Commercial Pilot License in Canada: What is it and why do you need it?
Commercial Pilot License in Canada: What It Is and How to Get One
For many people, earning a commercial pilot license is the moment an aviation hobby turns into a career. A CPL is the foundation of a pilot’s professional flying journey. But what exactly is a commercial pilot license, why is it required, and how do you obtain one in Canada? This post walks you through the process and answers those questions.
- A Private Pilot License does not let you get paid to fly. To work as a pilot in Canada, you need a CPL.
- Before starting, you need a PPL, a Category 1 medical certificate, and the flight experience listed in CAR 421.30.
- From zero experience, a full-time student can finish a CPL in roughly 18 to 24 months; part-time students often take 3 to 5 years.
What Is a Commercial Pilot License?
A commercial pilot license is a license issued by Transport Canada that allows pilots to act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft for compensation or hire. A Commercial Pilot License – Aeroplane is the minimum license required to act as a professional pilot for hire in Canada.
Some may ask, “Can I get a job as a pilot with a Private Pilot License?” The answer to that is no. A Private Pilot License only allows pilots to fly recreationally. It does not permit a pilot to be paid for their flying services.
So, to legally work in Canada as a pilot, a CPL is required.
What the regulation says: under CAR 401.30, the holder of a Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane may exercise all the privileges of a Private Pilot Licence, exercise the privileges of a VFR Over-the-Top rating, act as pilot-in-command of a commercially operated aircraft requiring only one pilot, and act as co-pilot on aircraft requiring multiple crew members. Pilots who obtain a Flight Instructor Rating may also conduct flight training.
What Type of Jobs Can You Get With a Commercial Pilot License?
Someone with a commercial pilot license may obtain the following pilot jobs:
Conduct charter and air taxi operations for a commercial operator.
Become a flight instructor after obtaining an instructor rating.
Fly aerial survey, pipeline patrol, and sightseeing operations.
Build experience towards an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL).
It is important to remember that while a CPL allows a pilot to be paid for their flying, many of the above positions require additional ratings and experience. It would be unrealistic to expect a pilot job right after obtaining your CPL. Depending on the role, employers may require a multi-engine rating, instrument rating, or other qualifications.
How Do You Get a Commercial Pilot License in Canada?
Before obtaining a CPL, you must hold a PPL, obtain a Category 1 medical certificate, and meet the experience requirements listed in the CARs.
For ground school, Transport Canada requires a minimum of 80 hours of commercial pilot ground school, which includes topics such as air law, meteorology, navigation, general knowledge, and human factors. Depending on the program you choose, some flight schools offer in-person ground school, while others only offer flight training.
If you’re looking for a more flexible option where you can complete ground school requirements on your own time, Canadian Flight Trainers is a great option for you. All of our courses meet the Transport Canada standard and will count towards your minimum requirements. Check out our CPL course along with the other courses we offer.
Commercial Pilot License Prerequisites
To qualify for a CPL in Canada, there are a few things that need to be completed. As mentioned above, pilots must complete at least 80 hours of qualifying ground school. They must also build a minimum of 200 hours of total flight time, 100 of which must be as pilot-in-command. There are also specific requirements that must be completed after your PPL:
- 20 hours of instrument time
- 5 hours of night flying, including a minimum of 2 hours dual night cross-country
- A 300 nautical mile radius cross-country flight, landing at a minimum of 3 aerodromes other than the departure point
- 5 hours of solo night time, including at least 10 takeoffs and landings
Build the flight time
200 hours total, 100 hours as pilot-in-command, with the dual and solo requirements above.
Pass the Commercial Pilot Flight Test
After building the required flight time, pilots must complete a Commercial Pilot Flight Test with a Transport Canada-approved examiner. The flight test often lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and evaluates your ability to safely operate an aircraft while demonstrating air work to a higher standard.
Pass the CPAER written exam
CPL candidates must complete the CPAER written examination administered by Transport Canada. This exam evaluates all the ground school topics discussed in this post and must be passed with a minimum of 60% overall and 60% in each section.
Read more about specific CPL requirements under CARs 421.30.
What Does It Take?
Completing a commercial pilot license takes time, commitment, and money. Exactly how long it takes depends on the student’s availability and training schedule. A full-time student may complete CPL training in as little as 18 to 24 months starting from zero flight experience. Students training part-time may take more time, perhaps 3 to 5 years, to do the same.
At the end of the day, pace of progress comes with consistency and dedication.
One of the bigger questions people ask is, “How much will it cost?” Flight training costs vary depending on aircraft rental rates, instructor fees, program tuition, fuel prices, and individual training progress. There isn’t a hard number that can be put out there without referring to a flight school directly. But a good estimate would be as follows:
The first license, and a prerequisite for the CPL.
Total from zero experience, including the PPL.
Time and money often do not work hand in hand. Some students manage the high cost of aviation by continuing to work and earn income during their training, but this slows progression and takes longer. A full-time student may progress quicker, but has to take the fees at face value with little or no income to help. Our guide on making a mid-career switch to flying looks at that trade-off in more detail.
Obtaining a commercial pilot license is one of the biggest milestones of a pilot’s career. With enough time and dedication, a CPL is the first step to big employment opportunities.
Proper research should be done to determine what training is right for you if you decide to pursue a CPL. Making that decision and helping you progress in your aviation journey is what Canadian Flight Trainers is here to do.
Commercial Pilot License Questions
Can I get an airline job with a CPL?
No. For an airline job there are additional requirements that need to be completed after your CPL. For example, an instrument rating, minimum flight time, and eventually your Airline Transport Pilot License. Your CPL is just the first step to these bigger opportunities.
What is the easiest way to build hours after completing a CPL?
There are many ways to build hours, such as a flying job with a small charter operator, becoming a flight instructor, or bush flying. Depending on the lifestyle you are looking for and the pace you expect to progress, any of those options could work for you. See our guide on going from 200 hours to an ATPL.
Can I fly at night with a CPL?
Yes. Night privileges come with a CPL. Your CPL training includes night flying, so once the license is issued you will be able to fly at night. Be sure to keep up with night currency requirements.
Can I get a job as a pilot with a Private Pilot License?
No. A Private Pilot License only allows you to fly recreationally and does not permit you to be paid for your flying. To legally work as a pilot in Canada you need a Commercial Pilot License.
Start Your 80 Hours of CPL Ground School on Your Own Schedule
Our online Commercial Pilot Ground School meets the Transport Canada standard, counts toward your minimum requirements, and prepares you for the CPAER with instructor support along the way.
