Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

This licence opens the door to your career as a pilot for commercial air services in Canada. The pilot must hold a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL).  Typical entry level positions for CPL pilots include:

  • VFR Charter Air Taxi
  • IFR Charter Air Taxi
  • Photo Survey Pilot
  • Forest Fire Detection
  • Medical Evacuation
  • Airborne Traffic Watch
  • Airborne Banner Towing
  • Aircraft maintenance ferrying
  • Test piloting
  • Parachute Dropping
  • Forest Fire Suppression
  • Flight Instructor (with valid Instructors Rating)

Pre-requisites

  • must hold a Medical (Category 1) for the flight test
  • must hold a Private Pilot Licence
  • must be able to read, write, and speak in English without assistance
  • must be at least 18 years of age

Training Requirements

A minimum of 65 hours of flight time, which must include:

  • 35 hours of dual instruction
    • 5 hours must be night-time, including 2 hours night cross-country
    • 5 hours cross-country (the 2 hours night cross-country will be counted towards the 5 hours total time)
    • 20 hours instrument
  • 30 hours solo
    • 25 hours flight time emphasizing the improvement of general flying skills, including a 300nm radius cross-country
    • 5 hours at night
  • a pass of the CPL written exam (minimum 60%)
  • a pass of the CPL flight test to the standard outlined in the Flight Test Standards set by Transport Canada.

Privileges

  • allows the holder to provide commercial flight services for hire as Pilot-in Command or Co-Pilot
  • allows the holder to exercise the privileges of a Commercial Pilot Licence
  • allows the holder to exercise the privileges of a Visual Flight Rules Over-the-Top rating (if applicable)

An applicant must have 200 hours of flight time; 100 hours of which must be as Pilot-in-Command, including 20 hours cross-country.  Once training is completed, your instructor will apply to Transport Canada on your behalf for the issuance of your Commercial Pilot Licence.  A sticker will be issued for you to include in your Aviation Document Booklet (ADB) to reflect the new privileges of your licence.