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Commercial Pilot Licence
Contents
What you will Achieve from this Program
Requirements for Entrance (Prerequisites) and Completion
Transport Canada's Minimum Requirements for Completion
Essential Considerations for the Estimated Costs of Pilot Training
What you will Achieve from this Program
Your Path to Professional Aviation
Upon completing our program, you'll earn a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by Transport Canada, along with a prestigious Certificate of Qualification—Commercial Pilot from Coastal Pacific Aviation.
Unlocking New Horizons
As a CPL holder, you gain the authority to act as Pilot-in-command for single-pilot commercial air services, such as air taxi operations. Alternatively, you can serve as Second-in-command (First Officer) for multi-crew aircraft, like those used in commuter or airline services. This privilege is subject to two key conditions:
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Successful completion of aircraft type-specific training.
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Endorsement of the aircraft type on your Commercial Pilot License.
The First Step Toward Your Dream
For aspiring professional pilots, the journey begins with a Private Pilot License (PPL). This qualification, mandated by Transport Canada, is your gateway to pursuing Commercial Pilot License Training.
Overview of Pilot Training
Preparing You for Success: Commercial Pilot Examinations with Coastal Pacific Aviation Ltd
Becoming a Commercial Pilot at Coastal Pacific Aviation Ltd requires rigorous training and successful completion of two crucial examinations. These examinations are designed to assess your readiness for a rewarding career in aviation:
1. Flight Test: Your Practical Evaluation
One of these examinations is the flight test, where you'll showcase your flying skills in an aircraft, guided by a certified Pilot Examiner. This hands-on evaluation ensures you can confidently take control of an aircraft in various scenarios. It's important to note that the flight test must be completed within two years of successfully passing the written examination.
2. Written Examination: Mastering the Theory
The second examination is a written test administered by Transport Canada. This test assesses your theoretical knowledge of aviation principles and regulations. It's a crucial step on your journey to becoming a Commercial Pilot and must be completed within one year of passing the flight test.
Tailored Training Approach with Coastal Pacific Aviation Ltd
At Coastal Pacific Aviation Ltd, we've designed our Commercial Pilot training program with these examinations in mind. Our training is structured to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in both the flight test and written examination.
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Flight Training: This component is primarily conducted on a one-on-one basis with a dedicated Flight Instructor. You'll gain valuable hands-on experience, ensuring you're fully prepared for the flight test.
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Ground School: Our ground school sessions take place in a traditional classroom environment. Here, you'll dive into the theoretical aspects of aviation, equipping you with the understanding required to ace the written examination.
Compliance with Industry Standards
Rest assured, all our training at Coastal Pacific Aviation Ltd adheres to the rigorous standards set by Transport Canada. Our aircraft are meticulously maintained to meet Transport Canada's certified commercial aircraft maintenance standards, ensuring your safety and confidence in your training.
At Coastal Pacific Aviation Ltd, we're committed to preparing you thoroughly for both examinations and guiding you towards a successful career as a Commercial Pilot.
Requirements for Entrance (Prerequisites) and Completion
At Coastal Pacific Aviation Ltd, we have specific prerequisites and criteria for both entering and successfully completing our Commercial Pilot program. Here are the essential requirements:
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Category 1 Medical Certificate: Before attempting either the Commercial Pilot flight test or the qualifying Commercial Pilot written examination, all students must hold a Category 1 Medical Certificate. This certificate ensures that you are medically fit for the rigors of flight training.
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Flight Experience Completion: To be eligible to take the qualifying written examination, Commercial Pilot students must have completed at least 50% of their flight experience requirements, as outlined in CAR 421.13(4).
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Age Requirements:
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Student Pilot Permit: Minimum age of 14 years.
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Private Pilot Licence: Minimum age of 17 years.
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Commercial Pilot Licence: Minimum age of 18 years.
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Educational Background: As per StudentAid BC Policy Manual requirements, entrance into our program necessitates one of the following:
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Completion of Grade 12 (or equivalent).
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Qualification as a mature student (age 19 or older, with no full-time school attendance for 52 weeks).
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English Language Proficiency (For International Students): In alignment with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, all international students must demonstrate proficiency in the English language (ALPT - Aviation Language Proficiency Test).
These requirements are in place to ensure that our students are well-prepared and meet the necessary standards for success in our program. If you have any questions or need further information about these requirements, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at Coastal Pacific Aviation Ltd. We're here to support your aviation journey.
