1.5 YEARS
Commercial Pilot Aviation Diploma
Train for a career as a commercial pilot with advanced flight training, CESSNA 172 experience, and industry-standard navigation and safety techniques.
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Elevate Your Aviation Career
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).
Students will engage in extensive hands-on flight training, including single-engine operations operations and cross-country flights, to build the experience necessary for commercial piloting roles. Upon completion, graduates will possess the skills and certifications required to operate aircraft for compensation, opening doors to various aviation careers.
- Comprehensive training in advanced flight maneuvers and navigation techniques.
- Emphasis on safety management systems and regulatory compliance.
- Opportunities for multi-engine and cross-country flight experience.
Next Intakes
Contact our admissions team today or request information on upcoming program start dates.
Career Opportunities in PILOTING
Start Your Career in Aviation
Upon completion, graduates will possess the skills and certifications required to operate aircraft for compensation, opening doors to various aviation careers.
- Commercial Airline Pilot: Operate passenger flights for regional or major airlines.
- Cargo Pilot: Transport goods and freight on scheduled or chartered flights.
- Corporate Pilot: Fly private jets for businesses or high-net-worth individuals.
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 in AVIATION
Admission Requirements
Applicants for this program must provide the following:
- Students need to be a minimum of 18 years old.
- Hold a valid Private Pilot License (PPL).
- Pass the Aviation English Proficiency Test with minimum 60% marks
- CAT 4 or higher Aviation Medical Certification, it is mandatory to clear this medical evaluation before the start of your program. We highly advise applicants to prioritize the Transport Canada Aviation Medical Examination, as this process tends to have the lengthiest processing time.
To find a Transport Canada certified medical examiner, visit: https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/CAME-MEAC/l.aspx
Important Note:
If you are applying for this program from outside of Canada, it is highly recommended to get your medical certification done from your home country before arriving.
Additionally, If you are not a Canadian Citizen or a Permanent Resident, you must apply for a Study Permit (visa) in order to study in Canada. Our past experiences showed that applicants who obtain an IELTS band score of at least 6.0 overall score with no bands less than 6.0 or an equivalent language test score have greater chances of having Study Permits approved by IRCC.
For detailed information about admission process and documents required, please talk to an admission advisor at Western Community College.
Completion Requirements
- Your progress will be assessed through a series of exams, including the CPAER exam, which serves as the final exam for the ground school course, and the Flight Test, which ensures your flying skills meet the required standards.
- CAT 1 Aviation Medical Certification
- To successfully complete the program, you must pass the CPAER exam with at least 60% marks and receive a “Pass” from the Designated Flight Test Examiner (DFTE) on the Flight Test.
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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.
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Total program
hours
155
TOTAL FLIGHT HOURS
8
CAMPUSES ACROSS BC
97%
Graduate Employment Rate
Aerodynamics and Theory of Flight:
Taught in our Abbotsford classroom. Instructions on all the forces encountered flying an airplane. How lift is generated and maximized. Theory of lift and drag. Aircraft stability and how it is achieved.
Airframes Engines and Systems: Taught in our Abbotsford classroom. Objective is to achieve a high level of understanding of all the components of an aircraft. The knowledge required to comprehend how load factors affect an aircraft an how to utilize a formula that must be utilized. Obtain and memorize all of the V-speeds of the aircraft that commercial training will take place on. Learn operational understanding of weight and balance. Memorize specific operational speeds. Obtain thorough operational knowledge of how to utilize Personal and Maintenance Logbooks. Pilot Operating handbooks. Definition of elementary work as per the Company Maintenance Control Manual.
Air Regulations and Licensing: How to utilize the internet to be operational regarding the Canadian Aviation Regulation. Minimum equipment lists for aircraft depending on where they operate. Regulations and minimum requirements regarding licensing and ratings. Recency requirements and Medical classifications
Human Factors and Pilot Decision Making: In classroom Abbotsford classroom. Detailed analysis, discussion and how to utilize the physiology and psychology that needs to be utilized before Any flight takes place. A lot of instructor experience and case studies will be used to obtain expertise in these subjects. Crew Resource Management will also be covered as the majority of commercial flying is conducted in a multi-crew environment.
Meterology: Working knowledge of weather, more specifically, the levels of the atmosphere, cloud formation and weather associated. Comprehension of thunderstorms and how to utilize Transport Canada forecasts for safe airmanship as well as success for the written exam.
Navigation: Obtain operational expertise in flight planning using maps and more specifically computes, ipads and GPS for successfully completing the cross country flights. Also covering the use of and formulas to utilize VOR’s and ADF’s covering all topics regarding the Transport Canada exams
Radio Navigation: Classroom study and flight training regarding the more specific use of GPS, VOR and ADF and the theory involved with how these systems operate
Flight Instruments: In classroom instruction regarding all of the instruments the student will see and utilize in their flight training and further in their aviation career. Theory on how all instruments operate will be covered.
Operations: How flights are dispatched, mandatory weight and balances conducted, use of the Pilot Operating handbook to determine take off distances and landing distances will be covered. Mandatory Documentation, thorough knowledge of Emergency Procedures. Fueling, maintenance requests will also be covered.
| Course Name | In-Class Hours |
| Aerodynamics and Theory of Flight | 8 |
| Airframe Engines and Systems | 9 |
| Air Regulations and Licensing | 9 |
| Human Factors and Pilot Decision Making | 9 |
| Meteorology | 9 |
| Navigation | 9 |
| Radio Navigation | 9 |
| Flight Instructors | 9 |
| Operations | 9 |
| CPL 102 – Flight Training | 65 |
| Preparatory Ground | 20 |
| Time Building | 90 |
| Total | 255 |
Our Academic Partners
We collaborate with leading Legal profession courses to ensure our curriculum is relevant and up-to-date, providing our students with valuable insights and connections.
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Tuition & Financing Headline
We offer competitive tuition rates and flexible financing options to make your education at Western Community College both accessible and affordable.
BC Student Loan
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Student Line of Credit
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Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.
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