Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
Take to the skies with our Private Pilot Licence program, designed to give you the foundational skills and knowledge for a lifetime of flying adventures. Flight training is conducted at two scenic locations: Pitt Meadows BC, Canada.
Program overview
The Private Pilot Licence program combines practical flight training with ground school instruction, allowing students to apply aviation theory directly to real-world flying.
Training covers core competencies such as:
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Aircraft handling and coordinated flight
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Navigation and airspace awareness
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Weather interpretation and risk assessment
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Radio communication and standard procedures
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Safety-focused planning and decision-making
All instruction is delivered in accordance with Transport Canada requirements, including the required flight time, instrument exposure, ground school instruction, written examination, and flight test.
Training location
Flight training for the Private Pilot Licence program is conducted at Pitt Meadows Airport in British Columbia.
This active aviation environment provides access to varied airspace and real-world operating conditions that support strong foundational training.
Learning environment and student support
Canadian Aviation College provides structured student supports designed to reinforce preparation, communication, and accountability within a regulated aviation training environment. These supports include Student Services, Guided Study, and a Student Council.
For Private Pilot Licence students, these supports complement the responsibility to prepare for lessons, engage consistently in training, and progress in accordance with regulatory and instructional standards
Who this program is for
This program may be a good fit if you:
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Are interested in learning to fly for personal or recreational reasons
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Want a structured, professional introduction to aviation
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Value safety, preparation, and clear expectations
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Are exploring aviation before deciding on further training
This program may not be the right fit if you:
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Are seeking immediate employment or guaranteed career outcomes
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Are not prepared for the time, cost, and responsibility involved in flight training
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Are looking for accelerated or shortcut pathways
Canadian Aviation College encourages prospective students and families to consider readiness and goals carefully and to ask questions before enrolling.
Skills and experience gained
The PPL program is about more than learning how to operate an aircraft. Students develop habits and skills that are central to safe aviation practice, including:
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Situational awareness and effective decision-making
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Clear communication and preparation
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Confidence developed through structured progression
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An understanding of personal responsibility in the cockpit
Many private pilots later choose to expand their flying privileges through additional training, such as night ratings or VFR over-the-top (VFR-OTT) endorsements, depending on individual interests and goals.
Progression and further training
For individuals who later choose to pursue professional pilot training, the Private Pilot Licence is a required prerequisite under Transport Canada regulations before beginning commercial flight training. Completion of the PPL alone does not qualify graduates for employment in aviation.
Regulatory information
This program does not require approval by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. As such, PTIRU did not review this program.
The Private Pilot Licence program is regulated by Transport Canada and must meet all applicable federal aviation training standards.
Next steps
If you would like to learn more about the Private Pilot Licence program, we invite you to explore your options at your own pace:
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Learn more about flight training at Canadian Aviation College
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Speak with our team to ask questions and understand program expectations
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Book an information session to determine whether this program is the right fit.
Admission Requirements
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16 years old (17 at time of PPL licensing)
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Pass Transport Canada Category 3 medical exam
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International students cannot take PPL only, it does not meet the Canadian Study Permit requirements
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the successful student will have demonstrated:
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Working knowledge in General aviation, Canadian air law, Meteorology, and Navigation.
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The flying skills required to pass the TC PPL flight test
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The ability to competently operate a single engine, non-high-performance aircraft certified for a minimum flight crew of one.
Required Course Materials
▪ Nav Canada VFR phraseology guide; ▪ From the Ground Up textbook and workbook; ▪ Human Factors for Aviation - Basic Handbook; ▪ Ground school and Flight training workbooks with lesson plans; ▪ Flight Training Manual, 4th Edition; ▪ C172 Pilot Operating Handbook ▪ Pilot Log Book; ▪ Flight Computer – E6B and CX3; ▪ ICAO Chart Ruler; ▪ Protractor; ▪ VNC and VTA maps; ▪ Canadian Flight Supplement; ▪ Flight Bag; ▪ TC study and flight test guides;
Course Duration
Up to 6 Months
Delivery Method
Aircraft / Briefing Room / and Flight Training Device (FTD), and classroom setting for Ground School
Teaching Methods
One-on-one Instructor-Student in the aircraft / Briefing Room / and Flight Training Device (FTD), and group classroom setting for Ground School.
Fees and Hours
Application fee
Domestic Student - 250
International Student- 500
Tuition Fee
25,175.00
Other Fees
Incidental and Exam Fees: 1,200
Books and Material Fees: 860
Headset Fee: 650
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Costs include taxes
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This is estimated cost only. The actual cost is based on student performance
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Costs are estimates based on Transport Canada minimum flight requirements and school program estimates
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*This cost includes a maximum number of instructional hours as listed above. Canadian Aviation College has the right to charge the student the hourly rate for both flight and instructional time beyond this limit.
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Fuel surchage may be applied subject to the prevailing fuel price.