FLIGHT TRAINING

FAQs

(Frequently Asked Questions)

FAQs - PILOT TRAINING

What Pilot Training Programs do you offer?

AURORA AVIATION ACADEMY offers the following Pilot Training Programs:

CAREER AVIATION DIPLOMA

Earn a 2 Year College Diploma while you train for a Career as a Professional Pilot!

COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE

This is the basic requirement to work as a Pilot.

PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE

Required PRIOR to commencing a Commercial Pilot Licence program.

RECREATIONAL PILOT PERMIT

More restrictive than the Private Pilot Licence. Generally used by 16 year-olds until they turn 17 and can obtain their PPL.

MULTI-ENGINE RATING

Allows you to fly an aircraft with more than one engine. Important if you are planning to fly professionally.

INSTRUMENT RATING (IFR)

Allows you to fly an aircraft in "Instrument Meteorological Conditions" (IMC). Important if you are planning to fly professionally.

MULTI-ENGINE IFR RATING

Allows you to fly an aircraft with more than one engine in IMC. Important if you are planning to fly professionally.

INSTRUCTOR RATING

Allows you to obtain employment with a Flight Training Unit (FTU), as a Class 4 Flight Instructor. Great for building time and experience!

NIGHT RATING

Allows you to fly an aircraft at night. This rating is INCLUDED in our CPL & Diploma programs.

VFR-Over-the-Top RATING (VFR-OTT)

Allows you to fly aircraft ABOVE the clouds, in certain conditions, which expands your flying possibilities.

MOUNTAIN TRAINING

Prepares you to fly in the uniquely challenging Mountain environment.

COMPLEX & CONGESTED AIRSPACE TRAINING

Allows you to learn and experience flying in a Complex & Congested Airspace, with a Flight Instructor, so that you can build the experience and confidence to manage flying in this environment.

RECURRENT TRAINING

Pilot skills are "perishable" and decline over time. Professional Pilots are required to get Recurrent Training at least annually, in order to keep their skills sharp, and to practice emergency procedures so that we are ready for whatever may come. Private and Recreational Pilot skills ALSO diminish over time, and these Pilots should seek out professional Recurrent Training annually as well, in order to keep themselves and their passengers safe!

AIRCRAFT RENTALS

Once you have your licence, if you don't have an airplane of your own, you will likely want to rent an aircraft periodically, to make use of your new skills and to enjoy the freedom of flight!

FAQ image

How old do I have to be?

While there is no minimum age to begin your Pilot Training, you must be:

> at least 14 years old to go SOLO (flying without an Instructor onboard);

> at 16 years old to obtain your Recreational Pilot Permit (RPP);

> at least 17 years old to obtain your Private Pilot Licence (PPL); and

> at least 18 years old to obtain your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

FAQ image

How long does it take?

PPL - PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE - APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS

CPL - COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE - APPROXIMATELY 9 MONTHS

CAD - COMMERCIAL AVIATION DIPLOMA - APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS

Everybody learns at a different pace.

Your Pilot Training will be at your pace, determined by how frequently you fly.

We understand that our students may have jobs, school or other commitments, or funding situations, which may dictate how often you can fly.

We encourage our students to fly at lease three times per week (weather permitting), so that they are flying often enough to maintain the "muscle-memory" gained in previous sessions.

If you train "infrequently", you will lose some of that "muscle-memory", and will need to "relearn" some of the skills and exercises from previous lessons.

This is not a problem for us, but will impact how long it takes to get your licence, and ultimately will impact the total cost of your licence.

Of course, you are welcome to train more often, and you are welcome to treat your Private Pilot Training as a full-time program, to get it completed as quickly as possible.

If you are planning for a Career as a Professional Pilot, there is no better time to get started!

FAQ image

How much will it cost?

PPL - PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE - APPROXIMATELY $15,000 (CAD)

CPL - COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE - APPROXIMATELY $40,000 (CAD)

CAD - COMMERCIAL AVIATION DIPLOMA - APPROXIMATELY $90,000 (CAD)

The total cost of your Pilot Training will be determined by how many flight hours you require to complete all of the lessons obtain the knowledge and skills required to pass the Transport Canada written examination(s) and the Flight Test(s).

