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COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE
Aeroplanes - Privileges and Requirements
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
401.30(1) Subject to subsection (3), the holder of a commercial pilot licence — aeroplane may,
by day or night,
(amended 2005/12/01; previous version)
(a) exercise the privileges of a private pilot licence - aeroplane;
(b) exercise the privileges of a VFR OTT rating;
(amended 2001/03/01; previous version)
(c) while engaged in providing a commercial air service by means of an aeroplane of a class
and type in respect of which the licence is endorsed with ratings, act as
(i) pilot-in-command of the aeroplane, if the minimum flight crew document for the aeroplane
specifies a minimum flight crew of one pilot, or
(amended 2001/03/01; previous version)
(ii) co-pilot of the aeroplane;
(amended 2001/03/01; previous version)
(d) if qualified as a flight instructor in accordance with section 425.21 of the personnel
licensing standards, conduct flight instruction; and
(amended 2001/03/01; no previous version)
(e) exercise private pilot licence — aeroplane privileges until the end of the medical validity
period specified for the private pilot licence.
(amended 2006/12/14; no previous version)
(2) Where an applicant meets the requirements specified in the personnel licensing standards
in respect of a commercial pilot licence - aeroplane except the night flight time requirements,
the Minister shall issue to the applicant a commercial pilot licence - aeroplane endorsed for
daylight flying only.
(3) No holder of a commercial pilot licence - aeroplane whose licence is endorsed with a
daylight-flying-only restriction shall exercise the privileges set out in paragraphs (1)(a) and (c)
by night.
(amended 2003/06/01; previous version)
(4) The Minister shall remove the daylight-flying-only restriction if an applicant meets the night
flight time requirements of the personnel licensing standards.
(amended 2006/12/14; no previous version)
421.30 Aeroplanes - Requirements
The requirements in respect of an application for a Commercial Pilot Licence — Aeroplane are
the following:
(amended 2006/12/14; no previous version)
(1) Age
An applicant shall be a minimum of eighteen years of age.
(2) Medical Fitness
(amended 2007/12/30; previous version)
(a) An applicant shall hold a Category 1 Medical Certificate valid for a Commercial Pilot
Licence - Aeroplane.
(b) The licence holder may exercise Private Pilot Licence - Aeroplane privileges until the end
of the medical period specified for the Private Pilot Licence.
(amended 2007/12/30; previous version)
(c) The licence is maintained by a valid Category 1 Medical Certificate.
(amended 2007/12/30; previous version)
(3) Knowledge
Ground School Instruction
(amended 2006/12/14; no previous version)
(a) An applicant shall have completed a minimum of 80 hours commercial pilot aeroplane
ground school instruction including at least the following subjects:
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(i) Canadian Aviation Regulations,
(ii) aerodynamics and theory of flight,
(iii) meteorology,
(iv) airframes, engines and systems,
(v) flight instruments,
(vi) radio and electronic theory,
(vii) navigation,
(viii) flight operations,
(ix) licensing requirements, and
(x) human factors including pilot decision‑making.
(b) An applicant who is a graduate from an approved integrated course shall have completed
the applicable course requirements in section 426.75 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
Written Examination
(amended 2006/12/14; no previous version)
(c) All applicants shall have obtained a minimum of 60% in each of the following four
mandatory subjects areas as well as in the overall written examination Commercial Pilot
Licence — Aeroplane (CPAER):
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(i) Air Law ‑ regulations, rules and orders, air traffic services, practices and procedures, and
licensing requirements relevant to the licence,
(ii) Navigation ‑ navigation, radio aids and electronic theory,
(iii) Meteorology, and
(iv) Aeronautics ‑ General Knowledge ‑ airframes, engines and systems, theory of flight, flight
instruments and flight operations.
