Pilots should have at least a high school diploma. As applications to fly with a major airline far outnumber positions, a post-secondary degree or diploma is a definite asset. A solid understanding of math and physics is beneficial.
English is the international language of aviation, so pilots must be fluent in spoken and written English. In Canada, fluency in French can be an asset.
All pilots must have a Transport Canada Restricted Area (security) pass. Pilots who fly out of country must hold a current Canadian passport. They must also pass a criminal record check.
If you apply to fly only within Canada, a limited criminal record might not stand in your way. See Finding Work with a Criminal Record.
Airline pilots usually are 20 to 35 years of age when they start working with an airline. They should have no physical limitations that could affect the safe handling of an aircraft. They must pass the annual Transport Canada physical exam.
This does not mean they have to be in “perfect” health. They must be able to show a qualified aviation medical examiner that their health issue is well controlled by standard treatment protocols.
Pilots can have less than 20/20 vision if they have glasses or contact lenses that correct their vision to 20/20. Their vision can also be corrected by refractive (laser) eye surgery.
The minimum licensing requirement for commercial pilots is:
- A Canadian Commercial Pilot’s Licence
- Night endorsement
- Instrument flight rating
- A Canadian Radio Telephone (Restricted) Licence
Most airlines require pilots to have:
- An Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence
- Multi-engine endorsement
- Class I Instrument Rating
- Several thousand hours of flying time
- An advanced-training ground-school course on aviation subjects or related post-secondary education
- Previous commercial flying experience
Private flying clubs and post-secondary schools throughout Alberta offer training programs. Costs for qualified instructors and plane rentals vary. For a list of flight schools in Alberta, please go to the Government of Canada website.
Those interested in commercial pilot training usually need to have a private pilot’s licence. They must meet all Transport Canada requirements. This includes a Category 1 Aviation medical. Pilots should be at least 18 years of age prior to taking the test.
After they start working, pilots must continue to study operating manuals. This is to keep up to date with facilities, equipment, and procedures.
Pilots must complete practice and check flights. These are done in flight simulators and aircraft. They need to do this often to requalify for their licences. Depending on their employer, they may need to complete various annual exams. They may also need to attend crew resource management courses.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
Alberta College of Aeronautics
Centennial Flight Centre Inc.
Excel Flight Training Incorporated
Kanata Aviation Training Inc.
Prairie Aviation Training Centre
Sky Wings Aviation Academy
Springbank Air Training College Ltd.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