Everybody learns at a different pace.

Your Pilot Training will be at your pace, determined by how frequently you fly. We understand that our students may have jobs, school or other commitments, or funding situations, which may dictate how often you can fly.

We encourage our students to fly at lease three times per week (weather permitting), so that they are flying often enough to maintain the "muscle-memory" gained in previous sessions. If you train "infrequently", you will lose some of that "muscle-memory", and will need to "relearn" some of the skills and exercises from previous lessons.

This is not a problem for us, but will impact how long it takes to get your licence, and ultimately will impact the total cost of your licence.

At Aurora Aviation Academy, we do our VERY BEST to get you through your Pilot Training Program as efficiently as possible!

We will advise you and support you to ensure that your training is as productive and efficient as possible, while ensuring that you have fun along the way!

FAQ image

Where are you located?

Aurora Aviation Academy currently offers Pilot Training at the following Locations:

> CHILLIWACK, BC

> EDMONTON, AB

> KAMLOOPS, BC

> KELOWNA, BC

> VERNON, BC

Stay tuned for more location announcements as we grow!

FAQ image

How do I get started?

STEP ONE:

Book your DISCOVERY CALL, at a time that works for you, on the booking calendar below!

STEP TWO:

If you want to "sample" what flight training is going to be like, you should consider booking a DISCOVERY FLIGHT!

After booking your DISCOVERY CALL, you be taken to our DISCOVERY FLIGHT page, where you can learn all about our Discovery Flights.

You will also see our SPECIAL OFFER, a $50 DISCOUNT on a ONE-HOUR-DISCOVERY -FLIGHT!

SPECIAL OFFER: a $250 Discovery Flight, for just $200!

This SPECIAL DISCOUNT is only available if you purchase your DISCOVERY FLIGHT GIFT CARD prior to your DISCOVERY CALL!

NOTE: Your DISCOVERY FLIGHT is actually your FIRST LESSON and counts towards your Private Pilot Licence!

STEP THREE:

Your DISCOVERY CALL!

We will connect you with one of our Flight Instructors, who can answer all of your questions, and get your started on your AVIATION JOURNEY!

If you purchase your DISCOVERY FLIGHT GIFT CARD prior to your DISCOVERY CALL, then you can book your Discovery Flight during your DISCOVERY CALL, to get you INTO THE AIR as quickly as possible!

STEP FOUR:

If you need a little more contact, to feel right about getting started, we will book you for a HANGAR TOUR, to show you around our facility and our aircraft.

Otherwise your Hangar Tour will take place when you arrive for your DISCOVERY FLIGHT!

FAQ image

FAQs - PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE

What is a Private Pilot Licence?

Your PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE (PPL) allows you to fly a Canadian-registered airplane, during daylight hours, in VFR conditions, anywhere in the world!

There is no limit to the number of passengers (subject to aircraft seats, weight, etc.).

You can add RATINGS to your Private Pilot Licence, which will then allow you to conduct flights at night, in clouds, with more than one engine, "over-the-top" of clouds, and advanced aircraft and operations.

If you are considering a Career as a Professional Pilot, the PPL is the mandatory first step to be completed prior to enrolling in the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) program.

Feel free to ask us about our COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE program and our COMMERCIAL AVIATION DIPLOMA program, during your DISCOVERY CALL!

Book your DISCOVERY CALL on the booking calendar below!

FAQ image

What are the Requirements to earn a Private Pilot Licence?

To obtain your Private Pilot Licence (PPL) you need to:

> obtain a Class 1 or Class 3 Aviation Medical Certificate;

> obtain a Student Pilot Permit (required to go SOSO);

> complete a minimum of 40 hours of Ground School;

> pass the Transport Canada written examination;

> complete a minimum of 45 hours of Flight Training;

> obtain a Flight Test Recommendation from your Flight Instructor; and

> pass the Private Pilot Flight Test.

