PPL

Transport Canada Approved

Private Pilot Licence

Your first step into aviation, focused on aircraft handling, navigation, radio communication, and safe decision-making.

Vancouver Aviation College

Estimated Timeline

3–6 months

Career Outcome

Fly Canadian registered airplanes worldwide

Next Step

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Overview

Training overview

This program blends structured ground knowledge, instructor-led flight training, briefing and debriefing, safety procedures, and practical aviation decision-making.

Flight briefings

Aircraft handling

Navigation planning

Safety procedures

Quick Answers

FAQ

Inquire now

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PPL in a Snap

Private Pilot License (PPL) is a 3–6 months program and may cost students around $18,000 (including fuel surcharge and 5% tax). As a Canadian, you can pay as you proceed in your training.

Once you register with us, you will have access to both in-person (80 hours) and online ground school. You will be provided with:

1.In-person Ground School (400 hrs)

2.Online Ground School

3.Learning Management System (Access to all materials on your phone)

4.Flight Training Management System to track your training live

5.Textbooks and other course materials

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Payment Structure

As a domestic student, you can pay as you go for your training invoice by invoice. You just need to pay $4,250 at the beginning to cover:

$250Admission fee

$1,000Deposit on hold

$700Textbooks

$750Course materials (Online ground school, LMS, Flight Training Management System)

$1,200Ground school

The remaining amount is credited to your account for the first couple of flights. Then you pay the rest as you proceed, invoice by invoice.

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Scheduling

Pilot Training contains two main components:

Flight Training

Ground School

At Vancouver Aviation College (VAC), ground school sessions are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM throughout the year.

Both in-person and online ground schools follow the same lesson plan, allowing students to catch up online if they miss a session. Flight schedules are arranged flexibly to suit both the students and the college.

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Duration of Training

The duration of pilot training at Vancouver Aviation College varies depending on several factors, including student availability, weather conditions, and individual preparedness.

Schedule Flexibility

Students with flexible schedules and frequent sessions progress more quickly.

Weather Conditions

Adverse weather can delay flight schedules — a natural part of training.

Student Preparedness

Those who study diligently and arrive well-prepared advance more rapidly.

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Fleet

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Cessna 172

We exclusively operate C172s at VAC.

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Admission Requirements

Over 17 years of age

Intermediate English Level

Aviation Medical Exam Class 3 or 1

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Start Date

We have rolling intake, so you can start your program at any time of the year. As soon as you are registered, you will meet your instructor and can start your training.

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Email

Admission@vancouveraviationcollege.ca

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Program Brochure

Learning Objectives

Canadian Aviation Regulations, Aerodynamics, and Theory of Flight, Meteorology, Airframes, Engines and Systems, Flight Instruments, Radio, and Electronic Theory, Navigation, Flight Operations, Licensing Requirements, and Human Factors, including pilot decision-making an applicant shall successfully complete a flight test as pilot-in-command of an airplane in accordance with CARs "Flight Test for the Issuance of a Private Pilot Licence – Aeroplane" of Standard 428 – Conduct of Flight Tests.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Students' progress in the program is measured by their successful completion of the courses listed in the program outlines; a minimum of 80% of all course marks as well as each assessment component of the courses is required to successfully complete the program.

Completion Requirements

Flight Training: Minimum 45 hours total

12 hours solo (pilot in command of the aircraft)

17 hours dual (flying with an instructor)

16 hours solo or dual

Ground Training: Minimum 40 hours of Ground School

A minimum of 80% mark for each of the program's courses as indicated in "Students Assessment Methods"

A minimum of 100% in attendance as indicated in "Attendance Expectations"

Program Duration

Private Pilot License issuance is subjected to obtaining a minimum 60% score in TC written Exam and passing successfully the Flight Test. This program duration is 24 weeks on average but you may choose to complete in fast track 3 months.

Homework Hours

Average homework hours expectation in this program is 25 hours per week which includes students' required work on chapter quizzes, case studies and projects.

Delivery Method(s)

In-classIn-AirplaneOnline instruction

Required Course Materials

Ground Up Flight Training Manual Plotter

Flight Computer (E6B or CX2)

Pilot Training Record (PTR)

Logbook

Vancouver VNC/VTA Charts

Pilot Operating Handbook

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Note: Private pilot license (PPL) 45 hours is the minimum requirement stated by Transport Canada. Every student is different and you may need more training than 45 hours to successfully complete the program.

Begin your journey

Train for the sky with clarity, confidence, and momentum.

Vancouver Aviation College — Transport Canada approved flight training at Pitt Meadows Regional Airport.

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