Transport Canada's Minimum Requirements for Completion
Knowledge Requirements—Ground School Instruction (80 hours):
To successfully complete the CPAER program, you must complete a minimum of 80 hours of ground school instruction, covering the following subjects:
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Canadian Aviation Regulations
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Aerodynamics and Theory of Flight
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Meteorology
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Airframes, Engines, and Systems
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Flight Instruments
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Radio and Electronic Theory
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Navigation
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Flight Operations
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Licensing Requirements
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Human Factors, including pilot decision-making
Knowledge Requirements—Written Examination:
To obtain a recommendation letter from your flight instructor and qualify for the CPAER, you need to achieve the following:
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Score a minimum of 70% on the Ground School Final Exam.
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Attain a minimum of 60% in each of the following four mandatory subject areas, as well as an overall passing grade in the written examination:
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Air Law (regulations, rules, air traffic services, and licensing requirements)
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Navigation (navigation, radio aids, and electronic theory)
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Meteorology
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Aeronautics—General Knowledge (airframes, engines, theory of flight, flight instruments, and flight operations)
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Experience Requirements:
To qualify for the CPAER, you need to fulfill the following flight time requirements:
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Complete a minimum of 200 hours of flight time in aeroplanes, including at least 100 hours as pilot-in-command, with 20 hours of cross-country pilot-in-command flight time.
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Following the issuance of a private pilot licence—Aeroplane by Canada or another contracting state, complete 65 hours of commercial pilot flight training in aeroplanes, comprising:
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35 hours of dual instruction flight time, including 5 hours at night (with at least 2 hours of cross-country night flight) and 5 hours of cross-country day flight.
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20 hours of instrument flight time (up to 10 hours can be on an approved aeroplane simulator or synthetic flight training device).
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30 hours of solo flight time, including 25 hours focusing on improving general flying skills, with a cross-country flight of at least 300 nautical miles and three landings at different airports.
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5 hours of solo night flight, involving a minimum of 10 takeoffs, circuits, and landings.
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Skill Requirements:
Within the 12 months preceding your application for the licence, successfully complete a flight test as pilot-in-command of an aeroplane, following the guidelines outlined in the Commercial Pilot Flight Test Guide.
These requirements are essential for completing the CPAER program and obtaining your Commercial Pilot Licence—Aeroplane. It's important to note that meeting these standards demonstrates your competence and readiness for a career in aviation.
Estimated Training Costs
Aeroplane program at Coastal Pacific Aviation Ltd, keeping in mind that individual costs may vary based on specific circumstances. Please note that prices are subject to change, primarily in response to fluctuations in aviation fuel costs:
AIR INSTRUCTION
Aircraft Type: Cessna-172 P Model
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Aircraft Hourly Rate: $179/hr
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Flight Instructor Hourly Rate: $70/hr
Flight Instruction Hours:
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10 Hours Dual VFR Instruction: $2,490
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10 Hours Dual Instrument Instruction: $2,490
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5 Hours Dual Night Instruction: $1,245
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30 Hours Solo Practice: $5,370
Sub-Total (Air Instruction): $11,595
GROUND SCHOOL & ADMINISTRATION
Simulator Type: PFC-FTD
Optional Simulator Rentals:
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PFC-V: $105/hr
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Redbird: $115/hr
Simulator Hourly Rate: $95/hr Flight Instructor Hourly Rate: $70/hr
Ground School and Administration Hours:
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10 Hours Dual Simulator Instruction: $1,650
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5 Hours Ground Briefing: $350
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CPL Ground School Course: $500
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Books and Supplies (Approximate): $325
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Flight Tests & Transport Canada Fees: $740 (*Note: Flight Test & TC Fees are NOT paid directly to CPA)
Sub-Total (Ground School & Administration): $3,565
ESTIMATED TOTAL COSTS
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Air Instruction and Student Practice: $11,595
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Ground School and Administration: $3,565
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $15,160 CAD
Please keep in mind that these are the minimum estimated costs based on Transport Canada's minimum requirements. Additional expenses related to "time building" should be reviewed separately as mentioned below.
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Dual Air Instruction: This involves training flights where you, the student, receive instruction while in the aircraft. During these flights, a Flight Instructor is present, guiding and supervising your actions as you gain hands-on experience.
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Dual Simulator Instruction: This type of instruction takes place in Coastal Pacific Aviation's Flight Simulators. You'll receive guidance and training from a Flight Instructor while using the simulator to practice and develop your flying skills.
