How do I get started?
Taking an introductory flight is a recommended first step. Please book online here. You can call or email us at 519-648-2213 or info@wwfc.ca
Do I need to complete ground school before starting my flight training?
No, you can start flying before, during or after the ground school session.
What’s next after I register for PPL ground school?
You will receive an email shortly after registering to get set up for flying lessons.
What do I need for the course?
You will need to purchase a ground school kit for the course, which you can do in advance or on the first night of the session. Link to the contents of the kit and cost.
Do I need to have a medical to take ground school?
No. You only need to have the medical at the time you are ready for your first solo flight.
Please note the following: If you are not a Canadian citizen and/or did not graduate from an English/French speaking high school in Canada, then prior to flying at WWFC you will need to obtain a medical and have an aviation language proficiency test completed.
Step 1: You will need to book an appointment with an aviation medical examiner. Find an aviation medical examiner in Canada.
The cost for the medical can vary from each doctor. It can take Transport Canada 6-8 weeks to process a medical, it is recommended to call around for the earliest available examiner.
Step 2: Once you receive the medical in the mail from Transport Canada, you will need to book the language test. It can take Transport Canada 6-8 weeks to process a medical. The cost of the language test is $100.00** (subject to change) Please contact us so we can set up a time for your test and enrollment paperwork. You will need to bring in a valid passport or birth certificate plus 1 other piece of photo ID and your medical.
**Please note there are a few different types of medicals, if you are only interested in pursuing your PPL then a Category 3 medical is sufficient. If you plan to pursue a Commercial licence, it is suggested to obtain a Category 1 medical right off the bat. Medical certificates must be renewed and validity dates are based on medical type and age. Visit the Transport Canada website for more information.
Here is a helpful tip for you to consider, since it can take awhile for the class 3 or 1 medical to come to you in the mail. You may want to self declare and request a category 4 medical from your family doctor or the civil aviation medical examiner. The only requirement needed to obtain this level of medical certification is a form of self declaration, similar to that of a driver’s licence. The benefit to you is that this category 4 medical will validate your student pilot permit and allow you to fly solo before the actual category 3 or 1 medical arrives in the mail. It can be frustrating if the student is ready to go solo but cannot do so because we are waiting for the medical of to come in the mail. Be sure to ask your medical professional if they will charge you a fee for any of these services. Most civil aviation medical examiners charge at least $150 for the category 1 or 3 medical.
What if I miss a ground school class?
You will be required to make up the class(es) you missed in the following session or make it up one on one with your instructor at the posted rated for instructor time. Please ensure you sign the attendance sheet every class or you will not be given credit for attending.
How long does it take to complete a Private Licence?
There is no set time as it depends on how often you fly, your budget, and your dedication to learning. You can complete it in as little as a few months if you fly full time approx. 5 times per week, 6 months if you fly approx. 3-4 times per week, and 1 year if you fly 1-2 times per week. The most successful students tend to show up early and prepared for lessons, fly often, and dedicate their time to learning new skills and reviewing training materials.
What is the average amount of flight time to expect for the Private Licence?
Transport Canada’s minimum requirement for the Private Licence is 45 hours. The average amount of flight hours a student takes to obtain the licence is anywhere between 65 – 85 hours. Please understand that rates of learning vary between students. We cannot predict exactly if or when you will achieve certain course benchmarks.
Please view this page for a cost estimate and choose Private Pilot Licence information and pricing.
What is Preparatory Ground Instruction (PGI) and do I need it?
Preparatory ground instruction is different than ground school and you should anticipate having a short classroom briefing from your instructor before most flights. During a PGI you should anticipate that you will learn the motivation, theory, and practical steps required to complete the mission or exercises for the training flight. The time required for the PGI tends to vary based on the complexity of the exercises being covered and the preparedness of the student.
To be most successful, students should read and review the appropriate chapters in the Flight Training Manual (or other materials assigned) and ask questions before flying with the instructor. Your instructor will ask you various questions prior to the flight to ensure that your understanding is sufficient for the flight. Be aware that some students require more preparatory ground instruction than others and know that some students who do not demonstrate that they are prepared for the appropriate flight exercises will be denied the opportunity to fly. To be successful, prepare for the PGIs beforehand and participate in the learning experience with your instructor.
What is a Student Pilot Permit?
As a new pilot, you will be issued a student pilot permit after you successfully complete Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations (P-STAR) test. Similar to a driver’s licence, you will need to carry the student pilot permit with you when flying solo. When you complete the requirements for the PPL and the appropriate documents are validated, your new licence will replace the student pilot permit. Your instructor will help you if you have questions related to the student pilot permit.
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