FAQ image

How long does it take?

APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS

While the minimum hours required for the PPL is 45, on average, most students need around 55 flying hours to earn their Private Pilot Licence.

Everybody learns at a different pace. Your PPL training will be at your pace, determined by how frequently you fly. We understand that our students may have jobs, school or other commitments, or funding situations, which may dictate how often you can fly.

We encourage our students to fly at lease three times per week (weather permitting), so that they are flying often enough to maintain the "muscle-memory" gained in previous sessions.

If you train "infrequently", you will lose some of that "muscle-memory", and will need to "relearn" some of the skills and exercises from previous lessons. This is not a problem for us, but will impact how long it takes to get your licence, and ultimately will impact the total cost of your licence.

If you complete three flights per week, you should be able to complete your PPL in three months!

Of course, you are welcome to train more often, and you are welcome to treat your Private Pilot Training as a full-time program, to get it completed as quickly as possible.

If you are planning for a Career as a Professional Pilot, there is no better time to get started!

FAQ image

How much will it cost?

APPROXIMATELY $15,000 CAD

The total cost of your Private Pilot Licence (PPL) will be determined by how many flight hours you require to complete all of the lessons obtain the knowledge and skills required to pass the Transport Canada written examination and the PPL Flight Test.

While the minimum hours required for the PPL is 45, on average, most students need around 55 flying hours to earn their Private Pilot Licence. (Students at some other schools often take 65 hours or more, which we feel is not an efficient use of your money.)

Everybody learns at a different pace. Your PPL training will be at your pace, determined by how frequently you fly. We understand that our students may have jobs, school or other commitments, or funding situations, which may dictate how often you can fly.

We encourage our students to fly at lease three times per week (weather permitting), so that they are flying often enough to maintain the "muscle-memory" gained in previous sessions. If you train "infrequently", you will lose some of that "muscle-memory", and will need to "relearn" some of the skills and exercises from previous lessons.

This is not a problem for us, but will impact how long it takes to get your licence, and ultimately will impact the total cost of your licence.

At Aurora Aviation Academy, we do our VERY BEST to get you through your Pilot Training Program as efficiently as possible!

We will advise you and support you to ensure that your training is as productive and efficient as possible, while ensuring that you have fun along the way!Where are you located?

FAQ image

Where are you located?

Aurora Aviation Academy currently offers Pilot Training at the following Locations:

> CHILLIWACK, BC

> EDMONTON, AB

> KAMLOOPS, BC

> KELOWNA, BC

> VERNON, BC

Stay tuned for more location announcements as we grow!

FAQ image

How old do I have to be?

While there is no minimum age to begin your Pilot Training, you must be:

> at least 14 years old to go SOLO (flying without an Instructor onboard);

> at 16 years old to obtain your Recreational Pilot Permit (RPP), which allows you to fly with one passenger;

> at least 17 years old to obtain your Private Pilot Licence; and

> at least 18 years old to obtain your Commercial Pilot Licence.

FAQ image

What other Pilot Programs do you offer?

Aurora Aviation Academy offers the following Pilot Training Programs:

CAREER AVIATION DIPLOMA

Earn a 2 Year College Diploma while you train for a Career as a Professional Pilot!

COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE

This is the basic requirement to work as a Pilot.

PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE

Required PRIOR to commencing a Commercial Pilot Licence program.

RECREATIONAL PILOT PERMIT

More restrictive than the Private Pilot Licence. Generally used by 16 year-olds until they turn 17 and can obtain their PPL.

MULTI-ENGINE RATING

Allows you to fly an aircraft with more than one engine. Important if you are planning to fly professionally.

INSTRUMENT RATING (IFR)

Allows you to fly an aircraft in "Instrument Meteorological Conditions" (IMC). Important if you are planning to fly professionally.

MULTI-ENGINE IFR RATING

Allows you to fly an aircraft with more than one engine in IMC. Important if you are planning to fly professionally.

