Originally Posted by
aviran
I'll put it this way - I live in an area where the closest PE with instrument rating privilege is over 800 KM away. For him to come here I'd have to pay over $1,000. Meanwhile, driving across the border a distance of 300 KM I can pay $70 USD for a CFII to conduct an IPC. Technically an FAA holder doesn't need an IPC as long as they can do their 6 HITS (you can Google it), but I can do it nevertheless and it counts.
This PE doesn't even come here unless he have, at least, 3-4 candidates to justify the cost (fee + expanses). Sure, DPE in States charge a LOT more than Canadian PE, but it's a one time thing, which is why the price is so high.
Here's a solution TC was offered a long time ago but rejected it, which is to do a CFII of their own. Simply put - to have any instructor that want to do instrument training pass a dedicated written exam and flight test (which basically is the same instrument rating flight test on the right seat). It even makes a LOT more sense in Canada given our size and the lack of PEs (or qualified PEs) for certain areas.
Maybe if you'd lived in a remote area you'd understand why I am agitated with this system. Our system is designed for major metropolitan areas in mind. And you'd think the US is no different - but you'd be wrong, because they have special rules for Alaska to reduce the requirement given their location and topography. Why TC can't do the same and stop acting as if Canada end between QC and ON? I get it - it's where their major voters area, and government elected get it handed to them in the last election, but at least don't make it so much obvious.
May I ask where in Ontario you live that it's an 800 KM drive to find a person do an IPC ride, but only 300 KM to find someone in the US? There's a lot of aviation in the more remote areas, and there are a number of folks around most of those areas (unless you're in a really remote northern area) that can do these rides.... It may be worth calling around commercial operators in your area and seeing if you can get the name of someone closer who can help you out.... Also any FTUs, of course.
Also, pretty sure Pilot DAR is quite familiar with remote areas and has been around Canadian aviation for quite some time. I'd be inclined to listen to his advice.