PPL Training Overview

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The ground instruction requirements outlined by Transport Canada in the CARs state that you must complete a 40 hour private 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 Private Pilot - Aeroplane (PPAER). 

The examination, requirements, and knowledge areas are outlined in TP 12880 - STUDY AND REFERENCE GUIDE PRIVATE PILOTS LICENSE.

The study and reference guide outlines four knowledge areas, with multiple sub categories, that are considered essential background knowledge for obtaining your Private 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 PPAER exam you must:

• Complete a minimum of 40 hours of ground school
• Complete a minimum of 10 hours of flight training
• Obtain (and maintain) a category 3 (or 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 45 hours of private pilot flight training in aeroplanes under the direct supervision of the holder of a Flight Instructor Rating - Aeroplane.

The flight training must include a minimum of:

• 17 hours dual instruction flight time*
  • including a minimum of 3 hours of cross-country flight time, and
  • including 5 hours of instrument time.
• 12 hours solo flight time
  • including 5 hours cross-country flight time**

* A maximum of 3 of the 5 instrument hours, and a maximum of 5 of the 45 total hours may be completed in an approved simulator.

** The cross-country flight time must include a flight of a minimum 150 nautical miles which shall include 2 full stop landings at points other than the points of departure.

 Anyone who advertises the minimum requirements is not providing the whole story and is setting you up for disappointment and poorly preparing you for the financial commitment of flight training.

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

 Your proficiency in the Aeroplane is evaluated during a flight test. This flight test may be completed after 35 hours of flight training. 

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 13723 - Flight Test Guide - Private Pilot License - Aeroplane

 There is no upper or lower age limit for commencing flight training. Your progression will only be age-limited by two factors;

1. The validity of your medical certificate based on your age and health, and
2. The minimum age required to obtain your student pilot permit and/or license.

In order to obtain a Student Pilot Permit (required to fly solo) you must be 14 years of age.

To obtain your Pilot Permit Recreational - Aeroplane you must be 16 years of age.

To obtain your Private Pilots License - Aeroplane you must be 17 years of age.

Contact a flight training unit and ask for a discovery flight or familiarization flight to ensure you want to proceed. Finding out how you feel after one flight is better than sinking a bunch of money into your training and discovering it's not for you. Besides, you'll be hooked.

Be sure the pilot is an instructor so you can log the hours towards your future training. 

Unless you are entering into a structured flight training program, you will need to have self motivation. Start now. All the information you need to know about how to obtain a license is online. Knowing what you can about the process will help you feel confident approaching flight schools with targeted questions.

Ask Questions!

For example; If you have a deadline, ask about aircraft and instructor availability.

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

If you are only planning to obtain a Private Pilots License (PPL), ask for a Category 3 Medical Exam

If you are planning to go on to obtain a Commercial Pilots License (CPL), ask for a Category 1 Medical Exam

The Category 1 Medical Exam is more expensive, but it goes more in depth. This will rule out any medical issues that may prevent you from obtaining your CPL later.

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.

Other online ground schools can be found on our Flight Training Resources Page

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. (The CARs outline the requirements in 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:

• Your First Flight
• Completion of Ground School
• Completion of the ROC-A Exam 
• Completion of the PSTAR Exam
• Your First Solo
• Successful Completion of the PPAER Written Exam
• Your First Solo Cross Country
• Completion of In-Flight Instruction
• Successful Completion of the PPL Flight Test
• PPL Licensing

Safely and proudly explore all that aviation has to offer.