CPL Training Overview

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The ground instruction requirements outlined by Transport Canada in the CARs state that you must complete a minimum 80 hour commercial pilot ground school which includes instruction on the following topics:

• Canadian Aviation Regulations,
• Aerodynamics and Theory of Flight,
• Meteorology,
• Airframes, Engines and Systems,
• Flight Instruments,
• Radio and Electronic Theory,
• Navigation,
• Flight Operations,
• Licensing Requirements, and
• Human Factors, including pilot decision-making.

Your understanding of these topics is assessed using a 100 question, multiple choice, written exam. The exam is called the Commercial Pilot License - Aeroplane (CPAER). 

The examination, requirements, and knowledge areas are outlined in TP 12881 - STUDY AND REFERENCE GUIDE FOR THE COMMERCIAL PILOTS LICENSE AEROPLANE.

The study and reference guide outlines four knowledge areas, with multiple sub categories, that are considered essential background knowledge for obtaining your Commercial Pilots License.

The four knowledge areas are:

1. Aeronautics - General Knowledge; Airframes, engines, systems, theory of flight, flight instruments, flight operations, and human factors.
2. Air Law; Air law and procedures.
3. Meteorology; Meteorology theory, and meteorology practical.
4. Navigation; Navigation and radio aids. 

To be eligible to write the CPAER exam you must:

• Complete a minimum of 80 hours of ground school
• Complete a minimum of 100 hours total time
• Obtain (and maintain) a category 1 medical certificate.
• Obtain a recommendation letter from the holder of a Flight Instructor Rating - Aeroplane

The pass mark for the exam is 60% However, 60% must also be achieved in each of the individual knowledge areas to be successful. 

 The flight instruction requirements outlined by Transport Canada in the CARs state that you must complete a minimum of 200 hours total time. 

The 200 hours total time shall include*:

• 100 hours of pilot in command (PIC) time
  • including a minimum of 20 hours cross-country PIC
• 65 hours of commercial pilot flight training, post licensing for the private pilots license, in aeroplanes under the direct supervision of the holder of a Flight Instructor Rating - Aeroplane.

The 65 hours of commercial pilot flight training must include a minimum of:

• 35 hours dual instruction flight time
  • including a minimum of 5 hours of night, including a minimum of 2 hours night cross-country,
  • including 5 hours of cross-country (can include the 2 hours night cross-country),
  • 20 hours of instrument flight time**
• 30 hours solo flight time
  • including 25 hours of solo flight time emphasizing the improvement of flying skill and a 300 nautical mile radius cross-country flight***
  • including 5 hours of solo night flight time during which a minimum of 10 takeoffs, circuits, and landings were completed.

* The 200 hours total time includes time spent obtaining the private pilots license.

** The 20 hours must be obtained post PPL Licensing and a maximum of 10 of the 20 instrument hours may be completed in an approved simulator.

*** The 300 nautical mile cross-country flight time must exceed 300 nautical miles straight line distance between point of departure and destination and include 3 full stop landings at points other than the point of departure.

According to the Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC) the National average time to PPL  is 65-70 hours.

If you are in a situation where it took you longer to obtain your PPL, do not worry! The 200 hour total time requirement (above) for CPL licensing includes the time spent obtaining your PPL. As long as you were developing the proper skill, it is not wasted time.

Obtaining your CPL within the 200 hour threshold is usually achievable, provided you complete all the minimum hours above. 

 Your proficiency in the Aeroplane is evaluated during a flight test. This flight test may be completed after 75% of the required flight hours, or 150 hours of total flight time. 

You will be required to obtain a letter of recommendation from a flight instructor to attempt the flight test.

Additional requirements can be found in  TP 13462 - Flight Test Guide - Commercial Pilot License - Aeroplane

To obtain your Commercial Pilots License - Aeroplane you must be 18 years of age.

In Canada, you must complete your Private Pilots License before completing your Commercial Pilots License. 

One exception to this, would be to enroll in an integrated program.

Find a Civil Aviation Medical Examiner near you and make an appointment.

If you have not already, obtain a Category 1 Medical Exam.*

*Ensure that your Civil Aviation Medical Examiner knows that you already hold a medical so they do not accidentally apply for a new medical number. This will delay the process.

There have never been more options for Ground School than there are now. You can choose an in-person ground school or an online ground school. There are also video based ground school's and hybrid-models that combines in-person and online instruction.

There are drawbacks and benefits to all options. Pick an option that will line up with your schedule, your level of motivation, and your way of learning.

You do not have to have completed your PPL to start the CPL Ground School. We would recommend starting as soon as possible after the successful completion of your Private Pilots License Written Exam.

Pilot Training is in high demand. Depending on where you live, you may have a flight school near by or you may have to travel for lessons. The nearest flight school may also be very busy and have a waitlist of students. Either get yourself lined up with an instructor at the flight school or get your name on the waitlist.

Be persistent. Check back regularly to ensure that you are in line when an instructor is available.

Keep in mind that the closest flight school may not be the best, likewise the cheapest option is not the best either. You are paying a lot of money to train. Make sure the school and instructor are a good fit with your personality and learning style. Don't be afraid to request an instructor change, even if the school has a waitlist. 

If you are lucky enough to own an aircraft, or have a family member who owns an aircraft, you may be eligible for freelance instruction. 

Commercial Pilot License students have more options than Student Pilots when it comes to freelance flight instruction. CPL Students do not have to own the aircraft, they can also be the director of a corporation which owns the aircraft used for training, or they can use an aircraft that has been obtained from someone at arms length from the freelance instructor. 

Refer to  the CARs for more information. ( CARS 406.03)

Work with your instructor and chosen method of ground school to complete all of the requirements for licensing.

Milestones you can expect to enjoy along the way:

• Completion of your Night Rating
• Completion of Ground School
• Successful Completion of the CPAER Written Exam
• Your 300 NM Solo Cross Country
• Completion of In-Flight Instruction
• Successful Completion of the CPL Flight Test
• CPL Licensing

Safely and proudly explore all the employability options aviation has to offer as a safe, professional pilot!