(d) An applicant who is a graduate from an approved integrated course shall have completed
the applicable course requirements in section 426.75 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
(amended 2006/12/14; no previous version)
(4) Experience
(a) An applicant for a commercial pilot licence — aeroplane shall
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(i) have completed, subject to paragraph (b), a minimum of 200 hours flight time in aeroplanes,
of which a minimum of 100 hours shall be pilot‑in‑command time including 20 hours cross-
country pilot-in-command flight time, and
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(ii) following the issuance of a private pilot licence — aeroplane by Canada or another
contracting state, have completed 65 hours of commercial pilot flight training in aeroplanes
consisting of a minimum of:
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(A) 35 hours dual instruction flight time, under the direction and supervision of the holder of a
Flight Instructor Rating — Aeroplane, including:
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(I) 5 hours night, including a minimum of 2 hours of cross-country flight time;
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(II) 5 hours cross-country, which may include the cross-country experience stated in subclause
(I); and
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(III) 20 hours of instrument flight time in addition to the experience stated in subclauses (I) and
(II). A maximum 10 hours of the 20 hours may be conducted on an approved aeroplane
simulator or synthetic flight training device.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(B) 30 hours solo flight time including:
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(I) 25 hours solo flight time emphasizing the improvement of general flying skills of the
applicant which shall include a cross-country flight to a point of a minimum of 300 nautical mile
radius from the point of departure and shall include a minimum of 3 landings at points other
than that of departure; and
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(II) 5 hours solo flight time by night during which a minimum of 10 takeoffs, circuits and
landings were completed.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(b) An applicant who is a graduate from an approved integrated course shall have completed
the applicable experience requirements in section 426.75 of the Canadian Aviation
Regulations.
(amended 2006/12/14; no previous version)
(5) Skill
Within the 12 months preceding the date of application for the licence, an applicant for a
commercial pilot licence — aeroplane shall successfully complete a flight test to the standard
outlined in the Flight Test Guide Commercial Pilot Licence — Aeroplane (TP13462E).
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(6) Restricted Licence - Daylight Flying
(a) If an applicant has not completed the night flight time requirements, the licence shall be
restricted to daylight flying, however the total dual instruction flight time and solo flight time
requirements for the issuance of the licence shall be met.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(b) If an applicant completes the night flight time requirements, the restriction shall be removed.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(c) If an applicant holds a pilot licence ‑ helicopter valid for night flying, the night flight time
experience may be reduced to 5 hours pilot flight time which shall include:
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(i) 2 hours dual instruction night flight time,
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(ii) 1 hour solo night flight time, and
(iii) 1 hour dual instruction instrument flight time.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(7) Credits
(a) Knowledge
(i) An applicant who holds a Commercial Pilot Licence ‑ Helicopter or higher, shall, when
applying for the issue of a Commercial Pilot Licence — Aeroplane, be credited with 20 hours of
the 80 hour ground school instruction requirement.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(ii) An applicant who holds a Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter or higher, shall, in lieu of
completing the written examination Commercial Pilot - Aeroplane (CPAER), obtain a minimum
of 60% in the written examination Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) - Alternate Category
(CARAC).
(amended 1999/03/01; previous version)
(b) Experience
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
If an applicant holds a pilot permit or licence in another aircraft category, flight time credits may
be claimed as follows:
(i) Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter
If an applicant holds a Commercial Pilot Licence ‑ Helicopter, the 200 hours total flight time in
aeroplanes required by subparagraph (4)(a)(i) is considered to have been met if the applicant
has completed a minimum of 100 hours pilot flight time in aeroplanes, including the 65 hours
experience required by subparagraph (4)(a)(ii). In this case, it is not necessary to obtain a
Private Pilot Licence — Aeroplane prior to obtaining the Commercial Pilot Licence —
Aeroplane.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(ii) Private Pilot Licence - Helicopter
If an applicant holds a Private Pilot Licence — Helicopter, the following must be met:
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(A) a maximum of 50 hours flight time in helicopters shall be credited towards the 200 hours
total flight time requirement, and
(B) a maximum of 25 hours of pilot-in-command flight time in helicopters shall be credited
towards the 100 hours pilot-in-command flight time requirement.
