CA
Pilot licences in Canada
Canada’s aviation regulator is Transport Canada. It issues pilot permits, licences and ratings for aeroplanes, helicopters, gliders, balloons and other aircraft categories.
Licences
| Licence | Minimum age | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Student Pilot Permit (SPP) SPL | Not stated | Training and authorised solo flying under instructor supervision. |
| Pilot Permit, Recreational Aeroplane RPL | Not stated | Limited recreational aeroplane flying. |
| Private Pilot Licence, Aeroplane (PPL(A)) PPL | 17 | Private aeroplane flying. |
| Private Pilot Licence, Helicopter (PPL(H)) PPL | 17 | Private helicopter flying. |
| Commercial Pilot Licence, Aeroplane (CPL(A)) CPL | 18 | Professional aeroplane flying within authorised privileges. |
| Commercial Pilot Licence, Helicopter (CPL(H)) CPL | 18 | Professional helicopter flying within authorised privileges. |
| Airline Transport Pilot Licence, Aeroplane (ATPL(A)) ATPL | 21 | Advanced aeroplane pilot privileges for airline transport operations. |
| Airline Transport Pilot Licence, Helicopter (ATPL(H)) ATPL | 21 | Advanced helicopter pilot privileges for qualifying operations. |
Applicants must also meet the applicable medical, theoretical knowledge, flight-experience and practical-test requirements.
Other licences
- Pilot Permit, Ultra-light AeroplaneFlying qualifying ultra-light aeroplanes.
- Pilot Permit, GyroplaneFlying qualifying gyroplanes.
- Pilot Licence, GliderFlying gliders.
- Pilot Licence, BalloonFlying balloons.
Main examinations
| Licence | Examination or assessment |
|---|---|
| PPL(A) | Private Pilot Licence, Aeroplane examination (PPAER) and a flight test |
| CPL(A) | Commercial Pilot Licence, Aeroplane examination (CPAER) and a flight test |
| ATPL(A) | SAMRA, SARON and INRAT, plus the applicable flight test |
| CPL(H) | Commercial Pilot Licence, Helicopter examination (CPHEL) and a flight test |
| ATPL(H) | Helicopter ATPL theoretical examinations (HAMRA and HARON) and the applicable flight test |
The required flight experience, medical certification and other conditions vary by licence.
Additional ratings
Canadian pilots may also obtain additional qualifications, including:
- Instrument Rating (IR), for specified instrument-flight operations.
- Multi-Engine Rating, for the applicable multi-engine aircraft.
- Night Rating, for specified night-flying privileges.
- Type Rating, for particular aircraft types when required.
- Flight Instructor Rating, for authorised flight instruction.
These ratings are distinct from the principal pilot licence.
Fly under Transport Canada rules
Tell us the licence you’re aiming for in Canada and where you’re starting from. We’ll help you plan the route.