Recreational Pilot Permit

The Recreational Pilot Permit was introduced by Transport Canada on August 1st, 1995 as the result of a joint government/industry effort to introduce a reduced requirement, reduced privilege pilot license to make the initial step into aviation easier and cheaper.

The Ottawa Flight College Recreational Pilot Permit program is designed to prepare anyone to become a safe proficient pilot. This is a non-vocational program aimed at students who want to learn to fly for fun, are not ready or able to meet the requirements for Private Pilot License or do not plan on getting additional licenses or ratings.

Admission

The Ottawa Flight College welcomes everyone and anyone that wants to learn how to fly and is willing to put forth the effort to achieve this monumental goal.

The best way to start your training is to come into or call the Flight College and book an introductory flight. The introductory flight isn't mandatory but it will This first flight enables you to experience the joys of flying with no commitment to start flight training. An introductory flight lesson Includes: A hands on aircraft orientation, education and pre-flight demonstration by one of our professional Flight Instructors, a guided lesson on how to taxi and take-off, and a chance to fly the airplane under the guidance of your instructor. 

The minimum age to obtain this permit is 16 but you can start training as young as 14.

You will need to meet the requirements of a Category 4 Aviation Medical which can be performed by your family doctor.

For admission, you will need to fill out an OFC Student Application Form. The application form gains you access to our online booking system where you can choose when and how often you fly, all you have to do is book an airplane with an instructor and that instructor will guide you through your flight training to ensure every milestone is met.

While it is not mandatory, it is suggested you sign up for a Private Pilot ground school held 3 times a year.

Program of Study

Flight Training

A minimum of 25 hours of flight training must be acquired. Of these 25 hours, a minimum of 15 hours must be Dual hours, and 5 must be Solo hours. During this training you will gain experience on navigation, aircraft ground handling, radio procedures, pre-flight inspections, and aircraft handling through various air exercises. There are no instrument time requirements for this permit. 

At the end of the training, you must complete a Recreational Pilot Flight test conducted by an approved Transport Canada Inspector or a Pilot Examiner.

Ground School

The Recreational Pilot Permit is a self-study program culminating with a written Transport Canada examination which can be done at any of the Transport Canada Examination Centres. You must
obtain at least 60% on each of the four mandatory subjects: Air Law,
Navigation, Meteorology, and Aeronautics – General Knowledge.

While there is no requirement to attend a formal ground school for this permit, you may wish to take our Private Pilot Ground School as it will aid you in taking the Transport Canada Written Exams.

Fees

Fees for the Recreational Pilot Permit Program will vary depending on individual pilot’s level of experience. The following table calculates the fees for a typical student.