Information for Student Pilots or Pilots Seeking Flight Training – TP 15703E

The information and guidance below are for student pilots and pilots who want more training. It will help you understand:

  • expectations upon you
  • how to choose a flight instructor
  • what to expect from your training

This isn’t a complete guide. Check the Canadian Aviation Regulation (CARs) and standards for specific rules for each topic.

On this page

Basic steps for flight training

  • Get a medical certificate, radio operator certificate, and Student Pilot Permit
  • Successfully pass the PSTAR
  • Complete dual and solo flight training
  • Pass a written exam
  • Successfully complete a flight test

The flying privileges you need and training requirements

The flying privileges you need to fly different types of aircraft are listed in the CARs Part IV – Personnel Licensing and Training:

The training requirements for these privileges are listed in Standard 421 – Flight Crew Permits, Licences and Ratings:

How to choose a flying school

What your flight instructor should give you

References: CARs Subpart 5, Division 1. Standard 425 and 425.13.

  • A training syllabus
  • Training based on the flight instructor’s guide, flight training manual and human factors handbook
  • Information on the minimum age, medical fitness, knowledge, and skills required
  • The study and reference guide and flight test guide
  • Details on:
    • weather minimums for training flights
    • fuel or battery charge levels you will need for different types of training flights
    • practice areas you will use for training
    • how to report aircraft defects and unserviceable equipment
    • how to secure aircraft when it’s not being used
    • what to do in emergencies (like an emergency landing)
    • any safety considerations for your operating area
    • a list of specific training measures for any aircraft that
    • requires an approved training program (like electric aircraft)

Transport Canada’s air safety publications

Is your flight instructor qualified?

CARs 401.05. Standards 421.05 and 425.21.

  • Must have a valid flight instructor rating
    • Class 4 instructors can only teach within a flight school
  • Must have at least 50 hours with the class of aircraft you’re training on (for example, single-engine, land/sea, for Cessna 172)
  • Must know the aircraft’s flight characteristics, operating limits and operational performance
  • Must meet the recency requirements (for example, number of takeoffs and landings in the last 6 months, acted as pilot in command in the past 5 years, completing a recurrent training program)

Check your instructor’s credentials

There are different classes of flight instructor with different privileges: Class 1, 2, 3, and 4. For example, Class 4 instructors can only teach within a flight school. Your flight instructor also needs to renew their privileges every 1 to 4 years depending on their class for their rating to remain valid.

Check your instructor’s Aviation Document Booklet to make sure:

  • it hasn’t expired
  • their flight instructor rating is valid
  • their medical certificate is valid
  • they meet the recency requirements

If your instructor isn’t qualified

What to expect during training

You will:

  • get reading assignments and need to study
    • Be prepared for your lesson
  • get pre-flight briefings (like weather, safety and flight plan)
  • learn new exercises on the ground
  • before trying them in the air
  • do dual and solo supervised flights
    • You can’t do a solo flight without permission
  • have to calculate the aircraft’s weight
  • and balance for each flight
  • be debriefed after each flight
  • have an instructor who is professional and helps keep you safe
  • get a Pilot Training Record to document your training

Make sure to protect yourself by not making any large payments upfront to any flight school.

Aerodrome requirements

CARs 405.24

  • The aerodrome must be suitable for your aircraft
  • Your instructor must make sure it’s safe to takeoff and land based on the aircraft’s weight, the weather, and performance of the aircraft

Planning to use a private aircraft for training?

CARs 405.22 and 405.23.

  • Your instructor must be familiar with the aircraft’s flight manual
  • The aircraft must meet licensing standards, including having the necessary instruments and radio navigation
    • If the aircraft isn’t certified for spins, you will need to use another aircraft to complete that exercise
  • Check that the insurance policy covers the intended operations, aircraft use, and the designated pilots and instructors

Understand your responsibilities as an aircraft owner.

How to finish your training

  • A person authorized (AP) by Transport Canada will check that you’ve completed the training requirements
  • If you didn’t complete the training properly (for example, if your instructor was unqualified) you won’t get your licence or permit

Contact Transport Canada

Contact your nearest Transport Canada office.

Lessons from real accidents

Here are some situations where students got into trouble, and lessons learned from them.

Information for Student Pilots or Pilots Seeking Flight Training
(PDF, 1.03 MB)

Date modified: