Building turbine flight time in Canada on Student Permit

Building turbine flight time in Canada on Student Permit

Canada, renowned for its diverse landscapes and welcoming culture, has become an increasingly popular destination for international flight students seeking high-quality aviation education. Beyond the initial flight experience, which is an integral part of the initial and advanced flight training, many students are drawn to the prospect of gaining valuable initial pilot work experience in Canada after completing their training. The Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) program stands as a key facilitator of this ambition, offering international flight training graduates the opportunity to work in Canada and further contribute to their aviation career development.

The Post-Graduate Work Permit is a testament to Canada’s commitment to attracting and retaining international talent. For international students, it represents not only an opportunity to apply their pilot skills in a real-world setting but also a pathway to a future in one of the world’s most inclusive and diverse countries.

Understanding the Post-Graduate Work Permit

The PGWP is a valuable quasi-immigration option that allows international students who have completed a full flight training program at a designated learning institution in Canada to work anywhere in the country. This permit is not job-specific, providing graduates with the flexibility to explore various employment opportunities and gain experience in their respective fields. The only stipulation is that the field of work has to match the field of study, which is “pilot/aviation”.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the PGWP, students must meet certain criteria. The duration of the work permit is typically based on the length of the program completed, with a minimum program duration requirement. Only programs at designated learning institutions (DLIs) qualify for the PGWP, emphasizing the importance of choosing accredited institutions for international studies. All Aerocadet’s Canadian programs qualify for PGWP anywhere between 1 year (Pathway program) to 3 years (Full Professional Airline Pilot Programs for International Students and for Indian Students).

PGWP Application Process

The application process for the PGWP is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Graduates must apply within 180 days of receiving their final transcripts, CPL/CFI pilot licenses, and official letter confirming program completion. Documentation such as a valid study permit and a clear copy of the passport are essential, along with the necessary fees.

Post-Graduation Pilot Employment Opportunities

The PGWP is not just a document; it is a gateway to a world of opportunities. International flight training program graduates can explore a wide range of aviation employment options anywhere in Canada, from gaining experience as flight instructors with our FTPs, charter pilots with Canadian charter companies to working as first officers for major jet operators.

The recommended strategy for most students is to acquire flight experience and diversify their flight time by working for two or three different operators in the following progression:

1. Work as a flight instructor (conditionally guaranteed position for program gradates) flying light propeller aircraft (Cessna 172, Piper Seminole, etc) immediately after completion of the flight training phase of the program. You want to get approximately 500-800 hours of flight time as a flight instructor, which can be accomplished within the first year of your PGWP.
2. Work as a turbine charter pilot. Once you have gained the initial 500-800 hours of work experience on propeller airplanes, you want to transition to flying turbine propeller aircraft. Such aircraft as King Air C90, Beech 1900, Cessna Caravan 208, Pilatus PC12, and so on, are very popular in Canada. This is because Canada has a lot of small settlements in the North, which are accessible by air only. Multiple charter operators service these settlements using smaller turbine aircraft. You want to gain another 700-1000 flight hours flying such turbine airplanes in order to “beef up” you aeronautical resume and become prepared for jet pilot employment.
3. Work as a jet airline pilot. Once you have established yourself as a pilot with propeller, turbine time and good employer references, you are ready to apply for the jet pilot positions. You can either apply for business jet operators in Canada, or apply for the airline employment with the regional airlines. Most business jet operators fly light jets, such as Cessna Citation family, Bombardier Challenger family, and so on. Most regional airlines in Canada operate Bombardier CRJ series aircraft. Either way, the initial jet experience is extremely valuable for those who want to advance their career flying for big airlines, such as Air Canada, Emirates, Qatar, Cathay, and so on.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

One of the most appealing aspects of the PGWP is its role as a stepping stone toward permanent residency in Canada. Canadian experience gained through the PGWP enhances an individual’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, a crucial factor in Express Entry immigration streams. This pathway allows international graduates to establish themselves in the Canadian pilot workforce and contribute to the country’s economic and social development.

How to increase your employment success

Here are some tips on how to ensure that you are standing out as an applicant:

1. Build a strong and professional aviation resume. Download professional resume samples here >>> 
2. Build a comprehensive and focused pilot profile on LinkedIn.
3. Join low-hour pilot groups on Facebook
4. Request professional recommendation letters from Aerocadet consultants (airline pilots), your flight school instructors and other students/peers.

Finding Canadian Pilot Employment 

Many employment companies specialize in aviation employment in Canada. Here are examples of links which can help you to find pilot employment while you are on PGWP:

1. Pilot Career Center, Canada 
2. Indeed Aviation Jobs, Canada
3. LinkedIn Pilot Jobs, Canada
4. Pilots Global, Canada
5. BizJetJobs, Canada
6. Contact charter companies directly using Aerocadet directory >>>

PGWP should be a planned and integral part of the aviation career development of any aspiring aviation student. Embarking on a flight training program without the guaranteed internship pathway could be very dangerous, as many such graduates end up with expensive pilot licenses, but no experience, which impedes their ability to develop their aviation career. Frustrated, such graduates may give up on their career aspiration all together and leave the aviation industry for other employment opportunities. At Aerocadet is it our duty to ensure that you do not end up like these pilots. This is why we integrate extensive internship opportunities in all of our professional pilot programs, both for international students and specifically optimized programs for Indian students.

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About the Author:

Russ Sherwood is an airline captain and a line check pilot at a major US airline flying the A320/321 fleet. He has logged over 9000 flight hours and holds airline, commercial and flight instructor pilot licenses issued by the FAA (US), CAAC (China) and DGCA (Indonesia).  Russ is also a lead aviation career development consultant for Aerocadet.