International Students

International Students – For years Ottawa Aviation Services has been training pilots from across Canada. Now with the increased demand for pilots in other countries, we are welcoming students from all over the globe. Our courses can be flexibly accelerated so you can spend the least amount of time away from home, and reduce your expenses.

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International Students

  • Why Canada?

  • Why Ottawa?

  • Why Ottawa Aviation Services?

  • I need a JAA license. Does Ottawa Aviation Services JAA approved training or the frozen ATPL?

  • Will my Canadian flight training be recognised for JAA licensing purposes?

  • I already have a foreign license; can I convert it to a Canadian licence?

  • India DGCA Canadian pilot license conversion

Why 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.

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Why Ottawa?

Ottawa is the capital of Canada and offers many cultural activities. We are located in Ontario, Canada. The nature of our local weather is such that on average, pilots can fly for more than 315 days using day visual flight rules. This means fewer weather delays and quicker acceleration through your training. Because of our location, you can easily embark on many exciting trips all over North America. Our city’s population of over 1,000,000 is very modern and ethnically diverse. Regardless of your nationality, you can be assured that you'll find groups representing your homeland that will make you feel very comfortable in our friendly city.

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Why Ottawa Aviation Services?

We’re the only established flight school (not a flight club) in Ottawa and we are located at the Ottawa McDonald Cartier International Airport. We know the requirements for students to meet commercial operator standards. We have trained thousands of students just like you and helped them realize their dream of becoming private or commercial pilots.

The success of our school lies in our dedicated and skilled professionals. The aircraft cockpit is a rather confined space and we ensure that your time spent there is as rewarding and enjoyable as can be. Our maintenance staff meticulously cares for the mechanical integrity of our aircraft, ensuring you a safe environment in which to hone your flying skills.

At Ottawa Aviation Services we don't train you to meet the minimum standards- we expect our students to exceed the government requirements. Our personable and patient instructors will encourage you to be the best and safest pilot possible. You will experience flying in adverse weather conditions and strong crosswinds. You’ll learn to land at large international airports as well as small grass strips. You will become a knowledgeable, confident and safe pilot. Because we believe that it is important for you to experience all types of flying conditions you'll lose less time due to weather restrictions. By providing these experiences we can maximize your flight training hours and prepare you to graduate sooner.

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I need a JAA license. Does Ottawa Aviation Services offer JAA approved training or the frozen ATPL?

Sorry, not at this time. However, Ottawa Aviation Services is a great place to acquire your initial training and build up your hours at costs which would be less than European schools.

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Will my Canadian flight training be recognised for JAA licensing purposes?

Yes. The Civil Aviation Authority (C.A.A.) publishes an “everything you need to know about licensing and operations” book called LASORS.

The LASORS (private pilot licensing: section C) states in part, “The holder of a current and valid PPL issued by an ICAO contracting State (not being a JAA Member State), … is credited the JAR-FCL PPL flying training/experience requirements, except the PPL(A) skill test."

If your pilot in command experience is less than 100 hours you must pass all 7 JAA theory exams, including the radio operators (FRTOL) exam. You must pass the PPL flight test.

If you have more than 100 hours of pilot in command flight time you need only challenge the Human Performance and Limitations exam, the Air Law exam, and the FRTOL exam. You must pass the PPL flight test. “All hours must be properly logged and certified by the chief flying instructor. Applicants must ensure that each individual exercise requirement is met in full.”

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I already have a foreign license; can I convert it to a Canadian license?

Yes, if your foreign license is valid and your foreign 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 license 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.

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India DGCA Canadian pilot license conversion

I am from India and I want to commence flight training in Canada at Ottawa Aviation Services. Is the Canadian PPL and CPL license accepted for conversion to the Indian license?

Yes most definitely. According to DGCA AIC File No.3/1/91-AIS)

CONVERSION OF FOREIGN LICENCES TO CORRESPONDING INDIAN LICENCES
With effect from 1st April, 1992, the pilots holding licenses issued by the competent authorities of other countries shall meet the following requirements for conversion of their foreign licenses to corresponding Indian licenses:

  1. Pass written examination in the following subjects in accordance with the syllabus prescribed by the Director General of Civil Aviation :

    1. Air Regulation

    2. Navigation, Flight Planning and Meteorology (composite Paper)

  2. Pass Practical Test in Morse code (Reception - Aural) at the rate of 8 words per minute for commercial Pilot’s License, Instrument Rating and Senior Commercial Pilot’s License/Airlines Transport Pilot’s License.

  3. Shall be in possession of a current Certificate of Proficiency for operation of Radio Telephony apparatus on board an aircraft as issued by the Ministry of Transport and Communications under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Rules, 1954.

  4. Shall demonstrate his competency to the satisfaction of the DGCA approved Examiner by undergoing a Skill Test by Day and Night. The candidate shall also undergo Oral Test with the Examiner in various aviation subjects including Navigation Meteorology, Aircraft & Engine and Instruments, and performance wherever applicable.

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