Commercial Pilot Licence - Self Paced

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) - Self Paced

The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is the minimum licence required to fly as a professional pilot in Canada. BFC's self-paced CPL program allows you to train on a flexible schedule that fits your lifestyle, whether you are transitioning from another career or building on an existing Private Pilot Licence.

Unlike the structured IATPL and College programs, the self-paced CPL option allows you to progress at a rate that works for you. You train with BFC instructors and use our fleet of aircraft, but you set the pace.

Flight Training Requirements

Transport Canada requires a minimum of 200 hours of flight time for the Commercial Pilot Licence. This includes:

Note: Total hours may exceed 200 depending on individual progress. The above represents Transport Canada minimums.

Ground School

The CPL ground school covers approximately 80 hours of instruction in the following subjects:

• Air Law and Regulations
• Navigation (advanced)
• Meteorology (advanced)
• Aeronautics and General Knowledge
• Flight Operations
• Flight Planning

Students must pass the Transport Canada CPL written examination (CPAER) before the flight test. BFC offers ground school classes to prepare students for this exam.

Medical Requirements

• Category 1 Medical Certificate issued by a Transport Canada Civil Aviation Medical Examiner (CAME)
• The medical must be valid at the time of the flight test
• It is recommended to obtain your medical early to identify any potential issues

Age Requirements

• Minimum age to hold a CPL: 18 years
• You may begin training before turning 18 but cannot take the flight test until your 18th birthday

Privileges

A Commercial Pilot Licence allows you to:

• Exercise all privileges of a Private Pilot Licence
• Act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft operated for commercial purposes (hire and reward)
• Fly for charter companies, aerial survey, aerial photography, banner towing, and other commercial operations
• Build hours toward an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)
• With additional ratings (Multi-Engine, IFR), qualify for airline hiring through pathway programs

Additional Ratings

Most career pilots will need additional ratings beyond the basic CPL. BFC offers the following ratings that can be added to your CPL:

• Multi-Engine Rating — required for most airline and charter positions
• Group 1 IFR Rating — required for instrument conditions and most commercial operations
• Night Rating — required for night VFR operations
• Flight Instructor Rating — a popular way to build hours after earning your CPL

Get Started

Contact BFC to discuss your training goals and develop a plan for earning your Commercial Pilot Licence.

• admissions@bramfly.com
• 905-838-1400 ext 248