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The Private Pilot License (PPL) is the foundational pilot license in Canada. It is recognized internationally, and as such allows you to fly both inside and outside of Canada.
With a Private Pilot License, you can fly any single engine airplane and take multiple passengers along with you. This license also allows for the addition of several ratings, such as a multi-engine or night rating (see our ratings page for more info), and will be the first license you obtain along the path to become a Commercial Pilot if that is your goal.
The main restriction of the Private Pilot License is that you cannot fly for hire.
REQUIREMENTS
Age
14 years to fly solo
17 years for licensing
Medical Fitness
Category 1 or 3 Medical Certificate
Knowledge
Minimum of 90% on the Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations (PSTAR) Exam
Minimum of 40 hours of Ground School covering:
Canadian Aviation Regulations
Aerodynamics and Theory of Flight
Meteorology (Weather)
Airframes, Engines and Systems
Flight Instruments
Radio and Electronic Theory
Navigation
Flight Operations
Licensing Requirements
Human Factors, including pilot decision-making
Minimum of 60% on the Private Pilot License - Aeroplane (PPAER) Exam
Experience
Minimum of 45 hours total flight training time including a minimum of:
17 hours dual flight time (with an instructor), including:
a minimum 3 hour cross-country flight
a minimum of 5 hours instrument time
12 hours solo flight time, including:
5 hours of cross-country flight of a minimum of 150 nautical miles with 2 full stop landings
Skill
Successful completion of a flight test