(iii) Pilot Licence - Glider
If an applicant holds a Pilot Licence ‑ Glider, a maximum of 50 hours flight time in gliders shall
be credited towards the 200 hours total flight time requirement but this time shall not be
credited towards the 100 hour pilot‑in‑command flight time.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(iv) Three Axis Ultra-light Aeroplane
If an applicant holds a Pilot Permit — Ultra-light Aeroplane, a Recreational Pilot Permit —
Aeroplane or a Private Pilot Licence — Aeroplane, a maximum of 25 hours pilot‑in‑command
flight time in three axis ultra-light aeroplanes shall be credited towards the 200 hours total flight
time requirement but this time shall not be credited towards the 100 hour pilot‑in‑command
flight time.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(v) Instrument Flight Time
If an applicant holds a Pilot Licence — Helicopter category, they shall be credited with
instrument flight time acquired in helicopters towards meeting the instrument flight time
experience requirements provided that the applicant has acquired a minimum of 10 hours of
dual instruction instrument flight time in aeroplanes.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(vi) Night Flight Time
(A) If an applicant holds a Private Pilot Licence — Aeroplane with a night rating, the total dual
instruction and solo night flight time requirements are considered to have been met provided
that the 35 hours dual instruction flight time and 30 hours solo flight time requirements are met.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(B) If an applicant holds a Pilot Licence — Helicopter valid for night privileges, the night flight
time acquired in helicopters shall be credited towards the total dual instruction flight time and
solo night flight time requirements provided that the applicant has acquired at night, in
aeroplanes, a minimum of 1 hour dual instruction flight time and 1 hour solo flight time and the
35 hours dual instruction flight time and 30 hours solo flight time requirements are met.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(c) Experience – Same Category – Instrument Rating
(amended 2005/12/01; no previous version)
An applicant who holds or has held an instrument rating in the aeroplane category within the
preceding 24 months is considered to have met the 20 hours dual instrument flight
requirement of subclause 421.30(4)(a)(ii)(A)(III).
(amended 2005/12/01; no previous version)
(8) Credits for Canadian Forces Applicants
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
Active and retired Canadian Forces personnel who have qualified to pilot aeroplane wings
standard are considered to have met the ground school instruction requirement, the written
examination requirement, the skill requirement and the requirement to hold a Private Pilot
Licence, if the applicant:
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(a) has met the flight time requirements specified in paragraph (4)(a) of which a minimum of 10
hours flight time was acquired in aeroplanes in the 12 months preceding the date of
application; and
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(b) obtains a minimum of 60% in the written examination Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplane)
Air Law, Air Traffic Rules and Procedures (ARPCO).
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(9) Credits for Foreign Applicants
If an applicant has met the flight time requirements specified in paragraph (4)(a), the applicant
who holds a commercial or higher type pilot licence in the aeroplane category, issued by a
contracting state is considered to have met the ground school requirement.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
Aeroplanes - Privileges and Requirements
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
401.30(1) Subject to subsection (3), the holder of a commercial pilot licence — aeroplane may,
by day or night,
(amended 2005/12/01; previous version)
(a) exercise the privileges of a private pilot licence - aeroplane;
(b) exercise the privileges of a VFR OTT rating;
(amended 2001/03/01; previous version)
(c) while engaged in providing a commercial air service by means of an aeroplane of a class
and type in respect of which the licence is endorsed with ratings, act as
(i) pilot-in-command of the aeroplane, if the minimum flight crew document for the aeroplane
specifies a minimum flight crew of one pilot, or
(amended 2001/03/01; previous version)
(ii) co-pilot of the aeroplane;
(amended 2001/03/01; previous version)
(d) if qualified as a flight instructor in accordance with section 425.21 of the personnel
licensing standards, conduct flight instruction; and
(amended 2001/03/01; no previous version)
(e) exercise private pilot licence — aeroplane privileges until the end of the medical validity
period specified for the private pilot licence.
(amended 2006/12/14; no previous version)
(2) Where an applicant meets the requirements specified in the personnel licensing standards
in respect of a commercial pilot licence - aeroplane except the night flight time requirements,
the Minister shall issue to the applicant a commercial pilot licence - aeroplane endorsed for
daylight flying only.
(3) No holder of a commercial pilot licence - aeroplane whose licence is endorsed with a
daylight-flying-only restriction shall exercise the privileges set out in paragraphs (1)(a) and (c)
by night.
(amended 2003/06/01; previous version)
(4) The Minister shall remove the daylight-flying-only restriction if an applicant meets the night
flight time requirements of the personnel licensing standards.
(amended 2006/12/14; no previous version)
421.30 Aeroplanes - Requirements
The requirements in respect of an application for a Commercial Pilot Licence — Aeroplane are
the following:
(amended 2006/12/14; no previous version)
(1) Age
An applicant shall be a minimum of eighteen years of age.
(2) Medical Fitness
(amended 2007/12/30; previous version)
(a) An applicant shall hold a Category 1 Medical Certificate valid for a Commercial Pilot
Licence - Aeroplane.
