Private Pilot License (PPL)
Private Pilot license holders may operate a single-engine, non-high-performance aircraft registered in Canada, anywhere in the world. Flights can only be conducted during day VFR conditions, unless the license is also endorsed with a night rating and instruments rating. A Private Pilot license allows pilots to carry passengers for leisure purposes, but not on a for-fee basis. Night, Multi-engine, Instrument, Seaplane, Mountain Check, and VFR Over-the-Top (OTT) Ratings can all be added to the PPL. The PPL is internationally-recognized, and is required for those aiming to become a commercial pilot.
Requirements:
- Application age: 17+
- Category 1 or 3 medical certificate
- 45 hours minimum of flight training (25 hours dual, 20 hours solo)
- 40 hours of ground school
- The Transport Canada PPL written exam and flight test.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
A Commercial Pilot License allows one to prepare to start a career with an aircraft charter company or airline. The CPL is internationally-recognized, and required for those aiming to become a commercial pilot. Night, Multi-engine, and Instrument Ratings can be added to the CPL. Generally, CPL holders aim for an Instrument Rating in order to gain flight experience and become airline pilots. The main advantage to training in Canada is that it is easier than other countries to obtain a work visa necessary for employment, via the Commercial Pilot Program.
Prerequisite: Private Pilot License (PPL)
Requirements:
- Application age: 18+.
- Category 1 medical certificate.
- 200 hours of flight time, including 100 hours of PIC time.
- 80 hours of ground school.
- The Transport Canada CPL written exam and flight test.
Multi-Engine Rating
The Multi-Engine Rating is required to fly any aircraft with more than a single engine. The airspeed and performance of a multi-engine aircraft differs significantly, and manoeuvres are more complex. One must obtain this rating to become an airline pilot – it can be added to a Private Pilot License or Commercial Pilot License.
Prerequisite: Private Pilot License (PPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Requirements:
- No minimum flight training hours required by Transport Canada.
- No written test.
Instrument Rating
The Instrument Rating allows pilots to fly single- and multi-engine non-high-performance aircraft in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). This rating certifies that a pilot is qualified to fly safely to a destination relying solely on instruments to determine the attitude, altitude, position, and course of the aircraft. One must obtain this rating to become an airline pilot.
Prerequisite: Private Pilot License (PPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Requirements:
- 50 hours of cross-country flights, as a PIC.
- 40 hours of instrument time, of which a maximum of 20 hours may be simulator instrument ground time.
- One dual IFR cross-country flight under simulated or actual IMC conditions, of a minimum of 100 nautical miles, in accordance with an IFR flight plan to include, at 2 different locations, an instrument approach to minima.
- The Transport Canada Instrument Rating written exam and flight test.