Your Path to Becoming a Professional Pilot
The Commercial Pilot License program prepares students to fly professionally and earn remuneration for their work. This training builds on Private Pilot experience and expands flight skills, decision making and operational competency to meet Transport Canada’s commercial requirements. Graduates are equipped to pursue roles in charter operations, bush flying, regional aviation or use the CPL as a foundation for advanced ratings and the Airline Transport Pilot License.
Professional Readiness
Learn the competencies required to fly commercially and operate aircraft in a variety of real world conditions - charter, Instructor or Medivac jobs.
Easy conversion
Comlpete this training to be able to convert your licence with other ICAO countries to apply for a job
Structured Flight Experience
Build hours progressively across solo, cross country, night flying and instrument procedures.
Transport Canada Approved Training
Train under the standards needed to pass the CPL written examination and flight test.
Training Breakdown, Equipment and Requirements
Who This Program Is For
This training starts with PPL completion if enrolled directly into the Commercial program
Private Pilot licence must be completed and licence to be held
Includes Night rating, Multi and IFR ( if enrolled accordingly)
Pilots seeking to fly professionally and be remunerated
Individuals preparing for charter, commercial or regional aviation roles
International students pursuing professional flight training in Canada
Pilots planning to continue toward multi engine, instrument rating or ATPL training
Program Structure
Minimum 200 flight hours required including:
100 hours as Pilot in Command
20 hours cross country time within total hours
5 hours dual night flying ( Including 2 hours Cross country)
5 hours dual cross country (may include night cross country)
20 hours instrument time (up to 10 hours in simulator)
25 hours solo practice including:
A 300 NM solo cross country with 3 full stop landings at different airports
5 hours additional solo cross country
5 hours night flight including 2 hours night cross country
80 hours ground school to prepare for written exam
Admission Requirements
Valid Private Pilot License
Minimum age of 18
Category 1 Medical Certificate
Proficiency in English suitable for aviation communication
Expected Outcomes
Eligibility to fly for remuneration
Qualification for charter, bush, commercial and entry level aviation roles
Expanded cross country, instrument and night flying skills
Foundation for multi engine, instrument rating and Airline Transport Pilot License progression
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do international students qualify
Yes. International students can enroll for CPL or iATPL courses and receive guidance on eligibility requirements.
Can I upgrade to a Private Pilot License later
Yes. Many pilots begin with the Recreational Permit and continue on to pursue more advanced certifications.
Is this program good for beginners
Yes. The Recreational Permit is often chosen by first time flyers who want a relaxed introduction to aviation.
What is the difference between a Recreational Permit and a Private Pilot License
The Recreational Permit has fewer training requirements and limits pilots to flying smaller aircraft with one passenger, while the Private Pilot License allows greater flexibility and privileges.
The Private Pilot licence also allows you to upgrade to various ratings including Night, IFR and Multi after.
Can international students enroll in this program
Yes. The academy supports international applicants for CPL/IiATPL and provides guidance on eligibility and enrollment requirements.
Do I need to complete Ground School
Yes. Ground School is required before attempting the Transport Canada written exam.
How is the PPL different from the Recreational Permit
The PPL offers greater privileges including the ability to carry more passengers, fly larger aircraft and travel long distances.
PPL also provides the opportunity to upgrade to various rating including Night, IFR and Multi engine.
Is previous flying experience required
No. The Private Pilot License program is designed for individuals with no prior flight experience.
How long does the Night Rating take
Training time varies based on weather, aircraft availability and student's proficiency level.
Average is about a week's time.
Does night flying count toward future training
Yes. Night flight experience supports progression into Instrument Flight Rules and Commercial licensing.
Is night flying difficult for new pilots
With proper instruction and briefing, pilots adjust quickly and develop strong confidence in night procedures.
