The recreational pilot permit is often thought of as the quickest and easiest way to become a pilot. While this might be true it is important to ask yourself what your goals are before you begin. Did you know that over 2100 people work toward their private pilot licence per year in Canada while only about 75 work toward a recreational pilot permit? The reason for this is that most people want the full privileges of the private pilot licence (PPL) rather than the restrictions that come with the rec permit; or they are working toward becoming a commercial pilot. You always need to begin with a PPL before you continue past that point but you do not need a rec permit to obtain a PPL. If you are looking to pursue your recreational pilot permit we highly recommend completing the PPL ground school before writing the exam.
Why Complete the Private Pilot Ground School?
The recreational Pilot Permit does not have a requirement to complete ground school. Unfortunately many students struggle to work through the exam material without guidance. As a result the success rate for the written exam on the first try is low. Our goal at Level Flight is for you to succeed. The best path forward for you to achieve your goals is to take the Private Pilot Ground School course then book your exam when you are ready. If you want to further enhance your learning you can take the exam prep course as well. All of our courses are designed to be economical and flexible to meet the needs of your situation.
Another advantage to taking the PPL ground school course is that many people who set out to obtain a recreational permit end up naturally needing more time than the minimum standard to reach the required skill level to pass the flight test. During this time they decide to switch gears and just go for the full PPL. If you decide to do this you will have already met the requirements for ground school. If you have taken the written exam for the recreational permit you will still have to complete the one for the private pilot licence.
Requirements and Privilages of a Recreational Pilot Permit
Requirements:
Medical Certificate
- Category 1, 3, or 4
Age
- 16 Years
Knowledge and Examination
- 60% or higher on one of the following:
- RPPAE (Recreational Pilot Permit Aeroplane) OR
- PPAER (Private Pilot Aeroplane)
Experience (Flight Time)
- Total 25 hours including
- 15 hours dual
- 5 hours solo
Skill
- Flight Test
Privilages:
Flight under Day Visual conditions only
- No eligibility to add a night rating to a rec permit
Single Engine aeroplane that is not high performance
- Can only hold a maximum of 4 people
Only 1 passenger is allowed to be carried on board
Ultralight aeroplane
To learn more about the RPPAE exam please refer to the Study and Reference Guide.