The path to becoming a pilot
What do you need to have
1. Medical -Cat 3 or Cat 4
Cat 3 for PPL (Private Pilot License), Cat 4 for RPP (Recreational Pilot Permit)
NOTE : You can get a Category 4 medical for the Student Pilot Permit
2. ROC-A (RIC-21) – Radio license
-There are two parts to this:
Oral -The purpose of the oral is to demonstrate your command of the
english language. The oral portion of the exam could be as simple as the
instructor going around the room and having you introduce yourself.
If you can do that, you should be able to talk to ATC.
Written examination -Transport Canada provides the Study guide
ROC-A Radio License Study guide
3. PSTAR (Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations))
This is your first of many written tests.
-Transport Canada also provides a study guide for that as well.
NOTE: It is the only exam that actually has all the questions posted online.
Study them, understand them, and memorize them. Get 90% or better to pass.
Once you have the 3 items above, you can be issued a Student Pilot Permit.
Once you have your Student Pilot Permit, you are allowed to fly solo.
NOTE : Always have your medical and Student Pilot Permit with you.
4. 40 hours of Ground School (PPL only)
This can be done through a certified online course or in class. Most Flight
schools offer their own ground school course. Online ground schools are significantly cheaper, but you must stay motivated to study on your own.
The ground school covers the following subject areas:
-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
5. PPAER (Private Pilot Aeroplane Written Exam) Or RPPAE (Recreational Pilot Permit Aeroplane)
(b) Obtained a minimum of 60% in each of the following four mandatory subject areas
as well as in the overall written examination.
-Air law
-Navigation
-Meteorology
-Aeronautics – General Knowledge
NOTE: The Private Pilot exam and the Recreational Pilot Permit are two separate exams.
The Recreation Pilot Permit exam is slightly shorter.
You can do the PPL exam if you wish and it will count toward the Recreation Pilot Permit.
If your path to flight is initially just to do a Recreational Pilot Permit and you don’t foresee yourself pursuing a career in aviation, the RPP or Recreational Pilot Permit is absolutely a fine pilot license to have. RPP or PPL, you are still a licensed pilot.
If you intend to progress to Private Pilot License (PPL) eventually, then why not do the PPL exam now and get it done.
RPPAE Transport Canada Study Guide
6. Flight test
Flight Test Guide – Private Pilot License
Flight Test Guide Recreational Pilot Permit
Consists of two parts:
Ground portion (Kinda like a long oral test)
Flying Test
Flight hour requirements for:
PPL – Aeroplane
-45 hours total minimum flight hours
–** no more than 5 hours can be on an approved simulator
In the 45 hours :
-17 hours must be dual instruction flight time
-Must include 3 hours of cross-country
-5 hours instrument time of which 3 hours max can be instrument ground time
12 hours of solo flight time of which a minimum of 5 hours cross-country (Min of 150 nm)
RPP – Aeroplane
25 hours Total flight training minimum
In the 25 hours :
-15 hours dual minimum
-5 hours must be solo
-2 hours dual navigation
Ground school is not required for Recreational Pilot Permit, but you still have to pass both a written exam and a flight test. I recommend you do some kind of Ground school.
NOTE : RPP (Recreational Pilot Permit) capabilities
Can only fly in Canada
Fly aircraft with 4-seats or less
Only carry 1 passenger
Can only fly daytime VFR (Visual Flight Rules)
Unable to add any endorsement ratings to your license like Instrument, night flying, multi-engine, etc
The cross-country flights are usually broken into two flights. The first flight will be a dual flight with your instructor. The second will usually be the exact same flight solo.