INSTRUCTOR RATING

Allows you to obtain employment with a Flight Training Unit (FTU), as a Class 4 Flight Instructor. Great for building time and experience!

NIGHT RATING

Allows you to fly an aircraft at night. This rating is INCLUDED in our CPL & Diploma programs.

VFR-Over-the-TOP RATING (VFR-OTT)

Allows you to fly aircraft ABOVE the clouds, in certain conditions, which expands your flying possibilities.

MOUNTAIN TRAINING

Prepares you to fly in the uniquely challenging Mountain environment.

COMPLEX & CONGESTED AIRSPACE TRAINING

Allows you to learn and experience flying in a Complex & Congested Airspace, with a Flight Instructor, so that you can build the experience and confidence to manage flying in this environment.

RECURRENT TRAINING

Pilot skills are "perishable" and decline over time. Professional Pilots are required to get Recurrent Training at least annually, in order to keep their skills sharp, and to practice emergency procedures so that we are ready for whatever may come. Private and Recreational Pilot skills ALSO diminish over time, and these Pilots should seek out professional Recurrent Training annually as well, in order to keep themselves and their passengers safe!

AIRCRAFT RENTALS

Once you have your licence, if you don't have an airplane of your own, you will likely want to rent an aircraft periodically, to make use of your new skills and to enjoy the freedom of flight!

FAQ image

How do I get started?

STEP ONE:

Book your DISCOVERY CALL, at a time that works for you, on the booking calendar below!

STEP TWO:

If you want to "sample" what flight training is going to be like, you should consider booking a DISCOVERY FLIGHT!

After booking your DISCOVERY CALL, you be taken to our DISCOVERY FLIGHT page, where you can learn all about our Discovery Flights.

You will also see our SPECIAL OFFER, a $50 DISCOUNT on a ONE-HOUR-DISCOVERY -FLIGHT!

SPECIAL OFFER: a $250 Discovery Flight, for just $200!

This SPECIAL DISCOUNT is only available if you purchase your DISCOVERY FLIGHT GIFT CARD prior to your DISCOVERY CALL!

NOTE: Your DISCOVERY FLIGHT is actually your FIRST LESSON and counts towards your Private Pilot Licence!

STEP THREE:

Your DISCOVERY CALL!

We will connect you with one of our Flight Instructors, who can answer all of your questions, and get your started on your AVIATION JOURNEY!

If you purchase your DISCOVERY FLIGHT GIFT CARD prior to your DISCOVERY CALL, then you can book your Discovery Flight during your DISCOVERY CALL, to get you INTO THE AIR as quickly as possible!

STEP FOUR:

If you need a little more contact, to feel right about getting started, we will book you for a HANGAR TOUR, to show you around our facility and our aircraft.

Otherwise your Hangar Tour will take place when you arrive for your DISCOVERY FLIGHT!

FAQ image

FAQs - COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE

What is a Commercial Pilot Licence?

Your COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE (CPL) allows you to fly a Canadian-registered airplane, all hours of the day, in VFR conditions, anywhere in the world, for hire!

The CPL is the basic requirement to begin a Career as a Professional Pilot.

You will likely want to add RATINGS to your Commercial Pilot Licence, including the Multi-Engine and Instrument (IFR) Ratings, in order to be properly prepared for entry-level Pilot positions.

The PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE (PPL) is required prior to enrolling in the COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE (CPL) program.

In addition to our "self-paced" COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE program, we also offer our COMMERCIAL AVIATION DIPLOMA program, which allows you to obtain a Two-Year College Diploma, while earning your Commercial Pilot Licence and Ratings.

Book Your DISCOVERY CALL on the booking calendar below!

FAQ image

What are the Requirements to earn a Commercial Pilot Licence?

To obtain your COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE (CPL) you need to:

> obtain your PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE (PPL);

> obtain a Category 1 Medical Certificate;> complete a minimum of 80 hours of CPL Ground School;

> pass the Transport Canada CPL written examination;

> complete a minimum of 200 hours of Flight Time;

> complete a minimum of 65 hours of Commercial Pilot Flight Training;

> obtain a Flight Test Recommendation from your Flight Instructor; and

> pass the Commercial Pilot Flight Test.