(b) The licence holder may exercise Private Pilot Licence - Aeroplane privileges until the end
of the medical period specified for the Private Pilot Licence.
(amended 2007/12/30; previous version)
(c) The licence is maintained by a valid Category 1 Medical Certificate.
(amended 2007/12/30; previous version)
(3) Knowledge
Ground School Instruction
(amended 2006/12/14; no previous version)
(a) An applicant shall have completed a minimum of 80 hours commercial pilot aeroplane
ground school instruction including at least the following subjects:
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(i) Canadian Aviation Regulations,
(ii) aerodynamics and theory of flight,
(iii) meteorology,
(iv) airframes, engines and systems,
(v) flight instruments,
(vi) radio and electronic theory,
(vii) navigation,
(viii) flight operations,
(ix) licensing requirements, and
(x) human factors including pilot decision‑making.
(b) An applicant who is a graduate from an approved integrated course shall have completed
the applicable course requirements in section 426.75 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
Written Examination
(amended 2006/12/14; no previous version)
(c) All applicants shall have obtained a minimum of 60% in each of the following four
mandatory subjects areas as well as in the overall written examination Commercial Pilot
Licence — Aeroplane (CPAER):
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(i) Air Law ‑ regulations, rules and orders, air traffic services, practices and procedures, and
licensing requirements relevant to the licence,
(ii) Navigation ‑ navigation, radio aids and electronic theory,
(iii) Meteorology, and
(iv) Aeronautics ‑ General Knowledge ‑ airframes, engines and systems, theory of flight, flight
instruments and flight operations.
(d) An applicant who is a graduate from an approved integrated course shall have completed
the applicable course requirements in section 426.75 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
(amended 2006/12/14; no previous version)
(4) Experience
(a) An applicant for a commercial pilot licence — aeroplane shall
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(i) have completed, subject to paragraph (b), a minimum of 200 hours flight time in aeroplanes,
of which a minimum of 100 hours shall be pilot‑in‑command time including 20 hours cross-
country pilot-in-command flight time, and
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(ii) following the issuance of a private pilot licence — aeroplane by Canada or another
contracting state, have completed 65 hours of commercial pilot flight training in aeroplanes
consisting of a minimum of:
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(A) 35 hours dual instruction flight time, under the direction and supervision of the holder of a
Flight Instructor Rating — Aeroplane, including:
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(I) 5 hours night, including a minimum of 2 hours of cross-country flight time;
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(II) 5 hours cross-country, which may include the cross-country experience stated in subclause
(I); and
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(III) 20 hours of instrument flight time in addition to the experience stated in subclauses (I) and
(II). A maximum 10 hours of the 20 hours may be conducted on an approved aeroplane
simulator or synthetic flight training device.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(B) 30 hours solo flight time including:
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(I) 25 hours solo flight time emphasizing the improvement of general flying skills of the
applicant which shall include a cross-country flight to a point of a minimum of 300 nautical mile
radius from the point of departure and shall include a minimum of 3 landings at points other
than that of departure; and
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(II) 5 hours solo flight time by night during which a minimum of 10 takeoffs, circuits and
landings were completed.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(b) An applicant who is a graduate from an approved integrated course shall have completed
the applicable experience requirements in section 426.75 of the Canadian Aviation
Regulations.
(amended 2006/12/14; no previous version)
(5) Skill
Within the 12 months preceding the date of application for the licence, an applicant for a
commercial pilot licence — aeroplane shall successfully complete a flight test to the standard
outlined in the Flight Test Guide Commercial Pilot Licence — Aeroplane (TP13462E).
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(6) Restricted Licence - Daylight Flying
(a) If an applicant has not completed the night flight time requirements, the licence shall be
restricted to daylight flying, however the total dual instruction flight time and solo flight time
requirements for the issuance of the licence shall be met.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(b) If an applicant completes the night flight time requirements, the restriction shall be removed.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(c) If an applicant holds a pilot licence ‑ helicopter valid for night flying, the night flight time
experience may be reduced to 5 hours pilot flight time which shall include:
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(i) 2 hours dual instruction night flight time,
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(ii) 1 hour solo night flight time, and
(iii) 1 hour dual instruction instrument flight time.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(7) Credits
(a) Knowledge
(i) An applicant who holds a Commercial Pilot Licence ‑ Helicopter or higher, shall, when
applying for the issue of a Commercial Pilot Licence — Aeroplane, be credited with 20 hours of
the 80 hour ground school instruction requirement.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(ii) An applicant who holds a Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter or higher, shall, in lieu of
completing the written examination Commercial Pilot - Aeroplane (CPAER), obtain a minimum
of 60% in the written examination Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) - Alternate Category
(CARAC).
