-
featuredTuition
$21,090
- featured
Tuition
$47,475
-
Jun 1 - Jun 1, 2027
Plus 5 other start datesJul 6 - Jul 6 2027
Aug 4 - Aug 4 2027
Sep 8 - Sep 8 2027
Oct 5 - Oct 5 2027
Nov 2 - Nov 2 2027
Tuition
$7,371
-
Tuition
$10,570
-
Jun 8 - Jun 8, 2027
Plus 5 other start datesJul 6 - Jul 6 2027
Aug 4 - Aug 4 2027
Sep 8 - Sep 8 2027
Oct 5 - Oct 5 2027
Nov 2 - Nov 2 2027
Tuition
$11,280
-
Tuition
$12,179
-
Jun 1 - Jun 1, 2027
Plus 4 other start datesJul 6 - Jul 6 2027
Aug 4 - Aug 4 2027
Sep 8 - Sep 8 2027
Oct 5 - Oct 5 2027
Tuition
$12,533
About
A Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is the gateway to becoming a pilot in Canada. Whether you aspire to fly for pleasure or pursue a career in aviation, a PPL opens doors to a world of exhilarating opportunities. As young as 17 years old, you can work towards obtaining a PPL, which permits you to fly solo or with passengers, so long as you\’re not receiving payment for your services.
This licence is perfect for recreational flying enthusiasts looking to pursue aviation as a hobby. It permits pilots to fly a single engine aircraft anywhere in Canada with up to three passengers. After obtaining a PPL, students may work towards achieving other pilot licences including a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), respectively.
The demand for pilots in Canada is on the rise due to significant shortages caused by the pandemic and an aging workforce. A study from the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace has projected that Canada will require an additional 7,000 pilots by 2025.
While programs vary, Canada’s best flight schools offer training to earn your PPL, which typically consists of classroom, simulator, and in-flight instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to get your Private Pilot Licence?
Achieving your Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is possible within two to three months with full-time training, and scheduling flights five to six days per week. You must be at least 17 years old, and have completed 40 hours of ground school, as well as 45 hours of flight training in airplane.
How many hours of solo flying is required for your PPL?
A minimum of 12 hours of solo flight training is required for your Private Pilot Licence (PPL).
Can you make money as a Private Pilot?
No, with a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) you cannot earn money. To charge for pilot services, you must advance and obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
What type of aircraft can I fly with a Private Pilot Licence?
With a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), you are permitted to fly any single engine aircraft.
Certification
To begin the journey toward a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), you must first acquire a Student Pilot Permit (SPL), which is attainable as early as 14 years old. You attend “ground school” to learn about airplane operation and aviation laws and regulations. Candidates must pass regulatory exams, obtain a clean bill of health with a valid medical certificate, and be able to speak, understand, read, and write in English.
Upon obtaining an SPL, candidates can start working towards a PPL. To obtain a PPL, you must be at least 17 years of age with a valid Category 1 or 3 Medical Certificate. You must complete 40 hours of ground school instruction and 45 hours of flight training in an airplane.
A PPL is awarded after the successful completion of the Transport Canada Private Pilot Written Exam with a minimum grade of 60 percent. You must also obtain a minimum of 60 percent in each of the four mandatory subject areas: Air Law, Navigation, Meteorology, and Aeronautics. Finally, you need to successfully complete a Private Pilot Flight Test by Transport Canada.
To become certified as a private pilot, you must obtain certification by Transport Canada. Then, you can explore some of the many professional associations for aircraft operators and other aviation workers, such as:
Select Aviation’s Private Pilot License Fixed Wing program is for individuals looking to fly small planes for personal use or recreation. A PPL is the first step towards becoming a licensed commercial pilot. Graduates can explore further options looking to … Continue reading
Select Aviation’s Private Pilot Licence Helicopter program is for individuals looking to fly helicopters. Graduates can explore further options looking to start a career as a professional pilot. Private Pilot Licence – Helicopter training is a comprehensive program covering theoretical … Continue reading
The Private Pilot Licence allows a pilot to carry multiple passengers, and earn other ratings, such as night rating, instrument rating, multi-engine, etc. MFC training has developed this training through decades of flight training to ensure it’s one of the … Continue reading
Jun 1 - Jun 1, 2027
Jul 6 - Jul 6 2027
Aug 4 - Aug 4 2027
Sep 8 - Sep 8 2027
Oct 5 - Oct 5 2027
Tuition
$22,261
Scholarships available
Tuition
$22,261
Scholarships available
Learners in Winnipeg Aviation’s Private Pilot Licence (PPL) will learn to fly through forty-five hours of ground school, a minimum of twenty-seven hours of dual flight training (with a flight instructor), fifteen hours of solo flight training, and successfully complete … Continue reading
Tuition
$13,022
Tuition
$13,022
Brampton Flight Centre’s Private Pilot License (PPL) program provides comprehensive training in all key areas of flight, including aircraft handling, emergency procedures, radio communication, navigation, and basic instrument flying. The program combines both practical and theoretical instruction, requiring a minimum … Continue reading
Jun 1 - Jun 1, 2027
Jul 6 - Jul 6 2027
Aug 4 - Aug 4 2027
Sep 8 - Sep 8 2027
Oct 5 - Oct 5 2027
Nov 2 - Nov 2 2027
Tuition
$14,743
Tuition
$14,743
At Canadian Flyers International College, pilots quickly learn the sky is the limit. With a team of experienced instructors and maintenance, Canadian Flyers International College has become a shining star in Canadian aviation. To achieve a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) … Continue reading
Tuition & Completion Data
Domestic
Below are CourseCompare’s real-time tuition calculations based on programs and courses across Canada. These exclude ancillary fees.
AVERAGE TUITION
DEGREE
$0
DIPLOMA
$0
CERTIFICATE
$0
NON-CERTIFICATE
$19,168
AVERAGE LENGTH
DEGREE
0 days
DIPLOMA
0 days
CERTIFICATE
0 days
NON-CERTIFICATE
11 months
Last updated: April 29, 2026
International
See below for the latest data on international student tuition across Canada, excluding housing costs and ancillary fees.
Source: Statistics Canada 2023
Careers
Those with only a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) cannot receive compensation in Canada. You must at least have a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) to make money as a pilot. That said, the average salary for a paid pilot in Canada is $82,021, according to Indeed Canada.