Licences & Permits

Although limited, the Recreational Pilot Permit (RPP) it is a quick way to get started and is easily upgraded to a private license. The RPP allows you to fly a basic single-engine aircraft with one passenger within Canada during daylight hours only. The age and medical requirements are less stringent due to the limited nature of the flight privileges granted.

Prerequisites

You may begin flight training at any age, but must be at least 14 years of age to fly solo and 16 to receive an RPP. The permit requires you to have at least a Category 4 Medical Certificate completed by your family Doctor and reviewed by Transport Canada. Although you don’t need a medical to begin training, you must have one prior to solo flight, so it is a good idea to schedule your medical exam as soon as possible.

Ground School

There are no Transport Canada requirements for formal ground school for the RPP, but you must be able to pass a Transport Canada written exam. If self-study is not your forte, then we strongly recommend you attend PPL ground school. More Information…

Flight Training

Flight training is conducted at your own pace, based on your availability. The training consists of a minimum of 25 hours of in-flight training, including both dual instruction and solo time. The national average is over 45 hours of flight time to complete the RPP training, but most Glacier Air students complete the flight training within 30-35 hours.

Training for an RPP is typically completed within 6-9 months based on a moderate time commitment from the student. Like any education process, this program requires a considerable dedication of time for ground school, flight lessons and self-study. Expect to spend as much time studying at home as you spend at the flight school in order to keep on top of the information you are learning.

Exam Requirements

You will be required to complete a few exams in order to obtain your Recreational Pilot Permit. Prior to your first solo flight in addition to your medical, you will need to complete the PSTAR air regulation exam, Radiotelephone Operator’s Restricted Certificate, and the Aviation Language Proficiency Test. Prior to licensing, you will be required to pass a Transport Canada written exam, a 100 question, 3-hour multiple choice exam which can be written at Glacier Air. The minimum passing grade is 60% overall with a minimum of 60% in each of the four subject areas. Generally, this exam is written after ground school is completed and you have successfully completed 2 or 3 practice exams. To be eligible for this exam you must hold a valid Category 4 Aviation medical certificate or higher, complete a minimum of 10 hours flight time and be recommended by a flight instructor.

Finally, you must complete a practical flight test. The flight test is conducted once the flight training requirements have been completed and your instructor determines you have reached the knowledge and skill level required to successfully take the flight test.

Glacier Air is an authorized examination center and has a Pilot Examiner on staff so there is no need to go elsewhere to complete any of the required examinations.

Training Facilities

Glacier Air offers professional flight training services in a fun and relaxed environment. Ground school is conducted in our multi-media equipped classroom and the course is based on a PowerPoint presentation, but also includes other visual demonstrations, videos and hands-on experiences presented by our knowledgeable and enthusiastic instructors. In addition to our classroom, Glacier Air has a private briefing/exam room, pilot lounge, tour office with a large sundeck and a large hangar to keep all our aircraft safe and protected from the environment.

Flight training is conducted in our well maintained Cessna 172 aircraft, with one of our several highly experienced and friendly flight instructors.

Glacier Air is registered with the Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA) and is the only full-service flight school in the Sea to Sky region. This means, should you choose to continue training towards your Commercial Pilot Licence, upon completion of your RPP and PPL training, Glacier Air will be able to provide you with a T2202 Tuition Receipt for income tax purposes.

MINIMUM COSTS

*18 hrs Dual – $5,004

7 hrs Solo – $1,316

*Pre Flight Briefings – $630

Pilot Kit – $450

**Medical Fees – $250

**Flight test & Written Exam – $800

*Language Proficiency test – $150

RPP Application – $175

TOTAL – $8,775

REALISTIC COSTS

*25 hrs Dual – $6,950

10 hrs Solo – $1,880

*Pre Flight Briefings – $630

Ground School & Pilot Kit – $925

**Medical Fees – $250

**Flight Test & Written Exam – $800

Language proficiency test- $150

RPP Application – $175

TOTAL – $11,785

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Student Pilot Permit

Requirements

Aviation Regulations

Recreational Pilot Permit

Requirements

Study and Reference Guide

Flight Test Guide

A Private Pilot Licence (PPL) allows you to fly a single engine, non-high performance aircraft with passengers. Through the PPL course, you will gain the knowledge and skills to safely operate an airplane under day visual flight rules (VFR). The PPL allows you to fly a Canadian registered aircraft anywhere in the world, with no seating or passenger limitations. You can also add endorsements (see Ratings) to fly at night, VFR-OTT, seaplanes, multi-engine aircraft, high-performance aircraft and under instrument flight rules (IFR). 

Prerequisites

You may begin flight training at any age, but must be at least 14 years of age to fly solo and 17 to receive a PPL. The license requires you to have a Category 3 Medical Certificate issued by Transport Canada. A certified Aviation Medical Examiner will ensure medical fitness. Although you don’t need a medical to begin training, you must have one prior to solo flight so it is a good idea to schedule your medical exam as soon as possible.