(amended 1999/03/01; previous version)
(b) Experience
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
If an applicant holds a pilot permit or licence in another aircraft category, flight time credits may
be claimed as follows:
(i) Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter
If an applicant holds a Commercial Pilot Licence ‑ Helicopter, the 200 hours total flight time in
aeroplanes required by subparagraph (4)(a)(i) is considered to have been met if the applicant
has completed a minimum of 100 hours pilot flight time in aeroplanes, including the 65 hours
experience required by subparagraph (4)(a)(ii). In this case, it is not necessary to obtain a
Private Pilot Licence — Aeroplane prior to obtaining the Commercial Pilot Licence —
Aeroplane.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(ii) Private Pilot Licence - Helicopter
If an applicant holds a Private Pilot Licence — Helicopter, the following must be met:
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(A) a maximum of 50 hours flight time in helicopters shall be credited towards the 200 hours
total flight time requirement, and
(B) a maximum of 25 hours of pilot-in-command flight time in helicopters shall be credited
towards the 100 hours pilot-in-command flight time requirement.
(iii) Pilot Licence - Glider
If an applicant holds a Pilot Licence ‑ Glider, a maximum of 50 hours flight time in gliders shall
be credited towards the 200 hours total flight time requirement but this time shall not be
credited towards the 100 hour pilot‑in‑command flight time.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(iv) Three Axis Ultra-light Aeroplane
If an applicant holds a Pilot Permit — Ultra-light Aeroplane, a Recreational Pilot Permit —
Aeroplane or a Private Pilot Licence — Aeroplane, a maximum of 25 hours pilot‑in‑command
flight time in three axis ultra-light aeroplanes shall be credited towards the 200 hours total flight
time requirement but this time shall not be credited towards the 100 hour pilot‑in‑command
flight time.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(v) Instrument Flight Time
If an applicant holds a Pilot Licence — Helicopter category, they shall be credited with
instrument flight time acquired in helicopters towards meeting the instrument flight time
experience requirements provided that the applicant has acquired a minimum of 10 hours of
dual instruction instrument flight time in aeroplanes.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(vi) Night Flight Time
(A) If an applicant holds a Private Pilot Licence — Aeroplane with a night rating, the total dual
instruction and solo night flight time requirements are considered to have been met provided
that the 35 hours dual instruction flight time and 30 hours solo flight time requirements are met.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(B) If an applicant holds a Pilot Licence — Helicopter valid for night privileges, the night flight
time acquired in helicopters shall be credited towards the total dual instruction flight time and
solo night flight time requirements provided that the applicant has acquired at night, in
aeroplanes, a minimum of 1 hour dual instruction flight time and 1 hour solo flight time and the
35 hours dual instruction flight time and 30 hours solo flight time requirements are met.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(c) Experience – Same Category – Instrument Rating
(amended 2005/12/01; no previous version)
An applicant who holds or has held an instrument rating in the aeroplane category within the
preceding 24 months is considered to have met the 20 hours dual instrument flight
requirement of subclause 421.30(4)(a)(ii)(A)(III).
(amended 2005/12/01; no previous version)
(8) Credits for Canadian Forces Applicants
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
Active and retired Canadian Forces personnel who have qualified to pilot aeroplane wings
standard are considered to have met the ground school instruction requirement, the written
examination requirement, the skill requirement and the requirement to hold a Private Pilot
Licence, if the applicant:
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(a) has met the flight time requirements specified in paragraph (4)(a) of which a minimum of 10
hours flight time was acquired in aeroplanes in the 12 months preceding the date of
application; and
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(b) obtains a minimum of 60% in the written examination Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplane)
Air Law, Air Traffic Rules and Procedures (ARPCO).
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)
(9) Credits for Foreign Applicants
If an applicant has met the flight time requirements specified in paragraph (4)(a), the applicant
who holds a commercial or higher type pilot licence in the aeroplane category, issued by a
contracting state is considered to have met the ground school requirement.
(amended 2006/12/14; previous version)