International Students Information

WHY TAKE FLIGHT TRAINING IN CANADA?
Long recognized as one of the most modern, progressive, and peaceful countries in the world, Canada has always accepted students of all nationalities. You will find it easier to get a visa to enter our country than most other nations. As a leading member of the International Civil Aviation Organization, Canada’s flight training standard is recognized as being one of the highest in the world.
With Canada’s wide-open spaces you will enjoy the freedom to fly with very little restriction. Air-traffic control congestion is almost nonexistent. You can maximize your flight training time and minimize your expenses. This will allow you to get that airline job in your home country sooner. The cost of flying is remarkably inexpensive (due to lower fuel costs) when compared to most other countries. Whether you wish to fly here for pleasure or to build up your flight time, Canada makes economic sense.
Studying in Canada is a relatively straightforward process, but depending on your circumstances there may be a number of steps that require a considerable amount of calendar time to complete.

WHY NELSON BRITISH COLUMBIA?
Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains on the shores of Kootenay Lake, Nelson offers great flying opportunities for all pilots. The airport sees little air traffic year round and is located on the waterfront, within walking distance to downtown and the beaches! The friendly and relaxed atmosphere will make your flight training with us an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

ACCOMMODATION IN NELSON BC
There are many bed and breakfasts, hotels, and apartments in Nelson. We will arrange accomodation for you on request.

DURATION OF COURSES
Private Pilot License – 2 months minimum – 4 months recommeded.
Commercial Pilot License – (assuming student holds the PPL) – 4 months minimum – 6 months recommended.

Time of year may affect student completion times. March through October is generally the best. November through February may present more inconsistent weather and impact a student’s ability to complete in minimum times.

COST OF COURSES
Details on course costs can be found on the course outlines
We advise you to keep “cash in reserve” in case of need for additional training or fees.

To set up a Canadian Bank Account, visit the Royal Bank of Canada Website www.rbcroyalbank.com/student/index.html

AVIATION LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST
You will have to pass an English proficiency test before you are issued a PPL or CPL license.

Visit the following Transport Canada website for more information www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/standards/general-personnel-test_taker_guide-2296.htm

AVIATION MEDICAL EXAM
You will be required to pass a Class 1 (or class 3 for the PPL only) aviation medical exam prior to starting flight training in Canada. Visit the following Transport Canada website for a searchable list of Civil Aviation Medical Examiners in your country wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/saf-sec-sur/2/came-meac/l.aspx?lang=eng

IS A STUDY PERMIT REQUIRED?
If you are planning on studying in Canada for 6 months or less, you do not need a study permit, and can enter Canada as a visitor. If you are planning on studying in Canada for more than 6 months, you will be required to obtain a Study Permit from your local Canadian Consulate.

Even if you do not need a study permit, it is a good idea to apply for a permit before you come to Canada. If you decide that you want to continue your studies for more than 6 months you will have to apply through a Canadian visa office outside Canada for a study permit if you do not already have one.

Some countries also require a Visitors Visa to enter Canada, some do not. If you do not need one, you can enter based upon your valid passport. Visit the following website for a list of countries that require a visitor visa – www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A STUDY PERMIT?
Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for information on applying for a Study Permit – www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study.asp

You will need an ORIGINAL letter of acceptance for the student visa officials. We’ll send the letter via post (2-4 weeks) at no charge, or via FedEx (3-6 days) for $100. Payment is fastest with credit card.

You will also need to prove that you have enough money for living expenses (minimum $10 000 per year or $833 per month), tuition fees and return transportation.

This process takes 6 weeks in Europe, and up to 3 months in Asian countries after submitting the documentation. Delays will result if there are errors and/or missing documents/fees. Apply early!

If you need more information you may wish to contact a visa office near you. Visit the following website for a list of Canadian Visa Offices www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/missions.asp

I HAVE A FOREIGN LICENCE. CAN I CONVERT IT TO A CANADIAN LICENCE?
Yes, if your foreign license is valid and (is recognized by ICAO) [your medical meets Canadian standards,] there a two common types of conversions.

Foreign License Validation Certificate

• Requires a letter from you requesting the issue of the FL VC specifying a purpose for which your license is to be validated (example: recreational flying or training)
• Valid for one year and also valid to fly in the USA unless your medical is outside of the ICAO standard, then you’re limited to Canadian airspace only

Canadian PPL based on a foreign license

If you have a current and valid foreign licence you may be issued a Canadian PPL provided:

• your license meets the required medical standards (minimum class 3 medical)
• you have met the  flight time requirements: 45 hours total time, 12 hours solo, 5 hours instrument flight time, 5-hour solo cross country, 3 hours dual cross-country,
• you have obtained  a minimum of 90% on the private pilot  foreign and military applicants, aviation regulations examination ( PSTAR)
• you have completed as pilot in command, a minimum of 5 takeoffs and 5 landings within 6 months previous to the date of application

Upon completion of the above, the PPL shall be issued and annotated that it was issued on the basis of the foreign a license.

A foreign pilot licence holder should be able to provide Transport Canada with a log book for review and an assessment of the applicants flight experience. If you are planning on flying with us, we’ll help guide your licence conversion through Transport Canada’s system.

CAN I CONVERT MY CANADIAN PPL OR CPL TO AN INDIAN LICENSE?
Yes. According to DGCA AIC File No.3/1/91-AIS

Visit the following website for more information dgca.nic.in/aic/aic13-91.htm

CONVERSION OF CANADIAN TO FOREGIN LICENCE
Canada is an ICAO country and meets the ICAO standards. Requirements for the conversion of a Canadian License to that of your country of origin should be checked with your local Civil Aviation Office.

MEDICAL EXAM
If your stay in Canada is 6 months or less, a medical exam (not the same as the Aviation Medical Exam) is generally not needed. Visit the following website for more information www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/medical/index.asp

HEALTH INSURANCE
Canada has a government health plan and all medical services are provided to Canadians by the government.  Students coming to Canada to study must therefore have private insurance, which must be in place prior to arriving in Canada. 

APPLYING WITH US
If you are interested in training with us, first send us an email to see if we are the right school for you.

We’ll let you know if we accept you as a student and if we have room for you at the requested time. We will need the following to process your application.

• Full Name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
• Date and Place of Birth
• Full Mailing Address (including postal code)
• Phone Number
• Expected Date of Arrival in Canada
• Expected Duration of Stay in Canada
• Emergency Contact
• The Course(s) you would like to complete
• Photocopy of Passport

This information is submitted in support of your Study Permit so it must be accurate.

QUESTIONS REGARDING FLIGHT TRAINING WITH KOOTENAY LAKE AVIATION?
If you have any more questions regarding flight training with Kootenay Lake Aviation in Nelson, British Columbia, Canada, please contact us.

Thank You!