General Aviation

General aviation (GA) refers to all civil aviation operations other than scheduled airline service and military aviation. It encompasses a huge range of activities: private flying, flight training, air taxi, corporate aviation, agricultural operations, charter, aerial photography, and more.

GA in Canada

Canada has approximately 36,000 registered aircraft and 70,000 licensed pilots, the vast majority in general aviation. The GA sector is economically significant and plays a critical role in connecting remote communities, supporting resource industries, and providing pilot pathways to commercial aviation. GA aircraft range from single-engine trainers to corporate jets.

GA vs. Commercial Aviation

The regulatory boundary between GA and commercial aviation is drawn by whether an operation is conducted “for hire or reward.” Private pilots flying for personal travel or recreational purposes are GA. Any operation where compensation is received — money, goods, services, or reciprocal favours — may constitute commercial aviation requiring an AOC and commercial pilot licensing.

Related Terms

See also: Commercial Air Service, Air Transport Service, Aerial Work.