Mountain Flight Training
Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
Whether it's the thrill and excitement of flight, the first step towards an aviation career, or as a means of quick transportation, the Private Pilot's License is accessible to all.
The course is designed to provide the individual with the knowledge and skills to safely operate a small, single-engine aeroplane under visual conditions, during daylight hours.
Additional privileges beyond the Private Pilot's License are available as endorsements such as: floats, multi-engine, night and instrument.
Prerequisites
The course itself includes 35 hours of dual flight instruction, plus 30 hours of solo flight training. The dual includes 5 hours night, 5 hours cross-country, and 20 hours of instrument training. The solo time must include a flight to a point at least 300 nautical miles from the departure airport, as well as 5 hours of night flying. To issue a license, the candidate must have a total of 200 hours flight time, with at least 100 hours of Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
In addition to flying skills, an essential level of theoretical knowledge is also required. This is met through the Private Pilot Groundschool, which shall be at least 40 hours in duration. The knowledge acquired shall be demonstrated by completing a written exam administered by Transport Canada, with a minimum pass mark of 60%. Groundschool and Flight Training can be taken simultaneously but do not have to be. You may begin flying before groundschool, or vice-versa.
Flight training is conducted at the student's pace and availability. The course can take as little as 4-5 weeks (full time), but usually takes 6-12 months at a pace of 1-3 lessons per week. You may begin flying at any age, however, you must be 14 to solo, and at least 17 years old to be issued a Private Pilot's License.
Medical
The holder of a Private Pilot's License must obtain at least a Category 3 Medical Certificate. This is met through an examination by a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner.
The following is a list of local doctors who are certified to conduct aviation medical exams:
Dr. Stevenson (Squamish) 604.892.5526
Dr. Rodgers (Sechelt) 604.885.2257
Dr. Burgess (Whistler) 604.932.3977
Dr. Tamplin (Whistler) 604.905.7089
Costs*
To assist those who wish to pursue a Private License, the cost breakdown in the right column is provided for both the minimum 45 hours as required by Transport Canada, and the more realistic average time of 55 hours.
Payment is due at the end of each flight and may be paid as the training progresses. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, credit card and debit card. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your aviation goals and how we can help you achieve them!
* Please note that Dual and Solo times vary considerably depending on learning pace and confidence. Actual costs to complete the PPL may differ from the examples illustrated on this page.
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