As you start to build your knowledge and confidence through the PPL Ground School, your next step is to work towards the Private Pilot License (PPL). The PPL enables you to fly any Canadian-registered single engine, land and non-high performance aircraft, as long as you are rated for the equipment you are flying. With this license, there is no aircraft weight limit and no limit to the number of passengers you can carry. However, you may not operate aircraft for “hire or reward.” You will be licensed to fly in daylight in good weather only. The PPL is the foundation for all other licenses and is required if you wish to go on to commercial licensing.

PPL Requirements

In order to obtain the Transport Canada Private Pilot License, you must:

Complete 40 hours of PPL Ground School

Pass the Transport Canada PPAER exam (minimum score of 60% required).

Successfully complete a minimum of 45 hours of air training that must include:

17 hrs dual with:

3 hrs cross-country

5 hrs instrument training and;

12 hrs solo with:

5 hrs cross-country

* Note that the hours above represent Transport Canada’s minimum air training requirements, the average PPL student at Vital Aviation completes 58 hours of air training before being recommended for the Transport Canada flight test. Total hours for each student are affected by the student’s commitment (willingness to study hard in between lessons and repeat exercises until they are mastered) and how quickly he or she is able to meet proficiencies. Total hours can also be affected by the weather and flying frequency.

Successfully complete the pre-solo tests administered by Vital before starting solo flight training.

Pass the Transport Canada Private Pilot License flight test.

Note: only after all Ground School and flight training hours have been completed and your Vital flight instructor is confident you are well prepared the PPL flight test, will he/she issue the required written recommendation to Transport Canada for you to take this test.