Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
108 instruction hours • 12 weeks full-time
Learn to fly in a structured, professional environment. CAC’s Private Pilot Licence Certificate Program combines instructor-led flight training, ground school and practical preparation for the Transport Canada written examination and flight test.
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
Program Structure
COSTS AT A GLANCE
Tuition
Materials estimate
Application fee
Estimated CAC Program Cost
$18,350.00
$1,540.00
$250.00
$20,140.00
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Costs include taxes
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The estimated total is provided for financial planning purposes only and does not constitute a quotation or guarantee of the total cost to complete the program.
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Actual costs vary based on individual progress, proficiency, additional training required, aircraft or FTD utilization, applicable fees and operational conditions.
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Transport Canada establishes minimum experience and licensing requirements; many students require training beyond the minimum or included allocations.
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Fuel surchage may be applied subject to the prevailing fuel price.
Disclaimer: This program does not require approval by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training. As such, the registrar did not review this program
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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Be at least 17 years of age before issuance of the Transport Canada Private Pilot Licence.
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No previous flight experience or pilot licence is required.
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Obtain and maintain a valid Transport Canada Category 3 Medical Certificate or higher, as required for the Private Pilot Licence.
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Demonstrate sufficient English-language proficiency to safely participate in flight training.
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Meet all published Canadian Aviation College admission requirements in effect at the time of enrollment
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.