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Here are three local doctors who are certified to conduct aviation medical exams:

• Pemberton: Dr. N. Fisher,  604-894-6454
• West Vancouver: Dr. Corey, 604-922-1544
• North Vancouver: Dr. Bird, 604-985-1717

A complete list of aviation doctors can be found on the Transport Canada web page.

Ground School

Transport Canada requires a minimum of 40 hours of ground school. Glacier Air holds ground school classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. There are three sessions held per year and each session lasts approximately 12 weeks. Once you have registered for ground school you may sit in on any future ground school classes at no additional charge. More Information…

Transport Canada recognized on-line ground schools options are also available through other providers if you are unable to attend Glacier Air’s classes.

Flight Training

Flight training is conducted at your own pace based on your availability. The training consists of a minimum of 45 hours of in-flight training, including both dual instruction and solo time. The national average is over 80 hours of flight time to complete the PPL training, but most Glacier Air students will complete the flight training within 50-60 hours. Training for a PPL is typically completed within 6-12 months based on a moderate time commitment from the student. Like any education process, this program requires a considerable dedication of time for ground school, flight lessons and self-study. Expect to spend as much time studying at home as you spend at the flight school in order to keep on top of the information you are learning. By the end, you will appreciate your efforts and will be rewarded with a Private Pilot Licence.

Exam Requirements

You will be required to complete a few exams in order to obtain your PPL. Prior to your first solo flight in addition to your medical, you will need to complete the PSTAR air regulation exam, Radiotelephone Operator’s Restricted Certificate, and the Aviation Language Proficiency Test. Prior to licensing, you will be required to pass a Transport Canada written exam, a 100 question, 3-hour multiple choice exam which can be written at Glacier Air. The passing grade is 60% overall with a minimum of 60% in each of the four subject areas. Generally, this exam is written after ground school is completed and you have successfully completed several practice exams. To be eligible for this exam you must hold a valid aviation medical certificate, complete a minimum of 10 hours flight time and be recommended by a flight instructor.

Finally, you must complete a practical flight test. The flight test is conducted once the flight training requirements have been completed and your instructor determines you have reached the knowledge and skill level required to successfully take the flight test.

Glacier Air is an authorized examination center and has a Pilot Examiner on staff so there is no need to go elsewhere to complete any of the required examinations.

Training Facilities

Glacier Air offers professional flight training services in a fun and relaxed environment. Ground school is conducted in our multi-media equipped classroom and the course is based on a PowerPoint presentation, but also includes other visual demonstrations, videos and hands-on experiences presented by our knowledgeable and enthusiastic instructors. In addition to our classroom, Glacier Air has a private briefing/exam room, pilot lounge, tour office with a large sundeck and a large hangar to keep all our aircraft safe and protected from the environment.

Flight training is conducted in our well maintained Cessna 172 aircraft, with one of our several highly experienced and friendly flight instructors. We also offer tailwheel training in our Citabria 7GCBC, aerobatic training in our Super Decathlon 8KCAB and advanced training in our Cessna 206 aircraft.

Glacier Air is registered with the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) and is the only full-service flight school in the Sea to Sky region. This means, should you choose to continue training towards your Commercial Pilot Licence, upon completion of your  PPL training, Glacier Air will be able to provide you with a T2202 Tuition Receipt for income tax purposes.

MINIMUM COSTS

*33 hrs Dual – $9,174

12 hrs Solo – $2,256

*Pre Flight Briefings – $900

Ground School & Pilot Kit – $925

**Medical Fees – $300

**Language Proficiency Exam – $150

**Flight Test  & Written Exam – $950

PPL Application – $175

TOTAL – $14,830

REALISTIC COSTS

*45 hrs Dual – $12,510

15 hrs Solo – $2,820

Pre Fight Briefings – $900

Ground School & Pilot Kit – $925

**Medical Fees – $300

**Language Proficiency Exam – $150

**Flight test & Written Exam – $950

PPL Application – $175

TOTAL – $18,730

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or CALL 1-800-265-0088

QUESTIONS? Contact us to discuss your aviation goals and learn how we can help you achieve them!

Student Pilot Permit

Requirements

Aviation Regulations

Private Pilot Licence

Requirements

Study and Reference Guide

Sample Exam

Flight Test Guide

A Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) allows you to fly a Canadian registered aircraft for hire anywhere in the world. A CPL will give you the knowledge and skills to safely operate a single engine, non-high performance aircraft for a commercial air service under visual flight rules (VFR).

Additional endorsements (see Ratings) allow you to fly seaplanes, multi-engine aircraft, instrument flight rules (IFR), high-performance aircraft and flight instructor rating. Commercial pilots typically earn these rating over time. The order in which you acquire these ratings will depend on your chosen career path, be that a professional flight instructor, seaplane pilot, bush pilot, corporate pilot or airline pilot.

