Elevate Your Aviation Career
This is a full program of flight training, covering Private Pilot License (PPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Programs. Through your Private Pilot License (PPL) training you will be able to fly as Pilot in Command on aircraft up to 12,500 pounds with as many passengers as the aircraft is certified to carry. During the day (Day-VFR) while maintaining visual contact with the ground. PPL is prerequisite for CPL. The Commercial Pilot License is the gateway to a professional career in aviation. To work for a Commercial Air Service in Canada it is required that the pilot hold the Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
The Western Community College Commercial Pilot Aviation Diploma program focuses on preparing graduates to be skilled Commercial pilots by acquiring the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed. This program is intended for people who are looking to work in Commercial Air Service in Canada and get started with career in aviation as a commercial pilot.
Next Intakes
Contact our admissions team today or request information on upcoming program start dates.
Career Opportunities
Start Your Career in Aviation
Program graduates are well-equipped to compete for entry and intermediate level jobs in network administration and security. While actual jobs obtained depend on the individual student’s background prior to the program, and their achievements during the program, typical jobs for graduates include:
- VFR Charter Air Taxi
- Photo Survey Pilot
- Forest Fire Detection
- Medical Evacuation
- Airborne Traffic Watch
- Parachute Dropping
- Forest Fire Suppression
- Train towards Instructors Rating.
- Fly a Canadian Registered airplane anywhere In the world.
Why Study at Western Community College
Western Community College offers students an inclusive and vibrant learning environment, with dedicated support services to ensure your academic success and personal well-being.
- Installment-based, low tuition fee.
- Choose weekday, weekend, or evening classes to fit your schedule.
- Part-time or full-time class schedule.
- Free CLB preparation classes (*Conditions Apply).
Begin Your Path
Admission Requirements
- Age: 17 years old
- Self-Attested Medical Certificate
Language Proficiency Requirements:
To demonstrate language proficiency, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Option 1:Secondary Education Evidence that three years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12) have been successfully completed in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages. This includes successful completion of a BC Adult Graduation program.
Option 2: Post-Secondary Education Evidence that two years of ful I-time post-secondary education have been completed in English at an accredited institution in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages. Language development (ELL) courses cannot be included.
Option 3: Standardized Language Test Achievement of minimum scores on a recognized standardized language test. Test results must not be dated no more than 2 years at the time of enrollment.
| Name of English language assessment/test | Minimum score(s)/level(s)* |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Minimum overall score of 5.5 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT | Minimum overall score of 46 |
| Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) | Minimum overall score of 40 |
| Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) | Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5. |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | Minimum overall score of 95 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Minimum overall score of 43 |
| Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) | Minimum overall score of 160 or ‘C’. Institutions may include other Cambridge Qualifications at a higher level (i.e., C2 Proficiency (CPE)). |
| Cambridge Linguaskill | Minimum overall B2 level |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Minimum overall B2 level |
| The Michigan English Test (MET) | Minimum overall B2 level |
| iTEP Academic | Minimum overall score of 3.5 |
| EIKEN | Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1 |
Validity period of above Language Assessment Tests is two years.
Option 4
Have a Transport Canada approved assessment:
- The CFI can sign off that the student is at an “expert” level of English language proficiency, or
- A Transport-Canada approved assessor can sign off that the student’s English language proficiency is at, minimally, an “operational” level.
Prior to Solo Flying Lessons: CAT03 or higher Medical Certificate.
Note: Assessment of Prior Education Where English is the Language of Instruction
As an option for proof of English language proficiency, institutions may accept evidence that an applicant has successfully completed a specified minimum of full-time secondary or post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction. Documentation demonstrating this evidence must be provided in English.
Education completed (in English) in the following countries will be considered as counting toward an assessment of prior education in English:
The following countries are recognized for education completed in English:
| American Samoa | Dominica | Lesotho | St. Kitts & Nevis |
| Anguilla | Falkland Islands | Liberia | St. Lucia |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Fiji | Malta | St. Vincent & the Grenadines |
| Australia | Gambia | Mauritius | Tanzania |
| Bahamas | Ghana | Montserrat | Trinidad & Tobago |
| Barbados | Gibraltar | New Zealand | Turks & Caicos Islands |
| Belize | Grenada | Nigeria | Uganda |
| Bermuda | Guam | Seychelles | United Kingdom |
| Botswana | Guyana | Sierra Leone | US Virgin Islands |
| British Virgin Islands | Ireland | Singapore | USA |
| Canada | Jamaica | South Africa | Zambia |
| Cayman Islands | Kenya | St. Helena | Zimbabwe |
Apply Now
Take the next step toward your future!
Gain the skills you need for success and take the first step toward a rewarding career. Enroll today to learn essential industry knowledge, enhance your expertise, and open doors to new opportunities.
Apply NowCourse OUtline
Core Courses in Commercial Pilot Aviation Diploma
Our curriculum is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge required for a successful career in Aviation.
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
1640
Total program
hours
97%
Graduate Employment Rate
| Course Name | Hours |
|---|---|
| Aviation Ground School Training 1 | 480 |
| Private pilot flight training | 45 |
| Aviation Ground School Training 2 | 500 |
| Commercial Pilot License flight training | 65 |
| Night Rating | 20 |
| Preparatory Hours (including 90 hours of time building) | 300 |
| Aviation Professionalism and Employability | 230 |
| Total | 1640 |
Program Duration
Hours: 1640
Fee Structure
Tuition & Financing Headline
We offer competitive tuition rates and flexible financing options to make your education at Western Community College both accessible and affordable.
Notes:
- The estimated cost of the program is based on the minimum flight hours required by Transport Canada and includes projected fuel charges for those hours. If additional training is needed to meet licensing requirements, it will be billed separately at the current WCC Flight School rates, along with a fuel surcharge of $50 per additional flight hour.
- Please note that all program fees and fuel charges are subject to change without prior notice. We recommend that prospective students contact WCC Flight School to confirm the most current pricing before completing their enrollment.
BC Student Loan
In-house Financing
Student Line of Credit
Scholarships
Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.
Finance Options