Do I need a Private Pilot License before starting
Yes. A Private Pilot License is required before beginning night flight training
Which aircraft does IPA use for Multi Engine training
Training typically is done on the Navajo PA31. The 2 crew environment and complete Ground school enables pilots to complete the rating quicker
Does this rating help with airline applications
Yes. Multi engine experience is one of the key requirements for professional pilot roles and airline interview readiness.
Is Multi Engine training difficult
It is challenging but highly rewarding. With structured instruction, pilots learn to manage the workload and performance differences with confidence.
Do I need a Commercial License before training
No. A Private Pilot License is the minimum requirement, but most pilots pursue this rating during Commercial training.
Will this program improve my chances in airline evaluations
Yes. MCC plus JOT provides structured training in teamwork, procedures and decision making which airlines actively assess. This is also completed by ACTIVE airline pilots.
Do I need multi engine experience before enrolling
It is recommended to ensure students can handle the pace and demands of a high workload simulator environment.
Is MCC plus JOT required for airline applications
Most airlines expect pilots to hold MCC plus JOT before being considered for entry level roles or simulator evaluations.
Who should take MCC plus JOT
Pilots entering commercial or airline bound pathways who need multi crew and jet orientation experience for recruitment and screening.
Do I need flying experience before joining the IATPL program
No. The program is designed for students with little or no flying experience.
Is the IATPL program full time
Yes. Training takes place over two years and requires full time commitment.
Does the program include multi crew and advanced airline simulations
Yes. MCC, CRM and LOFT training are included to prepare students for airline operations.
Is the program open to international students
Yes. Students from outside Canada can apply, but may require a study permit depending on their citizenship and situation.
How much simulator time is included
The program includes significant simulator training to build skills before applying techniques in aircraft. However, all the training can be completed in an aircraft as well
Does IFR training help with airline careers
Yes. IFR certification is required for commercial operations and is foundational for airline pilot readiness.
Is IFR training difficult
It is one of the most challenging ratings, but with structured instruction pilots develop strong precision and confidence.
Do I need a Night Rating before IFR training
It is strongly recommended. Night flying experience supports better understanding of instrument procedures and low visibility operations.
Is this program suitable for international students
Yes. Online options and year round availability make it accessible for students outside Canada.
How long does Ground School take
Duration varies depending on format, with accelerated options available for faster completion.
Is the Ground School offered online
Yes. International Pilot Academy offers online and in person formats to support different learning preferences.
Do I need Ground School before starting flight training
Ground School is required before writing Transport Canada exams and supports better performance in flight training, though some students begin flying while studying.
What aircraft will I use during training
Training is conducted using the academy’s primary training fleet: selected based on manoeuvre and lesson requirements.
Is teaching experience required
No. All instructional methods and communication techniques are taught during the program.
Will this help me build hours for airline applications
Yes. Flight instruction is one of the most efficient ways to build high quality flying hours
Do I need a Commercial Pilot License to become an instructor
Yes. A valid Commercial Pilot License is required before beginning instructor training.
Do I need a Private Pilot License before starting the CPL
Yes. A valid PPL is required before enrolling in Commercial Pilot training. However, the CPL program starts with PPL training so the student can begin with zero experience.
Is the CPL program open to international students
Yes. International applicants are welcome and may need to meet additional entry requirements based on their immigration status.
How long does it take to complete the CPL
Training duration varies based on flight frequency, weather and student availability. Many students complete requirements at a steady and consistent pace through planned scheduling.
Approximately 2 years is the completion standard we are hoping for a full time student
What exams are required
Students must pass a Transport Canada written examination and a commercial flight test to earn their license.
Do I need special equipment
All required safety gear is provided and aircraft are equipped for aerobatic flight.
Will aerobatics improve my general flying
Absolutely. Aerobatic pilots demonstrate higher awareness, better control and stronger confidence in emergency situations.
Is aerobatic flying safe
Yes. Training is conducted in approved aerobatic aircraft with certified instructors and strict safety procedures.
Do I need aerobatics experience before starting
No. The program is designed for licensed pilots with basic handling proficiency and builds skills progressively.
