Flying in Canada: a pilot's guide
Transport Canada regulates flight under the CARs; pilots earn a Recreational Permit or Private Pilot Licence with category medicals, in a class-based airspace system.
The national authority
Civil aviation in Canada is regulated by Transport Canada under the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). This guide summarises the framework; confirm specifics with Transport Canada.
Getting a licence (PPL and beyond)
Canada issues a Recreational Pilot Permit and a Private Pilot Licence, with Commercial and instrument ratings beyond. Training combines ground school, a written examination and a flight test, through approved organisations and instructors.
Medical requirements
A Category 1, 3 or 4 medical certificate is required depending on the licence or permit, issued via Transport Canada-approved physicians.
Notable rules & airspace
Canada uses a class-based airspace system, with extensive remote and northern operations, and its own VFR and equipment requirements that differ from the US.
Where to find the official rules
See Transport Canada for the current CARs, licensing and medical requirements.
Canada aviation by the numbers
3,370 airfields on record (297 with scheduled service), 2,264 airspace volumes, 622 navaids.
- Small airport1,254
- Closed888
- Heliport526
- Seaplane base450
- Medium airport236
- Large airport15
- Balloonport1
- Calgary International Airport14,000 ft
- CFB Cold Lake12,600 ft
- Pontiac Airpark Water Aerodrome12,000 ft
- Montreal Mirabel International Airport12,000 ft
- Vancouver International Airport11,500 ft
Counts computed from The Pilots Desk reference data (OurAirports, FAA, OpenAIP).