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Solo Practice: Solo practice flights occur under the supervision of a Flight Instructor, where you are the sole occupant of the aircraft. This allows you to apply what you've learned independently while still having an instructor's oversight.
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Preparatory Ground Instruction: This refers to classroom instruction, often conducted one-on-one with a Flight Instructor, that helps you prepare for specific flight exercises. It's designed to ensure you are well-prepared before taking to the skies.
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Pre-flight Briefings: Before each flight lesson or solo practice flight, you'll have a pre-flight briefing with your Flight Instructor. During this session, you'll go over the flight plan, safety procedures, and what to expect during the upcoming flight.
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Post-flight De-briefing: After your flight, you'll engage in a post-flight debriefing with your Flight Instructor. This is a crucial review session where you discuss what went well, areas for improvement, and any lessons learned during the flight.
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Ground School Instruction: Ground school instruction typically takes place in a classroom setting, led by a Ground school Instructor. It covers theoretical aspects of aviation, preparing you for the written examination requirements of your pilot's licence.
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Tutorial Instruction: Tutorial instruction involves informal meetings among Ground school students, often led by Teaching Assistants. These Teaching Assistants are typically experienced students who guide discussions and provide additional support to help you understand the material better.
Understanding these concepts will be instrumental in navigating your pilot training program at Coastal Pacific Aviation Ltd effectively. If you have any questions or need further clarification on any of these terms or the training process, your instructors and staff at Coastal Pacific Aviation Ltd are there to assist you every step of the way.
Time-building Costs
Absolutely, it's crucial for prospective students to understand that meeting the minimum total time experience requirements for the Commercial Pilot Licence, as set by Transport Canada, may necessitate additional flight hours as Pilot-in-command (PIC). This extra phase of training, known as "time-building," is essential for building the necessary flight experience and can significantly impact the overall cost of your pilot training. It's essential to budget and plan for these additional hours as part of your training expenses. Coastal Pacific Aviation Ltd is committed to supporting your journey, including helping you navigate the time-building phase effectively. If you have any questions or need further information about this aspect of your training, please don't hesitate to reach out to our staff, who will be more than happy to assist you in understanding and planning for these costs.
Important Considerations for the estimated costs of Pilot Training
It's essential to acknowledge the variability in pilot training costs, primarily driven by differences in training frequency and student skill levels, both in flight training and written examination preparation. While challenges in preparing for written exams may lead to delayed completion and additional expenses (e.g., food and housing), the most significant cost variable relates to students' flying skill levels.
To address this risk and ensure financial preparedness, here are some recommendations:
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Budgetary Reserves: For both Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot students, consider retaining an additional reserve amount of $8,000 for financial planning purposes. This reserve can serve as a buffer to cover unexpected cost overruns or delays in training.
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Efficient Training: Emphasize the importance of regular flight training and effective self-study and preparation for flights. Encourage students to stay on top of their training schedule and invest time in self-study to enhance their learning and reduce the likelihood of cost overruns.
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Communication: Maintain open and regular communication with students about their progress and challenges. Encourage them to seek assistance or clarification whenever needed, whether it's related to flight training or written examination preparation.
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Financial Planning: Advise students to create a detailed financial plan that includes not only tuition and training costs but also living expenses, housing, and potential reserve funds for unforeseen circumstances.
By following these recommendations, students can better prepare themselves financially and academically for their pilot training. While training costs may vary, prudent financial planning and effective training strategies can help minimize the risk of cost overruns and ensure a smoother path to achieving their Commercial Pilot Licence.
Important Considerations for International Students
Admissions Process and Administrative Fee:
As part of our admissions process for international students, we require a non-refundable administrative fee of $390, payable to Coastal Pacific Aviation. This fee is essential to cover administrative and courier-related expenses, including the preparation and issuance of your Letter of Acceptance. The Letter of Acceptance is a crucial document that you will need when applying for a Study Permit and Visa to study in Canada.
Important Information for International Students:
For a comprehensive guide on additional information relevant to international students, including visa processes, immigration requirements, and more, please visit the International Students' Page on our website. This page provides essential details to help you navigate the international student experience at Coastal Pacific Aviation Ltd.
Government Approval:
We are proud to inform you that our program has received approval from the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training. This approval reflects our commitment to providing high-quality education and adhering to regulatory standards.
If you have any questions or need further assistance regarding the admissions process or any other inquiries related to international student enrollment, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you throughout your journey in pursuing your aviation education at Coastal Pacific Aviation Ltd.