How to get a pilot licence in BC

Private Pilot Licence, aeroplane (PPL) · Outdoors · British Columbia

Facts checked 7 September 2026

Learn to fly at a flight school, pass the Transport Canada exam and flight test, and get the private pilot licence. Most people spend a year and well over $15,000; the schools below publish their own estimates.

How long

1 year

Cost

$55

$55 licence fee plus flight school · Checked 2026-09-07

Who issues it

Transport Canada

Where to take the course: 7 providers

Victoria Flying Club Canadian Aviation College Coastal Pacific Aviation Pacific Rim Aviation Academy Professional Flight Centre Southern Interior Flight Centre Guardian Aerospace View all course details ↓

THE ROUTE

The route at a glance

Click any step below to open detailed requirements, waiting periods, and official guidelines.

COURSES & TRAINING

Certified Flight Training Units in BC

Accredited training providers, courses, and exam providers recognized in British Columbia.

Victoria Flying Club

Sidney / Victoria, BC · Certified

In-Person Flight Training

Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

Duration:1 year

Tuition / Fee:$20,590

Victoria Flying Club official PPL fee estimate

Visit Course Website

Canadian Aviation College

Pitt Meadows, BC · Certified

In-Person Flight Training

Private Pilot Licence Program

Duration:1 year

Tuition / Fee:$20,140

Canadian Aviation College official PPL fee estimate

Visit Course Website

Coastal Pacific Aviation

Abbotsford, BC · Certified

In-Person Flight Training

Private Pilot License Program

Duration:1 year

Tuition / Fee:Not published

Custom estimate based on aircraft rental and instructor hours

Visit Course Website

Pacific Rim Aviation Academy

Pitt Meadows, BC · Certified

In-Person Flight Training

Private Pilot Licence Training

Duration:1 year

Tuition / Fee:Not published

Hourly rates published per aircraft type and instructor tier

Visit Course Website

Professional Flight Centre

Delta, BC · Certified

In-Person Flight Training

Private Pilot Licence Training

Duration:1 year

Tuition / Fee:$22,217

Professional Flight Centre official PPL total estimate ($20,922 school fees + $1,295 incidentals)

Visit Course Website

Southern Interior Flight Centre

Kelowna, BC · Certified

In-Person Flight Training

Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

Duration:1 year

Tuition / Fee:Not published

Self-paced pay-as-you-go training model

Visit Course Website

Guardian Aerospace

Prince George, BC · Certified

In-Person Flight Training

Private Pilot Training Program

Duration:1 year

Tuition / Fee:$14,243 plus GST, the school's minimum estimate (Cessna 172)

Guardian Aerospace official minimum PPL estimate ($14,243 plus GST for Cessna 172)

Visit Course Website

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Common questions

How much does a pilot licence cost in BC?

Transport Canada's own fees are small: $55 for the medical, $105 for the written exam if Transport Canada runs it, $200 for the flight test if Transport Canada runs it, $55 for the licence. The flight school is the real cost; see the estimates on the school pages.

How long does it take to get a pilot licence in BC?

Transport Canada sets minimums of 40 hours of ground school and 45 flying hours. Most people take about a year part time.

How old do you have to be to get a pilot licence in BC?

17 for the licence. You can start lessons and fly solo earlier; the recreational permit is available at 16.

Is there a cheaper permit?

Yes. The recreational pilot permit needs 25 flying hours and a medical declaration instead of a medical exam, and lets you fly small aeroplanes in Canada by day with one passenger.

Do I need perfect eyesight?

No. The Category 3 medical allows glasses or contact lenses; the medical examiner decides.

OFFICIAL SOURCES

Official application portals & fee schedules

Verified government sources and direct links to apply.

Official Portal

Standard 421.26 - Aeroplanes (Private Pilot Licence)

Transport Canada

Open official page →

Official Portal

CARs Schedule IV - Personnel Licensing Charges

Department of Justice Canada

Open official page →

Official Portal

Booking Flight Crew Examinations

Transport Canada

Open official page →

How to get a pilot licence in BC

The route at a glance

Meet Age Requirement (17 Years Old)

Obtain Category 3 Aviation Medical Certificate

Complete 40 Hours of Ground School

Complete at Least 45 Flying Hours

Pass Transport Canada Written Exam (PPAER)

Pass Practical Flight Test with Approved Examiner

Apply for the Private Pilot Licence Card ($55)

Meet Age Requirement (17 Years Old)

Obtain Category 3 Aviation Medical Certificate

Complete 40 Hours of Ground School

Complete at Least 45 Flying Hours

Pass Transport Canada Written Exam (PPAER)

Pass Practical Flight Test with Approved Examiner

Apply for the Private Pilot Licence Card ($55)

Certified Flight Training Units in BC

Victoria Flying Club

Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

Canadian Aviation College

Private Pilot Licence Program

Coastal Pacific Aviation

Private Pilot License Program

Pacific Rim Aviation Academy

Private Pilot Licence Training

Professional Flight Centre

Private Pilot Licence Training

Southern Interior Flight Centre

Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

Guardian Aerospace

Private Pilot Training Program

Common questions

How much does a pilot licence cost in BC?

How long does it take to get a pilot licence in BC?

How old do you have to be to get a pilot licence in BC?

Is there a cheaper permit?

Do I need perfect eyesight?

Official application portals & fee schedules

Standard 421.26 - Aeroplanes (Private Pilot Licence)

CARs Schedule IV - Personnel Licensing Charges

Booking Flight Crew Examinations