Become a pilot / Choosing a school
How to choose a flight school in Canada
Ask every Canadian flight school the same questions, visit if you can, and get costs and policies in writing before paying.
Reviewed 26 October 2026 · Based on Transport Canada school-selection guidance
First, confirm what the provider offers
Use Transport Canada's flight-training services and flight-training-unit search to identify providers in your region. Ask which licence and aircraft category the school is authorized to train for. If a program advertises an integrated course, ask for the exact approved course name.
A school being listed or approved does not mean it is the best personal fit. Compare access, instruction and terms yourself.
Questions before a deposit
Training
- What licence and ratings does this quote cover?
- Which hours are minimums and what do students typically use?
- How is progress documented? What happens if I change instructor?
Availability
- How many usable training aircraft and instructors are available?
- How many students are waiting for an instructor or check ride?
- How often can I realistically book flying in my season?
Cost and contract
- Which aircraft, instructor, ground school and exam charges are included?
- Are fuel surcharges, taxes, equipment and extra hours separate?
- What are the deposit, refund, cancellation and transfer terms?
Outcome
- Can I meet an instructor and a current student?
- What credential will I hold at completion?
- What support exists if training is delayed or interrupted?
Transport Canada specifically recommends checking fees, aircraft, instructors, scheduling, records, facilities, insurance and school policies. Read its full checklist.
Choose the training route before comparing providers
A standalone flight school, an approved integrated course and a college or university program can lead to different schedules and credentials. Read the training-options comparison, then ask each school for its current full cost estimate. If commercial flying is the goal, review the Category 1 medical process before making a large non-refundable payment.
Compare two schools side by side
Keep each unanswered field visible. A polished brochure is not an answer to an aircraft waitlist or refund-policy question.
Open the comparison worksheet