Q1 What is the difference between a Recreational License and a Private Pilot License?
A1 The Recreational License is a Canadian license that is not recognized internationally, and you are restricted to carrying only one passenger, even when flying an aircraft with four places.

Q2 Can I continue more advanced training with a Recreational License?
A2 Yes, the experience you have gained will count toward future training, starting with the private pilot license.

Q3 Can I complete my ab initio airline training?
A3 Yes, with the Integrated ATPL Program, or if you possess a CPL license with multi-IFR ratings, and you have a total of 750 hours of flight experience, and pass the ATPL written exams, and you accumulate 1500 hours within 5 years after passing the ATPL written exams (SARON/SAMRA). (see CARs 421.34)

Q4 Can flight training or a license obtained in an ICAO member state be used toward getting a Canadian license?
A4 All experience acquired in the 188 ICAO member states is recognized in Canada. You can find the complete list of ICAO member states at: List of member states

Q5 What must I do to achieve all the privileges that would allow me to fly in Canada as a private pilot?
A5 There are three ways to proceed: 1. Validate your license at a Transport Canada office (45$) 2. Complete the training for an actual Canadian license, meaning: pass a medical exam, an air law (PSTAR) exam and complete a form requesting your license (45$) 3. Obtain a temporary validation for three months while completing a qualification such as a night rating, multi-engine rating or instrument rating.

Q6 I possess an ICAO commercial license and wish to convert to an ATPL JAA license, how can I get this done?
A6 If you are the holder of a commercial license with 350 hours of ground school, you will be credited for the theoretical JAA ATPL. If you are the holder of an ICAO ATPL license, all your ground school training will be credited but you will still have to pass the written exams.

Q7 In what countries can I work with a Canadian License?
A7 In principle you can work in all the ICAO member states, but all countries being sovereign, each can have particular demands. Nonetheless, flight experience is recognized in almost all member states.

Q8 Is it easier to work in certain countries?
A8 Yes, in countries where there are no training centers the ICAO licenses are highly valued. For Canadian licensed pilots, it is also easy to work in other Commonwealth countries. You can see the list of Commonwealth countries. (see list of countries).

Q9 Is the aviation license the only document that is required to work abroad?
A9 To be eligible to work in a country where you are not a resident, you must obtain the pilot license from that country or receive the validation of your license from that country with a work visa or a passport from another country.

Q10 Is it easy to find housing near Montreal?
A10 The majority of students stay with Quebec families, renting a room with access to all the services of the house (cost around 350-400$ per month). It is also possible to rent an apartment in one of the many neighborhoods around the airport or in Montreal (cost around 500-750$ per month).

Q11 Can I open a bank account in Quebec?
A11 Yes, upon arrival we will assist you to open a personal account at an official financial institution. This will permit you to make bank transfers.

Q12 Does the school have a flight simulator?
A12 Both Cargair flight training centers have flight simulators that can be used for instrument training, including a level 5 flight training device (FTD) that can be used for IFR renewals.

Q13 How many aircraft are in the Cargair fleet?
A13 Cargair has a fleet of 18 Cessna 150 and 152, 8 Cessna 172 and 4 PA-23 Aztec (multi-engines).

Q14 What training can I do after receiving my commercial multi-IFR (CPL/IFR)?
A14 You can complete a high performance type rating on the Beechcraft King Air B100. A minimum of 250 total flight hours are required to complete this rating. (see CARs 421.41 (3)(a)(iii))

Q15 What differences are there between the St-Hubert and Mascouche training centers?
A15 Located on the south shore of Montreal, St-Hubert is a controlled airport with three runways, and the airport is serviced by public transport system (bus). Mascouche is located on the north shore of Montreal, it is an uncontrolled airport with one runway, and no public transport is available to the airport.

Q16 Is there a difference in the type of training offered by the two training centers?
A16 Both Cargair flight training centers offer the same training programs. Nonetheless, it is only at St-Hubert that the Integrated ATP (A) program is offered.