If you’re beginning your flight training journey in Ontario, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is: should I pursue a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)?
Both licences unlock exciting opportunities, but they serve very different purposes. In this blog, we’ll compare costs, training requirements, and long-term outcomes for each licence in Ontario—helping you decide which is the right fit for your aviation goals.
Private Pilot Licence (PPL) in Ontario
The Private Pilot Licence is often the first step for aspiring aviators.
Key Details:
- Minimum Hours (Transport Canada): 45 hours (most Ontario students require 55–70).
- Privileges: Fly recreationally, carry passengers, share costs (but not for hire).
- Estimated Cost in Ontario: $15,000–$20,000 depending on flight school and pace.
- Timeline: 8–12 months if training regularly, longer if training is weather-affected.
Best For:
- Recreational pilots.
- Students considering aviation as a hobby before committing to a career.
- Future CPL candidates (since PPL is a prerequisite).
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) in Ontario
The Commercial Pilot Licence is the next step for students aiming to make aviation a career.
Key Details:
- Total Flight Hours: 200 (including 100 pilot-in-command).
- Privileges: Work as a paid pilot in Canada.
- Estimated Cost in Ontario: $30,000–$40,000 after completing your PPL.
- Timeline: 12–18 months, depending on weather, scheduling, and flight availability.
Best For:
- Students who want to fly professionally.
- Those aiming for jobs in charters, flight instruction, or eventually the airlines.
- Pilots seeking long-term career development in aviation.
- Or private pilots looking to add to their skill set.
Cost Comparison in Ontario
Costs are higher in Ontario compared to some other provinces due to:
- Higher landing and airport fees (especially near Toronto).
- Busy airspace that can increase flight time.
- Fuel prices that may be slightly above national averages.
Rough Estimates in Ontario (not including taxes):
- PPL: $15,000–$20,000
- CPL: $30,000–$40,000
- Additional Ratings (optional):
- Multi-Engine: $4,000–$6,000
- IFR: $8,000–$12,000
- Instructor: $7,000–$10,000
Training Environment in Ontario
Ontario provides unique training opportunities:
- Toronto Region: Flying in Class C airspace builds confidence but can add cost.
- Ottawa: Balanced training environment with both controlled and uncontrolled fields.
- Regional Airports (e.g., London, Waterloo, Kingston): Often more affordable with less congestion.
Making the Right Choice
When deciding between a PPL and CPL in Ontario, consider:
- Your goals: Recreational flying vs professional aviation.
- Your budget: The CPL is a much larger financial and time commitment.
- Your timeline: Do you want to fly recreationally right away, or commit to a longer journey toward becoming a professional pilot?
Conclusion
Both the Private Pilot Licence and Commercial Pilot Licence open doors to rewarding flying experiences in Ontario. If you dream of flying for fun, the PPL may be all you need. The CPL is your ticket to a professional career if your sights are set on the airlines or charter flying.
Explore your options today with our Course Catalogue and discover how online ground school can accelerate your Ontario training.
Ready to take off? Call us at 403-525-5622 and let’s plan your flight path together.
The Level Flight Advantage
Level Flight is doing Ground School like no one else. Our groundbreaking model of online delivery offers Canadian student pilots an elevated ground school experience and better prepares them for the rigorous demands of flight training and pilot testing. Here is what we are doing better:
Level Flight Alumni Say
The number of Level Flight Ground School Pilots continues to grow. We are proud that our comprehensive and innovative Ground School curriculum inspires students to complete their first steps and continue to develop to achieve their aviation dreams. Here is what some of our students past and present say about their experience with Level Flight Ground School.
How to Become a Pilot in Canada
Becoming a pilot in Canada is an exciting journey that combines classroom learning with hands-on flight experience. Whether your goal is to fly for fun or pursue a professional aviation career, the process begins with proper training and certification. In Canada, aspiring pilots typically start with a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) before moving on to a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) if they want to fly for a living. Level Flight is the best choice to begin your pilot training journey. Click below to learn more about the typical process for becoming a pilot in Canada.
- Obtain a medical certificate
- Earn a Private Pilot License
- Earn a Commercial Pilot License
- Complete Advanced Training
Every pilot in Canada is required to obtain a medical certificate for the license they wish to hold (CAT 3 or 1 for PPL, CAT 1 for CPL). Level Flight recommends completing this step before or early in your training.
This process involves two main parts: ground school and flight training. Ground school will teach you the required knowledge, while flight training will teach you the skills in the aircraft. Ground school can be done before or at the same time as flight training. Make the best use of your time by signing up for Level Flight's online ground school. Click here to learn more about PPL training. This step can be your final destination if your goal is to be a recreational pilot. To become a professional pilot continue to the next step.
After completing the PPL, students who want to pursue a career as a pilot can advance to CPL training. This process is the same as the PPL with ground school and flight training components, but new and advanced skills are added to the curriculum. Click here to learn more about CPL training.
The next step in the pilot training journey is to obtain advanced qualifications such as a multi-engine and instrument rating. This step is required for anyone wishing to fly professionally but optional for those only looking to fly recreationally. Click here to learn more about advanced licenses and ratings.
Take Flight Now
Level Flight is Canada’s best online ground school. It is our mandate to provide higher quality, more engaging training for Canadian Student Pilots. If you are seeking the exhilarating freedom of flight for a hobby or with aspirations of a career in the skies, Level Flight offers the best ground school experience available. Sign up for our online learning platform now and discover the adventure that awaits you at Level Flight.
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