FAQ image

How long does it take?

APPROXIMATELY 9 MONTHS

Everybody learns at a different pace. Your CPL training will be at your pace, determined by how frequently you fly.

We understand that our students may have jobs, school or other commitments, or funding situations, which may dictate how often you can fly.

We encourage our students to fly at lease three times per week (weather permitting), so that they are flying often enough to maintain the "muscle-memory" gained in previous sessions.

If you train "infrequently", you will lose some of that "muscle-memory", and will need to "relearn" some of the skills and exercises from previous lessons. This is not a problem for us, but will impact how long it takes to get your licence, and ultimately will impact the total cost of your licence.

If you complete three flights per week, you should be able to complete your CPL in nine months!

Of course, you are welcome to train more often, and you are welcome to treat your Commercial Pilot Training as a full-time program, to get it completed as quickly as possible.

If you are planning for a Career as a Professional Pilot, there is no better time to get started!

FAQ image

How much will it cost?

APPROXIMATELY $40,000 CAD

The total cost of your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) will be determined by how many flight hours you require to complete all of the lessons obtain the knowledge and skills required to pass the Transport Canada written examination and the CPL Flight Test.

Everybody learns at a different pace. Your CPL training will be at your pace, determined by how frequently you fly. We understand that our students may have jobs, school or other commitments, or funding situations, which may dictate how often you can fly.

We encourage our students to fly at lease three times per week (weather permitting), so that they are flying often enough to maintain the "muscle-memory" gained in previous sessions. If you train "infrequently", you will lose some of that "muscle-memory", and will need to "relearn" some of the skills and exercises from previous lessons.

This is not a problem for us, but will impact how long it takes to get your licence, and ultimately will impact the total cost of your licence.

At Aurora Aviation Academy, we do our VERY BEST to get you through your Pilot Training Program as efficiently as possible! We will advise you and support you to ensure that your training is as productive and efficient as possible, while ensuring that you have fun along the way!

FAQ image

Where are you located?

Aurora Aviation Academy currently offers Pilot Training at the following Locations:

> CHILLIWACK, BC

> EDMONTON, AB

> KAMLOOPS, BC

> KELOWNA, BC

> VERNON, BC

Stay tuned for more location announcements as we grow!

FAQ image

How old do I have to be?

While there is no minimum age to begin your Pilot Training, you must be:

> at least 14 years old to go SOLO (flying without an Instructor onboard);

> at 16 years old to obtain your Recreational Pilot Permit (RPP), which allows you to fly with one passenger;

> at least 17 years old to obtain your Private Pilot Licence; and

> at least 18 years old to obtain your Commercial Pilot Licence.

FAQ image

What other Pilot Programs do you offer?

Aurora Aviation Academy offers the following Pilot Training Programs:

CAREER AVIATION DIPLOMA

Earn a 2 Year College Diploma while you train for a Career as a Professional Pilot!

COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE

This is the basic requirement to work as a Pilot.

PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE

Required PRIOR to commencing a Commercial Pilot Licence program.

RECREATIONAL PILOT PERMIT

More restrictive than the Private Pilot Licence. Generally used by 16 year-olds until they turn 17 and can obtain their PPL.

MULTI-ENGINE RATING

Allows you to fly an aircraft with more than one engine. Important if you are planning to fly professionally.

INSTRUMENT RATING (IFR)

Allows you to fly an aircraft in "Instrument Meteorological Conditions" (IMC). Important if you are planning to fly professionally.

MULTI-ENGINE IFR RATING

Allows you to fly an aircraft with more than one engine in IMC. Important if you are planning to fly professionally.

INSTRUCTOR RATING

Allows you to obtain employment with a Flight Training Unit (FTU), as a Class 4 Flight Instructor. Great for building time and experience!