Prerequisites

A Canadian PPL is required to commence training towards the CPL. You may begin training at 17 but you must be a minimum of 18 years old to obtain this license. A candidate for a CPL or higher must obtain a Category 1 Medical Certificate issued by Transport Canada prior to attempting the CPL written exam or flight test.

Ground School

Transport Canada requires a minimum of 80 hours of recorded ground school. Glacier Air holds ground school classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. There are three sessions held per year and each session lasts approximately 12 weeks. Additional one-on-one ground briefings and assigned self-study homework will complete the remaining ground school hour requirements. More Information…

Transport Canada recognized on-line ground schools options are also available through other providers if you are unable to attend Glacier Air’s classes.

Flight Training

Flight training is conducted at your own pace based on your availability. The course itself includes 35 hours of dual flight instruction, plus 30 hours of solo flight training. The dual includes 5 hours night, 5 hours cross-country, and 20 hours of instrument training. The solo time must include a flight to a point at least 300 nautical miles from the departure airport, as well as 5 hours of night flying. To issue a license, the candidate must have a total of 200 hours flight time, with at least 100 hours of Pilot-in-Command (PIC).

Exam Requirements

You will be required to demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge and skill through a flight test given by a Transport Canada examiner, or a person designated by Transport Canada. The flight test requirements and standards are specified in the Study & Reference Guide. An increased level of theoretical knowledge beyond that of a Private Pilot will be tested through a written examination administered by Transport Canada.

Prior to flight testing, you will be required to pass a 100 question, 3-hour multiple choice exam at a Transport Canada office by appointment only. The passing grade is 60% overall with a minimum of 60% in each of the four subject areas. Generally, this exam is written after ground school is completed and you have successfully completed several practice exams. To be eligible for this exam you must hold a valid Category 1 Aviation Medical Certificate, complete a minimum of 100 hours flight time and be recommended by a flight instructor.

The flight test may be conducted once you have acquired a minimum of 150 hours flight time, passed the written exam and your instructor determines you have reached the knowledge and skill level required to successfully take the flight test. Glacier Air has a Pilot Examiner on staff so there is no need to go elsewhere to complete your flight test.

Training Facilities

Glacier Air offers professional flight training services in a fun and relaxed environment. Ground school is conducted in our multi-media equipped classroom and the course is based on a PowerPoint presentation, but also includes other visual demonstrations, videos and hands-on experiences presented by our knowledgeable and enthusiastic instructors. In addition to our classroom, Glacier Air has a private briefing/exam room, pilot lounge, tour office with a large sundeck and a large hangar to keep all our aircraft safe and protected from the environment.

Flight training is mostly conducted on our well maintained Cessna 172 aircraft with one of our several highly experienced and friendly flight instructors. We also offer advanced training in our Cessna 206 and aerobatic training in our Super Decathlon tailwheel aircraft.

Glacier Air is registered with the Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA) and is the only full-service flight school in the Sea to Sky region. This means Glacier Air will be able to provide you with a T2202 Tuition Receipt for income tax purposes.

COSTS

*35 hrs Dual – $9,905

30 hrs Solo – $5,640

Pre Flight Briefings – $1,350

ground school and pilot kit -$1,050

Registration  – $175

**Medical Fees (approximate) – $350

**Flight Test & Written Exam – $800

Aircraft Flight Test Use – $376

CPL Application – $300

TOTAL – $19,946

IMPORTANT!
Minimum 55 hours PPL NOT included
PIC build up time NOT included

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QUESTIONS? Contact us to discuss your aviation goals and learn how we can help you achieve them!

Foreign Licence Conversion requirements will vary with each issuing country. Pilots who hold a private pilot license issued by another country will be required to convert their license to a Canadian Private Pilot Licence (PPL) prior to commencing training towards a Canadian Commercial Licence (CPL). 

Prerequisites

The minimum age for the issue of a Canadian Private Pilot Licence is 17 years of age. A candidate for a Foreign Licence Conversion must obtain a Category 3 Medical Certificate prior to converting their license to an unrestricted Canadian license.

Flight Training

Flight training is conducted at your own pace based on your availability. The amount of flight training you require will depend on your actual flight experience and which country issued your original license.

Exam Requirements

Transport Canada exam requirements will vary depending on which country issued your original license. You may be required to take both the Transport Canada PPL written exam and a flight test.

MINIMUM RATES

Cessna 172 – $188/hr

Class 1 & 2 or Tailwheel Flight Instructor –  $95/hr

Class 3 & 4 Flight Instructor – $90/hr

The cost to convert a Foreign Licence to a Canadian PPL will vary depending on the experience level of each candidate. Please Contact us to receive a cost estimate based on your licensing country and actual flight experience.