study what matters most: systems, performance, weather, CRM, and Transport Canada priorities, taught in the order you’ll need to master them. It’s structured to help you refine your understanding and track your readiness across all modules.

Crew Coordination and Multi-Crew Concepts

Understand how two-crew operations actually work. We cover CRM, workload sharing, and SOPs—not just for the test, but for the flight deck.

Realistic Practice for IATRA Success

Studying is one thing—testing yourself is what makes it stick. Our course includes fifteen IATRA practice exams designed to simulate the real IATRA test environment. You’ll face randomized, timed quizzes with actual IATRA exam questions—not just summaries or flashcards.

Simulated Tests Based on Transport Canada Format

Each practice exam mirrors the Transport Canada structure: multiple-choice format, time limits, and question styles that reflect what you’ll see on the actual IATRA. Whether you’re taking a full-length IATRA practice exam or short drills, the goal is to build exam-day confidence through repetition. Each test includes randomized questions and is timed to help you practice finishing your exam within real-world constraints.

Smart Feedback and Weak Area Analysis

After each IATRA test, you’ll get detailed results showing where you’re strong and where to improve. This lets you focus your study time and revisit the IATRA questions that need more review—so you walk into your exam ready, not guessing.

What Makes This IATRA Ground School Different?

Not all IATRA ground school courses are built the same. Ours is purpose-built for Canadian pilots, with tools and teaching designed to help you pass the IATRA exam and feel confident stepping into a two-crew cockpit. This isn’t just study material—it’s a full training experience, minus the cost and travel of a traditional seminar.

Flexible Access and Study Tools

Get 270 days of access to the full course—study when and where it works for you. With updated video content and detailed lessons, you’ll stay on track without needing to travel or stay in a hotel. The platform includes hours of structured learning.

Built for Canadian Pilots by Canadian Instructors

Our content is made by instructors who know the IATRA and Transport Canada inside out. We don’t copy U.S. materials or repurpose global content. Every lesson is specific to pilots flying and studying in Canada. Our curriculum also prepares students for related exams, including the Transport Canada INRAT exam, SAMRA, and SARON.

Not Just Theory. Real Commercial and Airline Insights

This isn’t just about passing a test. We prepare you for real commercial and airline environments with insights from flight instructors, airline pilots, and charter captains. You’ll build knowledge that sticks—whether you’re aiming for just the IATRA to supplement your CPL, or just working towards your ATPL.

Who This Course Is For

This online ground school is designed for pilots who want more than just exam prep—they want clear direction, Canadian-specific content, and a course that fits their schedule. Whether you’re building time toward your ATPL, converting an FAA licence, or just want to get your IATRA exam done right, this course is for you.

Future Airline Transport Pilots and Cruise Relief Pilots

If you’re planning to fly two crew or serve as a cruise relief pilot, the IATRA exam is a required step. This IATRA exam prep course is designed to help you meet all IATRA requirements, build confidence, and pass the written exam as you work toward your first job and eventual airline transport pilot licence (ATPL).

FAA-to-TC Conversion Students

Coming from the U.S.? We make it easy to transition. Our course helps you meet Transport Canada expectations and explains how the IATRA fits into the FAA-to-TC conversion process—so you can bridge the gap with clarity, not confusion. To complete your transition smoothly, be sure to also explore our full FAA-to-Transport Canada conversion courses.

Students With Time Constraints and On a Budget

Don’t want to stay in a hotel for a seminar or travel to a ground school? We hear you. This online course gives you everything you need from home—structured content, flexible access, and expert instruction. It’s ideal for working pilots or students balancing flight time with study time.

Enroll Today – Start Your Pilot Ground School with Confidence

Your IATRA exam is a key step toward your first type rating. With The Wise Pilot’s structured IATRA course, you’ll get the clarity, tools, and support to pass with confidence—on your first try.

This is more than just IATRA exam prep. It’s a complete, Canadian-built pilot ground school you can trust.

Enroll now and get 270 days of full access
Study anywhere, anytime—on your schedule
Be ready to write the IATRA exam with confidence

Join the Canadian pilots preparing for the IATRA with us. Start today and move one step closer to your flight crew career.

Ground School IATRA Exam Canada

The IATRA exam is a crucial step for aspiring professional pilots in Canada. To successfully navigate the IATRA exam, candidates should undergo thorough preparation, which typically includes a ground school course that prepares students for the Transport Canada IATRA exam.

Course Overview

A comprehensive ground school course prepares students to write the IATRA exam effectively. Our course includes hours of ground school videos, interactive sessions, and practice tests. The curriculum covers various topics, including aeroplane type ratings, flight operations, and safety protocols.

Exam Preparation

Preparing to write the IATRA exam is a critical step for commercial pilots aiming to earn an aeroplane type rating for two-crew or cruise relief pilot operations. At The Wise Pilot, our online ground school is built to help you succeed—whether you’re on the path to a Canadian airline transport licence or completing your FAA-to-Transport Canada licence conversion.

Our IATRA course delivers thousands of realistic practice questions, simulated exams with instant feedback, and interactive video-based content that breaks down complex topics clearly and efficiently. You’ll study the material Transport Canada expects you to know—without wasting time or sitting through long seminars. With The Wise Pilot, you get targeted, accessible IATRA exam prep that works around your schedule and actually prepares you to write the IATRA exam with confidence.

Written Test and Instrument Rating

The IATRA exam is designed to assess a student’s readiness for commercial pilot duties in more complex two-crew environments. Those who complete the IATRA exam will have taken a significant step toward obtaining the Canadian ATPL and enhancing their qualifications as professional pilots.

Frequently Asked Questions