Fee: Varies (see the application form)
All flight crew members must hold a permit or licence issued by Transport Canada. Applicants complete a form and submit it along with documentation and a fee. See General information on pilot licences and permits if interested in aviation as a hobby or as a career.
Personal information we collect during the application process is protected under the Privacy Act.
Before applying, prepare to show that you have passed examination(s) and met medical fitness standards. Specific requirements for flight crew licences and permits are listed in Standard 421 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations CARs.
On this page
- How to submit an application
- How long it will take to process your application
- Application forms
- More about pilot licences and permits
How to submit an application
To submit an application for a flight crew permit, licence or rating:
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Choose the application form you want
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Fill out the correct form in blue or black ink only. Review and sign it.
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Attach the required documents listed in the application form.
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Submit the form and documents to your nearest Transport Canada regional office.
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Pay your application fee. We will not process your application until we receive this fee.
The fastest way to pay is online but you may also submit payment by cheque or credit card to a Civil Aviation regional office.
If you do not already hold an Aviation Document Booklet, you should include the Aviation Document Booklet Application form with your permit or licence application. Learn more about Applying for an aviation document booklet.
How long it will take to process your application
See our service standards for civil aviation
Application forms
Permit application forms
- Application for a Gyroplane Pilot Permit (PDF, 1.1 MB)
- Application for an Ultra-light Pilot Permit – Aeroplane (PDF, 1.1 MB)
- Application for a Recreational Pilot Permit – Aeroplane (PDF, 1.1 MB)
Licence application forms
- Application for a Glider Pilot Licence (PDF, 1.1 MB)
- Application for a Balloon Pilot Licence (PDF, 1.1 MB)
- Application for a Private Pilot Licence – Aeroplane (PDF, 1.1 MB)
- Application for a Private Pilot Licence – Helicopter (PDF, 1.1 MB)
- Application for Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane (PDF, 733 KB)
- Application for Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter (PDF, 808 KB)
- Application for an Airline Transport Pilot Licence – Aeroplane (PDF, 698 KB)
- Application for an Airline Transport Pilot Licence – Helicopter (PDF, 1.1 MB)
- Application for a Flight Engineer Licence (PDF, 768 KB)
Related application forms
Haven't found what you were looking for? These forms are also for parts of the permit and licensing process, including endorsements of a rating, address changes and licence re-issuing.
- Flight Crew Permit / Licence – Application for Endorsement of a Rating (PDF, 178 KB)
- Aviation Document Booklet Application (PDF, 752 KB)
- Flight Crew Licensing Change of Address Request (PDF, 631 KB)
- Conversion of an FAA Certificate Using the Implementation Procedures for Licensing Application Guidelines (PDF, 1.2 MB)
- Flight Crew Licensing Declaration of Name Change (PDF, 628 KB)
- Application for a Foreign Licence Validation Certificate (PDF, 729 KB)
- Application for Re-issue of a Civil Aviation Licensing Document (PDF, 1.1 MB)
- Medical Declaration for Licenses and Permits Requiring a Category 4 Medical Standard (PDF, 539 KB) *
* The Medical Declaration for Licenses and Permits Requiring a Category 4 Medical Standard must be submitted to a Transport Canada regional office. Please do not submit Category 4 Medical Declarations to Civil Aviation Medicine.
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