Conversion of a foreign ICAO PPL to a Canadian (TCCA) PPL is necessary for recently certified PPL holders who enroll in Aerocadet’s full professional airline pilot program in Canada. By converting, or, to be more precise, “adding” Transport Canada PPL to their ICAO private pilot license, such pilots can meet Canadian regulatory requirements and ensure they are eligible to continue advanced training in Canada’s aviation system, with the prospects of subsequent flight instructor and charter pilot internship, as well as permanent airline career employment in the leading Canadian airlines or Middle Eastern carriers.
Pilots arriving with a valid ICAO PPL can significantly reduce the overall cost of training and the training time-frame, as they can skip the initial stages of pilot certification and focus on more advanced training. As of September 2024, the discount is $10,000 USD from the overall program cost (see the program page for current pricing in the “Tuition Cost” section) and the training period can be shortened by approximately 3-4 months. However, please also bear in mind, that making your training period in Canada too short can result in less internship allocations on PGWP (post graduate work permit) and higher chances for the Canadian Experience Class Permanent Residency application refusal. So, if you do not have to get your PPL outside of Canada – please consider getting it in Canada.
The ICAO PPL to TCCA PPL conversion process is straightforward, requiring only a written Air Law exam, which simplifies the transition and allows pilots to take full advantage of the professional pilot training and internship opportunities in Canada. This streamlined process ensures that foreign PPL holders can maximize their training investment and accelerate their path toward becoming airline pilots.
To convert your ICAO Private Pilot License (PPL) to a Canadian PPL, Transport Canada outlines the following process. Here’s an expansion on each step, along with additional details:
1. Obtain a Canadian Class 1 Medical
- You must pass a medical exam conducted by a Civil Aviation Medical Examiner (CAME). This is a requirement for all Canadian pilots to ensure they are physically fit to fly.
- Link to Transport Canada Medical Info: Civil Aviation Medical Examiner Search Tool
- You can use this tool to find an examiner near you. The examiner will perform a detailed evaluation covering vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and other essential aspects.
- Class 1 is required for all commercial flying in Canada, so you will need it if you are aspiring to become a professional pilot certified by Transport Canada.
2. Score 90% on the PSTAR Exam
- The PSTAR (Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations) is a written exam covering Canadian air law, airspace, communications, and other regulations. To pass, you need at least a 90% score.
- Study materials for the exam are provided on Transport Canada’s website, and practice exams are available.
- Link to PSTAR Info: PSTAR Information and Study Guide
3. Recent Flight Experience
- You must have completed at least five take-offs and five landings within the six months preceding your application to demonstrate recent flight experience.
4. Flight Time Requirements
- To meet Canadian PPL standards, you need:
- 45 hours total flight time
- 12 hours solo flight time
- 5 hours of instrument flight time
- 3 hours dual cross-country flight
- 5 hours solo cross-country flight
- These hours ensure that you have comprehensive training in different aspects of flight.
5. Aviation Language Proficiency Test
- You need to complete an Aviation-Language Proficiency Test in either English or French. This can be done either through Transport Canada or using your ICAO certificate.
- Link to Language Proficiency Testing: Aviation Language Proficiency Test
6. Issuance of License
- Once the above steps are completed, Transport Canada will issue a license that states it is based on your foreign ICAO license.
- To remove the limitation that indicates your license is based on a foreign PPL, you must:
- Pass the Canadian Private Pilot Written Examination
- Complete the Private Pilot Flight Test with a Canadian examiner.
- Link to Licensing Process: Private Pilot Licensing – Conversion
For more detailed information, it’s always helpful to check directly with Transport Canada’s Civil Aviation section or contact an aviation school in Canada that can help guide you through the process.
Questions? Contact us via info@aerocadet.com for more information!