Mountain Flight Training

Recreational Pilot Permit (RPP), a Transport Canada recognized program

The Recreational Pilot Permit is intended for the person who does not want, or does not need the privileges of a Private Pilot License.

The Recreational Pilot Permit allows a person to fly single-engine aeroplanes with a maximum of four seats, accompanied by a maximum of one other person, in Canada, in daylight conditions. The only rating that can be added to a Recreational Pilot permit is the Float Rating.

Training
The course consists of a minimum 25 hours flight training, of which 5 must be solo. The applicant is required to demonstrate the necessary level of skill and ability by passing a flight test given by a Transport Canada representative. The flight test requirements and standards are specified in the Flight Test Guide.

A formal Ground School is not required, however we suggest you have at least 20 hours of Ground School training to help ensure a safe level of skill and knowledge. All Recreational Pilot Permit students are welcome to join the regular Private Pilot Ground School classes. All RPP students must pass an examination consisting of 80 questions, administered by Transport Canada. The pass mark is 60%.

Medical
The required medical Category 4 standard can be met by having the student's doctor co-sign a declaration regarding the state of the student's health. An examination by a Designated Medical Examiner is not required, however, if you have future plans to upgrade to a Private or Commercial License, it would be wise to obtain a Category 3 Medical Certificate early on in your flight training.

For those who wish to have a Category 3 Medical Certificate, the Aviation Medical Examiners in the Squamish area are:

Dr. Stevenson (Squamish) 604.892.5526

Dr. Rodgers (Sechelt) 604.885.2257

Dr. Burgess (Whistler) 604.932.3977

Dr. Tamplin (Whistler) 604.905.7089

Flight Training can begin at any age, but you must be at least 14 to solo, and 16 before the Recreational Permit can be issued.

Costs*
The cost breakdown in the right column has been provided as an estimate for the Recreational Pilot Permit based on the minimum 25 hours required by Transport Canada, and the more realistic average 35 hours total flight time.

* Please note that Dual and Solo times vary considerably depending on learning pace and confidence. Actual costs to complete the RPP may differ from the examples illustrated on this page.

** Medical Fees are paid to your doctor and Transport Canada, NOT to Glacier Air. Fees are estimates only and may vary.

All costs are effective July 1, 2010. Costs do not include applicable taxes and are subject to change without notice.

All flight training is based at the Squamish Municipal Airport.