If you’re interested in knowing about the best flight training institutes in Canada – whether it’s to become a pilot or out of sheer curiosity – I’ve put together a list of the top flying schools in the country which provide exceptional training courses.
I have compiled a list of aviation academies in Canada that includes their location, courses offered, and other important details. Knowing the location is critical for some people when choosing a school, so I have ensured that it is included. Take a look at these outstanding aviation academies and pick the one that is best suited for your needs and situation.
1. Moncton Flight College (MFC)
Located at two campuses in New Brunswick, Canada, MFC has been in operation since 1929. They are one of the largest and most experienced flight training schools in the country. It is one the top rated colleges for Aviation in Canada
MFC Training offers a range of pilot training programs, from Recreational Pilot Permits to Professional Commercial Pilot and Instructor Programs. They have a fleet of over 50 aircraft and provide training for both domestic and international markets.
The college offers one of the best Integrated Commercial Pilot Courses (ICPC) in the country, which is also one of the shortest, with a duration claimed to be just 12 months. The fee for the ICPC is $84,000 CAD. For more information about the college and the courses it offers, please check the link provided.
2. Brampton Flying Club (BFC)
The Brampton Flying Club (BFC) is a non-profit organization that owns and operates the Brampton Flight Centre, a flight training school and airport in Caledon, Ontario, Canada. The BFC has been in operation since 1946 and has trained thousands of pilots for recreational and professional purposes.
The BFC offers various pilot training programs, such as Private Pilot Licence, Commercial Pilot Licence, Multi-Engine Rating, Instrument Rating, Flight Instructor Rating, and Airline Transport Pilot Licence.
The BFC has a fleet of 24 aircraft, including Cessna 172s, Piper Seminole and Piper Seneca, and employs over 30 instructors. The BFC also has a full-motion Red Bird simulator, a Frasca flight simulator, an aircraft maintenance shop, a pilot shop, a restaurant, and a clubhouse. The BFC is known for its high-quality flight training and its reputation in the aviation industry.
Cost of flight training from zero to CPL with multi-IFR at Brampton Flying Club in 2023 cost about 59,000 $CAD. More information about fee here
3. Seneca College
Located in Toronto, Canada Seneca’s School of Aviation is one of Canada’s premier aviation schools and a national leader in aviation education, with expert faculty, quality graduates and strong industry partnerships. Seneca offers the following pilot training programs:
- Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology: A four-year degree program that provides a rigorous aviation technology-based curriculum and the application of this theory to aviation. Students gain the skills and knowledge to operate a complex aircraft safely, to understand the technologies and human factors that affect the successful operation of an aircraft and to assume the professional responsibility associated with being a commercial pilot.
- Royal Canadian Air Force Pilot Training Program: A unique four-year program in partnership with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) that allows selected students to attend flying training as part of the RCAF pilot training program and be automatically registered to start their academics at Seneca College following initial flight qualification.
Seneca also offers a cadet program and flight instructor pathway program with Jazz Aviation, one of Canada’s regional airlines. Check this link about the programs and requirements of various programs offered by Seneca College
4. Coastal Pacific Aviation:
Located in Abbotsford, British Columbia and established in 1973, Coastal Pacifig Aviation is one of the best flights schools in Canada. In addition to individual licences, Coastal Pacific Aviation offers the following pilot training programs:
- Accelerated Professional Pilot Program: A fast-track program that takes students from zero experience to industry-ready in one year, with daily air and ground instruction and coordinated groundschool scheduling.
- Aviation Degree or Diploma Program: A program in partnership with the University of the Fraser Valley that combines pilot training with academic courses in business administration, aviation management, or aviation safety.
- Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence Program: A program that prepares students for the highest level of pilot certification, with integrated training in multi-crew cooperation, jet orientation, and airline operations (not currently offering due to decreased demand).
You can check out more information about Coastal Pacific Aviation here
5. Harv’s Air
Harv’s Air is a family-owned and operated flying school, air taxi, and aircraft maintenance organization with two locations: Steinbach and St. Andrews, both located in the Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada area. Harv’s Air has been offering flight training since 1972 and has trained thousands of student pilots for various purposes and goals.
In addition to modular flight training and individual flying licences, Harv’s Air offers the following pilot training programs:
- Professional Pilot Course: A program that combines several courses: Private Pilot Licence, Night Rating, Commercial Pilot Licence, Multi-engine Rating, and Instrument Rating. This program is designed to fulfill the entry-level requirements for the airlines.
- Airline Transport Pilot Licence: A program that prepares students for the highest level of pilot certification, with integrated training in multi-crew cooperation, jet orientation, and airline operations.
- Integrated Pilot Courses: A program in partnership with the University of North Dakota that combines pilot training with academic courses in aviation management or aviation technology.
For more information on the courses offered and fees details checkout Harv’s Air here
6. Confederation College:
Confederation College is a polytechnic institution in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, that offers an aviation program for aspiring pilots and aviation professionals. It is one of the best flight schools in Canada.
Confederation College’s aviation program includes courses on aircraft systems and operations, math and physics for aviation, college writing, and general education electives. More information on the courses offered by Confederation College can be found here.
Confederation College’s aviation students learn and work in the dedicated Aviation Centre of Excellence (ACE) building, located at the Thunder Bay International Airport. The ACE has 13 aircrafts, three flight simulators, industry-based instruction, and a safety management system.
