Learning to Fly with OAS

Learning to fly is one of life's most rewarding adventures. Whether you are considering learning to fly for recreation, or to pursue a career in aviation, you are about to embark on one of the most exciting and enjoyable experiences of your life, and one that is an investment that you can enjoy for years to come.

  • Flight Training

  • Ground School

Flight Training

There are three basic levels of flight training:

  • Recreational Pilot Permit (RPP)
  • Private Pilot License (PPL)
  • Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Recreational Pilot Permit (RPP)

Recreational Pilot Permit is less expensive than a Private License, but also more limiting. The holder of this permit is allowed to fly a four seat aircraft, but restricted to only one passenger. They cannot cross International boundaries nor can they fly at night. It is not possible to obtain further ratings on a PPL (for example a Night Rating), like you can if you were to obtain an actual license.

Private Pilot License (PPL)

The second level of flight training is the Private Pilot License (PPL). Minimum time required by the Ministry of Transport for this license is 45 hours of flying and 40 hours of Ground School. A PPL entitles you to fly in most countries with little or no “conversion training”. It entitles you to fly all single engine, non-high performance, land-based airplanes, in Day VFR (Visual Flight Rules). For the flying we use the Katana DA-20, an exciting plane in the arena of flight training. There is a normal 70/30 split of Dual instruction and Solo practice (whatever total time you spend getting the private license the 70/30 split is average).

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

Some students wish to continue with their training beyond a Private License. This is the Commercial Pilot License. This license will eventually allow them to seek employment as a professional pilot in larger companies.

Ground School

Ground school is also a requirement for all licenses. Our Ground Schools are offered at various times throughout the year, depending on demand. Please contact us for details.

You will need a Canadian Aviation Medical to begin your training either Category 1 (Commercial License), Category 3 (Private license) or Category 4 (Recreational License). Approved aviation medical examiners in the Ottawa area.

At OAS you may pay ‘as you go’, make a lump sum deposit and fly it off, or use a pre-approved credit payment plan. All are viable options; each catered to a different kind of pilot. If you chose to take your time getting your license, you won’t have all your funds tied up in the school. Foreign students must make a deposit of 50% of the total cost per program in order to be considered enrolled in the school. This fee is non-refundable and is credited to the students account.

If you'd like to experience the thrill of piloting an aircraft, we have an Introductory Flight for a special price which will allow you to spend halfan hour at the controls of one of our aircraft with a qualified instructor.

OAS is interested in making your flying experience enjoyable and challenging. We help make pilots with positive attitudes. Thank you for your interest in the flight training program at Ottawa Aviation Services. See you in the skies!