Earn Your Recreational Pilot’s License

Learn How to Be a Pilot at International Pilot Academy

Earning your Recreational Pilot’s License is an amazing and convenient way to start in aviation, and a fantastic way to learn to fly as a hobbyist. If you’ve always had an interest in flight but weren’t sure what the best way to start was, then a Recreational Pilot’s License is the perfect way to begin. This is an excellent course for those with less time to commit fully to flying, or for those wanting to start out on a smaller scale.

Recreational Vs. Private Pilot’s Licenses

Recreational Pilot’s LicenseAt first glance, a Recreational License might not seem very different from a Private License. They’re both intended for personal use on your own time, and both are excellent options for pilots looking to pursue their passion. While they are similar, a Recreational Pilot’s License has much stricter limitations on flight time, flight conditions, passengers, and overall privileges.

A Recreational Pilot’s License allows you to:

  • Fly within Canada’s borders;
  • Fly during daylight hours (night flying is not permitted);
  • Operate an aircraft during visual flight rules alone; and
  • Fly with a maximum of one passenger.

Despite these limitations, a Recreational License is a fantastic way to get started in aviation, and it’s easy to upgrade to a Private License and then add additional ratings and qualifications.

Program Requirements

To obtain your Recreational Pilot’s License, you must be at least 16 years of age and have a Category IV Medical or higher.

You will also need to obtain a minimum of 25 hours of flight training. Of these 25 hours, at least 15 must be dual hours, and 5 must be solo. Pilots will gain experience in navigation, aircraft ground handling, radio procedures, pre-flight inspections, and aircraft air handling.

There are no instrument time requirements for this license.