Billy Bishop Visitor Guide
This guide is for anyone booked with Island Air Flight School & Charters Inc. at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. It covers travel choices, timing, paperwork habits, and how to connect back to our home page and training pages when you are ready for the next step.
First visit checklist
Getting to Hangar 1
Billy Bishop sits on Toronto Island. Most visitors use the pedestrian tunnel from the foot of Bathurst Street or the short ferry from the same area. PortsToronto publishes current fares, hours, and construction notices, so check the official airport page on the day you travel. If you are driving, plan where you will park on the city side before you cross, then allow time to walk to Hangar 1.
Island Air lists Hangar 1, Billy Bishop Toronto City Centre Airport, Toronto, ON M5V 1A1 on our contact blocks. When you reach the airport side, follow airport signage toward the flight training area and ask at our desk if the corridor layout is new to you.
Arrive early on lesson days
Wind, runway changes, and security lines can absorb ten to twenty minutes without warning. Arriving fifteen minutes before your booked time protects your briefing, walk-around, and paperwork. If you are late, call 416-203-6242 so dispatch can advise the instructor.
What to carry in your flight bag
Bring government photo ID every time. Student pilots should pack their logbook, Transport Canada booklet, kneeboard or small notebook, and a charged phone for weather snapshots. Sunglasses cut glare over the lake, and a light jacket helps in the cockpit even on warm days.
Ground school nights and classroom flow
Evening ground school groups stay small so each student can ask questions. Payment reserves a seat, and staff can explain HST totals when you register. Watch the Island Air home page for the next accelerated weekend block or the regular Tuesday and Thursday series when dates are posted.
Where to read next
Open the Flight Training page for Private Pilot Licence requirements, sample budgets, and night rating numbers.
Return to the Island Air home page for school news, ground school announcements, and Flyaway Hub booking notes.
Night Rating
Requirements
Valid Private Pilot License
10 hours of instrument training (5 hours from the Private Pilot Training)
5 hours Dual night flying (Including 2 hours cross-country)
5 hours solo (Including 10 solo take-offs and landings)
Approximate Cost
5 hours dual instrument training (C-150) $275.00/hr- $1375.00
5 hours dual night flying (C-150) $275.00/hr- $1375.00
5 hours solo night flying (C-150) $190.00/hr- $950.00
Total: $3700.00
VFR Over The Top Rating
Requirements
Valid Private Pilot License
Approximate Cost
15 Hours dual (C-150) $275.00/hr- $4125.00
License Fee- $60.00
Total: $4185.00
Instrument Rating
Requirements
Minimum of 50 hours cross-country pilot-in-command (PIC) time
40 hours instrument time of which a maximum of 20 hours may be done in an approved flight simulator
The 40 hours of instrument time shall include a 100 nm cross-country flight in actual or simulate IFR conditions with approaches to minima at two separate locations
Transport Canada written exam- 70% pass mark
Practical flight exam
Approximate Cost
Single Engine
30 hours (C-172) $320.00/hr- $9600.00
IFR ground instruction (7 Hours)- $595.00
Total- $10,195.00
Multi Engine
25 hours (C-172) $320.00/hr- $8000.00
5 hours (PA-23) $467.00/hr- $2335.00
Multi Engine ground instruction- $525.00
Total- $10,930.00
Notes: Instrument rating quotes are based on the student pilot having 10 hours of instrument time from the Private Pilot License and Night Rating
Multi-Engine Rating
Requirements
Valid Private Pilot License
Approximate Cost
Approx. 10 hours dual on Piper Aztec (PA-23) $467.00/hr- $4670.00
1.5 hours solo (Flight Test) $382.00/hr- $573.00
Total- $5343.00
Note: There is also a flight test fee, which is paid directly to the examiner
Recreational Pilot Permit
Requirements
Aviation medical- Category 4
Minimum age to hold the permit is 16 years old
Flight Instruction- Transport Canada total 25 hours total
Transport Canada written exam- Pass mark of 60%
Practical flight test
Approximate Cost
15 hours dual (C-150) $295.00/hr-$4125.00
5 hours solo (C-150) $190.00/hr-$950.00
Dual cross-country 2 hours (C-150) $295.00/hr- $550.00
5 hours additional time (C-150) $190.00/hr- $950.00
Total: $6575.00
Notes: The Recreation Pilot Permit restricts the holder to operate an aircraft with a maximum of four seats, to only carry one passenger and fly during daylight hours within Canada.
The total cost does not have to be paid upfront and can be paid as you go. Prices do not include applicable taxes. Each student progresses at a different rate. Thus, total time required to obtain the license or rating will vary.