Get Your Canada Pilot License
Complete Transport Canada guide for PPL — Aeroplane (CARS Part IV / 401): cost, hours, theory exams, medical, and how to convert from foreign licenses. Updated for 2026 regulations.
Cost & key data
| PPL — Aeroplane (CARS Part IV / 401) cost | CAD $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Minimum flight hours | 45 h |
| Theory study (typical) | 40 h |
| Medical class | Category 3 Medical (Category 1 for CPL/ATPL) |
| Knowledge test | PPAER — Private Pilot Aeroplane Knowledge Exam |
| Minimum age | 17 years |
| License validity | Lifetime; recency: 5 hours every 12 months |
| Working language(s) | English, French |
| Drone authorisation | Transport Canada RPAS Pilot Certificate (RPAS Basic / Advanced Operations (CARS Part IX)) |
| Average training time | 8 months full-time |
Step-by-step path to your Transport Canada license
Average completion: 8 months full-time.
- Step 1Pass the medical
Obtain a Category 3 Medical (Category 1 for CPL/ATPL). The medical certificate must be current before you can fly solo.
- Step 2Theory study & ground school
Complete approximately 40 hours of ground theory covering air law, navigation, meteorology, principles of flight, communications, and human factors.
- Step 3Fly the required 45 hours
Log a minimum of 45 flight hours with a certified instructor at an Transport Canada-approved flight school. Includes solo cross-country flights.
- Step 4Pass the knowledge test
PPAER — Private Pilot Aeroplane Knowledge Exam — 100 multiple-choice questions, 60% per section, 60% overall.
- Step 5Pass the skill test (checkride)
Complete an end-of-course practical exam with an Transport Canada examiner. Once passed, your PPL — Aeroplane (CARS Part IV / 401) is issued.
License classes issued by Transport Canada
- Recreational Pilot Permit
- PPL(A)
- CPL(A)
- ATPL(A)
- Multi-engine / IFR ratings
- RPAS Basic / Advanced
Canada drone license under Transport Canada
Drone authority
RPAS Basic / Advanced Operations (CARS Part IX)
Test format
Basic: 35-question online exam, 65% to pass. Advanced: 50-question online + flight review with a TC-approved flight reviewer.
Maximum altitude
400 ft AGL
Renewal cycle: every 2 years. See the worldwide drone pilot hub for country-by-country comparisons.
How Transport Canada compares to FAA & EASA
vs FAA (United States)
Very similar structure to FAA Part 61. PPAER 100Q vs FAA's 60Q; 45h vs 40h. ICAO-compatible. RPAS rules diverge — Canada uses Basic vs Advanced instead of Part 107.
Open guidevs EASA (Europe)
Lighter theory than EASA (1 written vs 9). Medical and IFR rules align with ICAO, so cross-validation is straightforward.
Open guideCompare with other worldwide authorities
Transport Canada pilot license — frequently asked questions
What is the difference between RPAS Basic and Advanced?
Basic = uncontrolled airspace, more than 30 m from bystanders, more than 5.6 km from an airport. Advanced = controlled airspace, near bystanders, near airports — requires the Advanced exam plus a flight review.
How much does a PPL cost in Canada?
Expect CAD $12,000–$20,000 depending on flight school region (Ontario and BC are usually higher). Most students complete in 50–70 hours.
What is the PPAER exam pass mark?
60% overall AND 60% per section (Air Law, Navigation, Meteorology, General Knowledge). Failing any single section fails the exam.
Do I need to register my drone?
Yes — every drone between 250 g and 25 kg must be registered with Transport Canada and the registration number visibly displayed on the aircraft.
Is a Canadian PPL valid in the US?
Yes, with a piggyback Foreign Pilot Certificate from the FAA (issued via verification of authenticity). Drone certifications do not cross-recognise.
Ready to start training for your Transport Canada license?
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