Private Pilot License (PPL)
The Private Pilot License (PPL) is the key to all the other programs available. This means that without the PPL, students cannot proceed to other programs such as Night Rating, Commercial Pilot License, Multi-Engine Rating, or Instrument Rating.
The Private Pilot License is intended for those wishing to fly for pleasure, which means a PPL holder can not work as a pilot. The holder can fly any aircraft for which they have received training and carry passengers.
Minimum Program Outline as per Transport Canada
We understand that starting your flight training education can be overwhelming, so please visit our Flight Training page to learn more about what is involved in the process of getting your license, rating, or permit.
The duration of this program is approximately 6 – 12 months. Candidates may complete the program in less time with open availability and dedication.
This program outline is based on the minimum requirements set by Transport Canada. Candidates may require additional training to reach the required level of safety and proficiency.
- Medical Fitness
- An applicant shall hold a Category 3 Medical Certificate valid for a Private Pilot Licence – Aeroplane: (CAR421.26)
- (i) where an applicant holds a Category 4 Medical Certificate for the purpose of a Student Pilot Permit, the applicant shall upgrade to a Category 3 Medical Certificate prior to making application for the Private Pilot Licence – Aeroplane.
- The licence is maintained by a valid Category 1 or 3 Medical Certificate.
- An applicant shall hold a Category 3 Medical Certificate valid for a Private Pilot Licence – Aeroplane: (CAR421.26)
- Minimum Age
- An applicant shall be a minimum of seventeen years of age for the program completion (CAR421.26).
- Ground School
- An applicant shall have completed a minimum of 40 hours private pilot aeroplane ground school instruction on the following subjects: (CAR421.26) i. Canadian Aviation Regulations, ii. Aerodynamics and Theory of Flight, iii. Meteorology, iv. Airframes, Engines and Systems, v. Flight Instruments, vi. Radio and Electronic Theory, vii. Navigation, viii. Flight Operations, ix. Licensing Requirements, and x. Human Factors, including pilot decision-making.
- Written Examination
- In addition to the ground school requirements, an applicant shall obtain a minimum of 60% in each of the following four mandatory subject areas as well as in the overall written examination Private Pilot Licence – Aeroplane (PPAER): (CAR421.26) i. Air Law – regulations, rules and orders, air traffic services, practices and procedures, and licensing requirements relevant to the licence; ii. Navigation – navigation, radio aids and electronic theory; iii. Meteorology; iv. Aeronautics – General Knowledge – airframes, engines and systems, theory of flight, flight instruments and flight operations.
- An applicant shall have completed a minimum of 45 hours private pilot flight training in aeroplanes under the direction and supervision of the holder of a Flight Instructor Rating – Aeroplane. A maximum 5 of the 45 hours may be conducted on an approved aeroplane simulator or flight training device. (CAR421.26)
• The flight training shall include a minimum of: (CAR421.26)
- 17 hours dual instruction flight time, including a minimum of 3 hours cross-country flight time and 5 hours of instrument time of which a maximum of 3 hours may be instrument ground time; and
- 12 hours solo flight time, including 5 hours cross-country flight time with a flight of a minimum of 150 nautical miles which shall include 2 full stop landings at points other than the point of departure.
- An applicant shall successfully complete a flight test as pilot-in-command of an aeroplane in accordance with Schedule 3 “Flight Test for the Issuance of a Private Pilot Licence – Aeroplane” of Standard 428 – Conduct of Flight Tests. (CAR421.26)
- Prior to issuing a Private or Commercial Pilot Licence an applicate shall provide documentation establishing their ability to speak and understand English or French, or both, at an operational or expert level. Acceptable documentation for establishing language proficiency are;
- A valid Aviation Document Booklet indicating language proficiency in either English or French.
- A feedback letter for the Aviation Language Proficiency Demonstration, or
- “Informal ALPD: EXPERT level confirmed” indicated in the remarks section of the flight test report.