Conversion
Transport Canada ApprovedForeign License Conversion
Guidance for foreign pilots seeking Canadian licence validation or conversion for recreational, commercial, instrument, or airline transport flying.
Estimated Timeline
Based on assessment
Career Outcome
Convert foreign pilot credentials for Canadian flying
Next Step
Speak with Admissions
Overview
Training overview
This program blends structured ground knowledge, instructor-led flight training, briefing and debriefing, safety procedures, and practical aviation decision-making.
Foreign License Conversion
If you wish to fly recreationally in Canada, you will need to obtain a Foreign License Validation Certificate (FLVC).
For more information, visit Transport Canada's FLVC advisory circular .
If you are a foreign pilot who wants to fly for pay or reward in Canada, you must hold a valid Canadian commercial or airline transport pilot licence — meeting medical, knowledge, experience and skill requirements under CARs Part IV.
Transport Canada foreign pilot licensingCredits
Transport Canada will grant credits to foreign pilot licence holders if the foreign licence:
You will meet the ground school instruction requirement if you hold a commercial or higher type of pilot licence issued by an ICAO contracting state and meet applicable experience requirements.
Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane Category
To obtain a Canadian CPL-A, foreign pilots must meet all requirements under CARs Standard 421, section 421.30. Steps to earn a Canadian CPL-A:
Instrument Rating
To obtain an instrument rating endorsed on the CPL-A, you must meet knowledge and skill requirements under CARs Standard 421, section 421.46 by successfully completing the Instrument Rating (INRAT) written examination and a flight test.
Airline Transport Pilot Licence – Aeroplane Category
To obtain a Canadian ATPL-A, foreign pilots must meet all requirements under CARs Standard 421, section 421.34. Steps to earn a Canadian ATPL-A:
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.