Private Pilot License

Do you wish your car had wings? A Private Pilot Licence (PPL) can offer you the freedom, flexibility, and independence to control your own travel, whether for business or pleasure. It is more comprehensive and less restrictive than the Recreational Pilot Permit. The PPL is a prerequisite for the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), and is therefore included in the Integrated CPL Program.

All applicants applying for any program/licence must submit a Criminal Code of Conduct and Vulnerable Sector Screening check. Contact your local RCMP office for more information. Applicants for all programs must be able to obtain a passport.

Requirements & Notes

Candidates must be 17 years of age for the issuance of a Private Pilot Licence. A Category 3 Aviation Medical is required.

  1. Minimum Age: 17 years old (14 years to fly solo)
  2. Aviation Medical: Category 3 or higher

Course Content and Requirements

Candidates for the PPL may choose to fly the Cessna 152 or Cessna 172. Ground School is required, but candidates may elect to follow a supervised self-study program in lieu of attending the Private Pilot Ground School. GFT also offers an expanded Ground School program for those wishing to become career pilots. The hours listed below reflect the Transport Canada minimums. Additional hours may be required to meet prescribed standards.

Dual Flight Time: 33 hrs Solo

Flight Time: 12 hrs Preparatory

Ground Instruction: 20 hrs (one-on-one instruction)

Ground School: 40 hrs Flight

Test: Completed by qualified TC Approved Examiner Written

Examinations: Radio Licence, Pre-Solo and Transport Canada Written Test, are all completed on GFT premises

Course Schedule

The following schedule assumes accelerated ground school or self study program, suitable weather, and a full time schedule with consistency in performance. We recommend candidates begin training January, May or September, but anyone who wishes may begin training for the PPL at any time.

Phase 1: First Solo 2 weeks

Phase 2: Solo Cross Country 3 weeks

Phase 3: Completion of Flight Test 1 week

Upon Completion

The Private Pilot Licence will allow you to fly all non high performance single-engine land aircraft. Graduates may apply for the addition of sea or ski-plane, night, VFR OTT, multi-engine, and/or instrument rating to their licence or enroll in the Commercial Pilot Program. GFT has an aircraft rental program, will assist graduates in the purchase of a new aircraft, and provide recurrent training as required.

If you have any questions feel free to drop us a message
Shopping Basket