NIGHT RATING

Allows you to fly an aircraft at night. This rating is INCLUDED in our CPL & Diploma programs.

VFR-Over-the-TOP RATING (VFR-OTT)

Allows you to fly aircraft ABOVE the clouds, in certain conditions, which expands your flying possibilities.

MOUNTAIN TRAINING

Prepares you to fly in the uniquely challenging Mountain environment.

COMPLEX & CONGESTED AIRSPACE TRAINING

Allows you to learn and experience flying in a Complex & Congested Airspace, with a Flight Instructor, so that you can build the experience and confidence to manage flying in this environment.

RECURRENT TRAINING

Pilot skills are "perishable" and decline over time. Professional Pilots are required to get Recurrent Training at least annually, in order to keep their skills sharp, and to practice emergency procedures so that we are ready for whatever may come. Private and Recreational Pilot skills ALSO diminish over time, and these Pilots should seek out professional Recurrent Training annually as well, in order to keep themselves and their passengers safe!

AIRCRAFT RENTALS

Once you have your licence, if you don't have an airplane of your own, you will likely want to rent an aircraft periodically, to make use of your new skills and to enjoy the freedom of flight!

FAQ image

How do I get started?

STEP ONE:

Book your DISCOVERY CALL, at a time that works for you, on the booking calendar below!

STEP TWO:

If you want to "sample" what flight training is going to be like, you should consider booking a DISCOVERY FLIGHT!

After booking your DISCOVERY CALL, you be taken to our DISCOVERY FLIGHT page, where you can learn all about our Discovery Flights.

You will also see our SPECIAL OFFER, a $50 DISCOUNT on a ONE-HOUR-DISCOVERY -FLIGHT!

SPECIAL OFFER: a $250 Discovery Flight, for just $200!

This SPECIAL DISCOUNT is only available if you purchase your DISCOVERY FLIGHT GIFT CARD prior to your DISCOVERY CALL!

NOTE: Your DISCOVERY FLIGHT is actually your FIRST LESSON and counts towards your Private Pilot Licence!

STEP THREE:

Your DISCOVERY CALL!

We will connect you with one of our Flight Instructors, who can answer all of your questions, and get your started on your AVIATION JOURNEY!

If you purchase your DISCOVERY FLIGHT GIFT CARD prior to your DISCOVERY CALL, then you can book your Discovery Flight during your DISCOVERY CALL, to get you INTO THE AIR as quickly as possible!

STEP FOUR:

If you need a little more contact, to feel right about getting started, we will book you for a HANGAR TOUR, to show you around our facility and our aircraft.

Otherwise your Hangar Tour will take place when you arrive for your DISCOVERY FLIGHT!

FAQ image

We are Canada's Fastest Growing Flight School!

WHY CHOOSE US

Aurora Aviation Academy is Canada's Fastest Growing Flight School, with More Locations Than Any Other Flight School in Canada!

We Offer the Full Spectrum of "Pre-Employment" Pilot Training Programs.

We Often Hire Our Students, As New Flight Instructors,

Providing Them With The Experience They Need To Launch Their Pilot Careers!

We Are Focussed On Providing You An Excellent Customer/Student Experience!

We Have Decades Of Air Charter Experiece!

We Take A Very Professional Approach To Pilot Training

We Have A Safety Management System (SMS) Which Far Exceeds Industry Standards

We Integrate Technology Into Our Training & Operational Systems

Flying-for-fun

Whether you want to fly recreationally,

or in support of your business,

the first step is to get your

PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE!

pilot career training

There Has Never been

a better time

to get your

COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE!

advanced training

Night Rating, Instrument Rating,

Multi-Engine Rating,

Instructor Rating,

and More!

AIRCRAFT RENTAL

Now that you have your PILOT LICENCE,

its time to have some FUN!

You can rent our

Cessna 172s & Piper Twin!

Are You Looking To Get Your Pilot Licence?

Contact Information

Mail us at:

6200 Tronson Road

Vernon, BC, Canada, V1H 1N5

Call us at:

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