It is also a subsidized program, so the total cost is significantly less than any other private flight colleges. If you are eligible for the admission, this is also one of the best and cheapest path to flight career.
7. Sault College
Sault College is a public college located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. It offers a variety of programs, including Aviation Technology – Flight, which is one of the best flight schools in Canada.
This program is a three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma that prepares students to become professional pilots. Students learn through on-campus instruction, flight simulation and in-flight training at the college’s own hangar. They have access to state-of-the-art flight simulators and an impressive fleet of Zlin and Seminole Piper aircraft.
Graduates of this program earn a commercial pilot’s license with a Group 1 Instrument rating (multi-IFR rating), and can pursue careers as flight instructors, charter pilots, corporate pilots, or airline pilots.
There are some restrictions for admission to this course. Make sure to read through the requirements here. If you meet the requirements and are passionate about flying and want to learn from top instructors, Sault College’s Aviation Technology – Flight program might be a great choice as it is one of the flight training programs subsidized by the government, meaning some of the most affordable flight training one can ask for.
8. British Columbia Institute of Technology
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is a public polytechnic institute in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. It has five campuses in the Metro Vancouver region, including the Aerospace Technology Campus in Richmond, where it offers aviation programs.
BCIT has partnered with Pacific Flying Club to offer a diploma program for aspiring pilots: Airline and Flight Operations Commercial Pilot (Fixed-Wing). This program combines flight training with industry-focused academic training and follow the standards prescribed by Transport Canada and the aviation industry.
Graduates of this program earn a commercial pilot’s license with a Group 1 Instrument rating (multi-IFR rating). BCIT also offers a diploma program in Aviation Management and Operations, which provides students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program of study in aviation business, operations, safety, law, and management. If you are interested in pursuing a career in aviation, BCIT has various options to suit your goals and preferences.
For more information on costs and program details check here
9. Southern Interior Flight Center
Southern Interior Flight Centre (SIFC) is a flight school located in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. It offers a range of pilot licence and rating programs, from recreational to commercial, in partnership with Okanagan College.
SIFC prides itself on providing safe, effective and real-world aviation training, with industry-experienced instructors and leaders. It is one of the best flight training schools in Canada. For information on costs and other program related information check here
10. Canadian Aviation College
Canadian Aviation College (CAC) is a flight school located in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada. It offers various flight training programs for students who want to pursue a career as a professional pilot or just fly for fun. Some of the programs include:
- Private Pilot License (PPL): This program teaches the basic knowledge and skills required to fly an aircraft for personal or recreational purposes. The tuition fee is $13,460.
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): This program builds on the PPL and prepares the student for flying commercially. The tuition fee is $59,850.
- Career Pilot with Applied Human Factors Aviation Diploma Program: This program covers all the licenses and ratings needed to work as a flight instructor, such as PPL, CPL, Multi-Engine Rating, Instrument Rating and Instructor Rating. It also includes additional education in aviation human factors. The program has four intakes each year: March, June, September and December2.
It has a fleet of modern aircraft, a flight simulator, experienced instructors and an ideal location near Vancouver. For more information on the programs and costs at Canadian Aviation College check here
Conclusion :
The best flight schools in Canada offer a wide range of programs, from basic private pilot licenses to comprehensive career-oriented diplomas. These institutions also boast modern aircraft fleets, experienced instructors. As proof of the quality training provided by these schools, looking at past winners of Websters Trophy – an award for best general aviation pilot straight out of training – reveals that many are alumni from the list above.
Ultimately, if you’re interested in pursuing a professional flying career or just want to fly for fun, any one of these Canadian Flight Schools is sure to be an excellent choice. If you would like to know how to select a flight school, I have a post that could help you. I hope the best flight school that meets your needs and requirements!
Some other questions about Flight Training in Canada
How much does flight school cost in Canada?
Flight schools in Canada can offer flight training from as low as 35,000 $CAD for some subsidized flights school up to 150,000 for some private schools for someone with zero experience to CPL level. Canada offers some of the best flight training in the world in terms of quality. Again selecting flight schools is a choice heavily depending on each individual’s preferences, so make sure to do proper research before selecting a school
Is Canada good for flying school?
Canada is an excellent country to learn flying and for many reasons. The country has some of the best flying schools that offer great quality flying instruction, has a very varied terrain that can help in mastering the craft of learning to fly, and also it is considered to cost much less to learn in Canada than in its southern neighbor.
Are pilots in demand in Canada?
There is a demand for pilots in Canada as it is always trying to improve its Airline Industry. The supply of pilots has been severely affected by the pandemic, as the number of commercial pilot licences issued in Canada has declined by more than 80 percent since 2019. This has created a labor shortage that threatens to disrupt Canada’s airline industry, especially at the regional level.
Therefore, becoming a pilot in Canada may offer good career prospects and opportunities, as long as one can meet the high standards and requirements of the profession. But one has to keep in mind that Like any other country, the shortage of pilots in Canada has its peaks and lows and one should try to stick to the path chosen without giving up because of a period of oversupply.
Are pilots paid well in Canada?
Pilots are paid well in Canada. According to Indeed, on average a pilot earns about 105,688 $CAD in December 2022. An entry-level pilot in a decent-sized Airliner earns about 62,000 $CAD and with about 12 years of experience, the highest-earning pilots receive about 300,000 $CAD. So, it can be said that although the entry-level pays are not so great, experienced pilots with lot of hours in total flying time tend to earn a very decent sized income in Canada.