905-838-1400
Brampton Flight Centre

Private Pilot Licence

PPL Overview

The Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is the most common licence for recreational and personal flying in Canada. With a PPL, you can fly anywhere in the world (subject to local regulations), carry passengers, fly at night (with a Night Rating), and add an Instrument Rating for flying in clouds and reduced visibility.

A PPL is also the first step towards a Commercial Pilot Licence if you decide to pursue a career in aviation.

Basic Requirements

Medical

Category III Medical Certificate

Minimum Age

17 years old to obtain the licence

Language

English proficiency required (ALPD if applicable)

Flight Training Requirements

Transport Canada requires a minimum of 45 hours of flight training for a PPL. This is divided between dual instruction (with an instructor) and solo flight time.

Category Minimum Hours Details
Total Flight Time 45 hours Minimum total flight training time
Dual Instruction 17 hours Flight time with an instructor
Cross-Country Dual 3 hours Navigation flights with instructor
Instrument Dual 5 hours Instrument flying training (simulated or actual)
Solo Flight 12 hours Flying without an instructor on board
Cross-Country Solo 5 hours Including a 150 NM flight with 2 full-stop landings at points other than departure
Note: While the Transport Canada minimum is 45 hours, the Canadian national average to complete a PPL is approximately 60-65 hours. Some students complete in 90 hours or more depending on weather, scheduling, and individual learning pace.

Ground School Requirements

PPL Ground School at BFC runs for approximately 15 weeks, providing a minimum of 45 hours of ground instruction. The curriculum covers the four major subject areas tested on the Transport Canada PPL written exam:

Air Law

Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), airspace classifications, right-of-way rules, licensing requirements

Navigation

Map reading, chart interpretation, flight planning, compass navigation, radio navigation aids

Meteorology

Weather theory, weather reports and forecasts, hazardous weather, weather decision-making

Aeronautics & General Knowledge

Theory of flight, aircraft systems, engines, weight and balance, flight instruments, human factors

TC Written Exam

The Transport Canada PPL written exam (PPAER) consists of questions in the four subject areas listed above. You must achieve a minimum of 60% on each of the four sections to pass. The exam is written at a Transport Canada exam centre.

Written Exam Information

Next Steps

Ready to get started on your PPL? Here is what to do:

  1. Review the First Steps checklist
  2. Register for Ground School
  3. Request an Instructor Assignment

Questions? Call 905-838-1400 ext 0 or visit us at the airport.