Minimum Requirements for obtaining a Private Pilot License in Canada

Student Pilot Permit Age 14 (for solo flight), PPL Application Age 17
Valid Category 1 or 3 Medical Certificate (through CAME)
40 hours of Ground School
Successfully complete (60%) Transport Canada Private Pilot Written Exam
17 Hrs Dual Flight Training Minimum
12 Hrs Solo Flight Training Minimum
Successfully complete Private Pilot Flight Test
Instrument & Navigation Training

Reference CARs 421.26

Private Pilot License

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Almost all pilots in Canada earn a traditional private pilot license. It is what most people think of when we say that someone has their “private.” It has the fewest limitations and, with additional training, can be upgraded to include more advanced capabilities such as flying in bad weather, flying an airplane with two or more engines, or flying professionally.

Flight Training

A minimum of 45 hours must be obtained. Of these hours, a minimum of 17 hours must be Dual, which must include 3 hours of cross country time and 5 hours of Instrument time. A minimum of 12 hours must be Solo, which must include 5 hours of cross country time. During this time you will gain extensive experience in all aspects of aircraft handling, emergency procedures, radio procedures, navigation and basic instrument handling. In order to obtain this licence you must possess a valid Category III medical obtained from a Transport Canada authorized Medical Examiner. The minimum age to acquire this license is 17 years of age.

Ground School Schedule & Examinations

A minimum of 40 hours of ground school must be completed as per Transport Canada requirements. During this time you will gain valuable knowledge in Air Law, Navigation, Meteorology, and Aeronautics – General Knowledge. These classes will help prepare you for the mandatory Transport Canada Written Examination. A flight test must be completed by a Flight Test Examiner. You must also pass an oral English Proficiency Exam if you attended high-school outside of Canada.

Aviation Medical Examiners in London, Ontario

Learn to Fly in 4 Easy Steps!

Ground School – In only 40 hours of Ground school you will learn everything you need to know to pass your written exam. Topics include Navigation, Meteorology, Air Law and General Knowledge. It is important to note that throughout your PPL ground school you will need to self study and practice sample questions and quizzes in oder to grasp what knowledge is expected on the PPAER (Private Pilot - Aeroplane) Transport Canada written Exam.
Dual – Your Flight Instructor will show how easy and fun it is to fly an airplane in as little as 17 hours dual flying as per TC requirements! This will prepare you for your Flight Test and teach you to become a safe pilot.
Solo – Your first solo flight is something that you will remember forever! This stage of flying is normally completed in your first 15 or 30 hours of training, and is the first time you fly without an instructor on board the aircraft.
*It is important to note that the industry average in Canada, to reach PPL flight test standards, is 75 hours of flight training.
Private Pilot Licence – Once you have met the requirements for this you will be able to take friends or family members with you when you go flying. Imagine going to Toronto for lunch; or add a night rating to your licence and go on overnight trips!