Imagine your office being the cockpit of an airplane, with a view that is second to none. The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is the beginning of an exciting career that can take you around the world or to your backyard adventure. This licence may be obtained once the Private Pilot Licence is completed, or as part of an Integrated Commercial Pilot Licence Program. GFT encourages students to enhance their employability by including the Ski-plane, Seaplane, Multi-Engine Rating and Instrument Ratings as the flight experience gained is credited toward the total time requirements of the Commercial Pilot Licence. The Professional Commercial Pilot Program follows closely with the Integrated Commercial Pilot Licence, and is designed for candidates who have training completed up to the Private Pilot Licence.
Commercial Pilot License
Requirements & Notes
- Minimum Age: 18 years old (May begin flight training at age 17)
- Aviation Medical: Category 1
- Aviation Licence: Private Pilot Licence
Course Content and Requirements
The Commercial Pilot Licence Program is usually conducted on both Cessna 152s and Cessna 172s. The Accelerated Flight Syllabus covers the 65 hrs required for the Commercial Pilot Licence, but to complete the total time requirements of 200 hrs, time building is required. Ground School is required, but candidates may elect to follow a supervised self-study program in lieu of attending the Commercial Pilot Ground School. GFT also offers a more comprehensive ground school and flight training program that closely resembles the ICPL. The hours listed below reflect the Transport Canada minimums.
Dual Flight Time: 35 hrs
Solo Flight Time: 30 hrs
* Time Building: 90 hrs
Preparatory Ground Instruction: 10 hrs (one-on-one instruction)
Ground School: 80 hrs
Flight Test: Completed by qualified TC Approved Examiner
Written Examinations: Transport Canada Written Test
* This figure based on a candidate having completed the PPL in 45 hours. These hours may include training towards the seaplane, skiplane, multi-engine, or instrument ratings.
Course Schedule
The following schedule assumes accelerated ground school or self-study program, suitable weather, and a full time schedule with consistency in performance. The time building component is not included as it may be integrated with other training programs tailored to the students needs. We recommend candidates begin training January, May or September, but anyone who wishes may begin training for the CPL at any time.
Upon Completion
The Commercial Pilot Licence will allow you to fly for employment and start building experience toward the Airline Transport Pilot Licence. It is strongly recommended that graduates apply for the addition of Sea or Skiplane, Multi-engine, and/or Instrument Rating to their licence if not already completed. Graduates can also apply for the Flight Instructor Rating.