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Private Pilot License

Western Community College > Programs > Aviation > Private Pilot License

Program Overview

This is the first step of your flight training! 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. Even if you are working toward becoming an airline pilot you must start here. If you choose to fly recreationally this may be your first and final stop. It is important to note that the holder of a PPL may not fly for hire or compensation.

The Western Community College Private Pilot License (PPL) program focuses on preparing graduates to be skilled pilots by acquiring the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed. This program is intended for people who are starting a pilot career.

Program Highlights:

  • Ground School Mastery: Lay the foundation for your flying career with rigorous theoretical training covering aviation principles, navigation, meteorology, and more.
  • Flight Training on CESSNA 172: Take to the skies on the renowned CESSNA 172, a trusted aircraft for pilot training worldwide. Our experienced instructors ensure you’re ready for the challenges of real-world aviation.
  • Time Building Opportunities: Gain invaluable experience with up to 45 hours of flight time, refining your skills and building confidence as you soar towards your CPL.
  • Prep School with PGI/GB: Perfect your techniques with up to 20 hours of advanced training, preparing you for the demands of private piloting.

Program Admission Requirements

  • Students need to be a minimum of 17 years old
  • Pass the Aviation English Language Proficiency Test conducted by Western Community College.
  • CAT 4 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.

Financial Assistance

Western Community College offers a variety of financial aid opportunities to ease students’ stress and allow them to focus on their studies. If you need extra support, we have flexible funding to accommodate all our students, no matter their financial situation.

  • BC Student Loan
  • In-house Financing
  • Student Line of Credit

Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.

Program Duration

  • Total of 6-8 Months
  • Minimum of 45 hours of flight training
  • Minimum of 40 hours ground school instruction

Program Outline

Below is outline of the core courses required for graduation.

Ground School

Commercial Pilot Groundschool Content

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.

Private Pilot Training

Course Name In-Class Hours
Aerodynamics and Theory of Flight 5
Airframe Engines and Systems 5
Air Regulations and Licensing 5
Human Factors and Pilot Decision Making 5
Meteorology 4
Navigation 4
Radio Navigation 4
Flight Instructors 4
Operations 4
PPL 102  – Flight Training 45
Total  85

Career Opportunities

Graduates of PPL program will gain specific skills in aviation and be job ready on graduating. As a graduate from this program, you will be eligible for a number of job titles including:

  • Fly a Canadian Registered airplane anywhere in the world.
  • Add new ratings to their license (Night Rating, Multi-Rating, Type Rating.)
  • Train towards Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Our student's voice

  • The classroom structure is very clear and the teachers really care about helping their students. All the staff and receptionists are exceedingly nice to me. Thank you so much!

    HelenAlexMurray
    Helen Alex Murray
    WCC Alumni
  • It is very professional and sophisticated college. Instructors and office staffs are so proportional and very considerate, I really enjoyed being with western community College. If you want a better education please visit western community College. You all will love their service and education.

    Shaneel Jeet
    Shaneel Jeet
    WCC Alumni
  • Great environment. Faculty staff including admin is helpful always ready to resolve your problems, provides good training and education, affordable fee.

    Preeti Kaur
    Preeti Kaur
    WCC Alumni
  • The best college special for EA nice teacher . Special anu Grover I’m very glad to founded this college.

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    Wal Solano
  • I got to know WCC through their Youth Digital Entrepreneurship (YDE) government funded program. It was my first experience with post-secondary education, and my first step into improving my education and skills in nearly a decade. I would say it was a great learning experience.

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Why Study at Western Community College

  • Installment-based, low tuition fee.
  • 100% Practicum Placement
  • Weekday, weekend, and evening classes optionally available
  • Part-time or full-time class schedule
  • Free CLB preparation classes * Conditions Apply
  • Graduate employment rate: 97%

Admissions Contact Information

Mon – Sunday 9:00A.M. – 5:00P.M.

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