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Learn to Fly in CanadaNotice to New international students for 2026 We were only granted 3 Provincial letters of
attestation (PALs) for all of 2026. Those letters are already
reserved for existing applicants. As a result of the Canadian
governments drastic reduction in international student spaces new
students only have a couple of options. Option 1, apply to
the university of the
Fraser Valley for their Aviation Management Program, they have
many more PALs and they don’t provide any flight training as part of
that program. Students can take university classes and then do the
actual flight training portion of the program with us and get
credits toward the diploma or degree. Option 2, Come into
Canada under a visitor visa for 6 months or less. In this time, you
can complete individual license programs like the private or
commercial and or instructor ratings. For this option you would need
to be very organized and be prepared to do 3 to 5 lesson per week.
For private pilot program You should have your Canadian aviation
medical before starting and have your ground school done online
ahead of time. You should also plan on stays between the months of
April and October to maximize the best weather.
Please
note visitor are not allowed to work in Canada. Some of the most FAQ that we receive from prospective international students are, How do I become a student with Principal Air? What needs to be done in order to come to Canada to learn to fly? How long will it take to for the application to go through? How much should I budget for training and accommodations? To download a program outline for our Professional Pilot Program click here To download our Student Application Form click here.
Question: How much should I budget for training and accommodations and how long will the training take? Answer: The cost from training depend on a number of factors,
Typically a international student who trains with us on a full time basis (2 to 3 flight lesson per week) can finish a private pilot licence in 6 to 9 months depending on weather and study habits. International students typically average around 80 total hours when they finish their PPLs. A commercial licence will take a similar amount of time there are seasonal elements that can delay how long it takes to finish the requirements. We recommend planning on a stay of 2 years minimum to complete a professional pilot program. The best time to fly in BC is from April to November although it is flyable year round. The majority of International students have some difficulty with English and generally will need some extra time on the ground to overcome this. So depending on the above questions we recommend budgeting around $25,000 to $30,000 Canadian Dollars for a private licence and $35,000 to $40,000 for a commercial licence. Many international students also wish to take their Multi or multi with IFR. For those students we have an arrangement with an affiliate school for our student to complete their Multi IFR quickly. A multi engine endorsement cost approximately $7,000 to $10,000. The cost for the multi IFR endorsement is approximately $19,000 and takes 4-6 weeks on average. You will also need to budget for accommodations while you are here and costs of living while in Canada. Starting in January 2024, CIC will expect international students to prove that they have at least $21,000 per year to cover cost of living expenses. There are no accommodations available through the school at this time. There are, however, plenty of local accommodations for students around Abbotsford. The best reasorces for this are online websites such as Apartments.com, Airbnb, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Kijiji. On average in the Abbotsford area you can expect average rent for one bedroom apartments to cost $1,600 per month or around $600 to $800 per month for shared accommodations in Chilliwack or Abbotsford where a number of our other international students are living. Food cost depend on your tastes but expect at least $600 to $1000 per month. For more information on the locations of surrounding services like banks and restaurants websites like google maps are an excellent reasorce. For any further assistance in planning your living expenses, please feel free to reach out to our administrative team. Click here to learn more of living in Canada It is important to understand your BC Tenancy Rights to protect yourself while renting a place during your studies in Canada. Learn more about your rights. Exploring the Abbotsford Community Guide helps international students discover local services, events, and resources to make their transition to life in Canada easier and more enjoyable. Getting around the community is easy with accessible public transit options. Click here for more information.
Question: How do I become a student with Principal
Air?
Answer: As a potential student you should spend some
time on this site to research if our programs are a good fit for
you. If you have any questions that you cannot find the answer to
feel free to send us an e-mail.
Once
you are ready to apply, please complete our application form and
return it to you and you will be contacted with the next steps. Our
application fee is $250 to review you documents and prepare a letter
of acceptance.
Due to
the new immigration restrictions imposed by the federal government
on international students starting in 2024, we are only issuing
LOA’s to applicants that are planning to take both the PPL and CPL
programs. New applicants will also need to pre deposit their
first-year fees ($30,000) and have everything else in place to apply
before we will issue a provincial letter of attestation (PALs). As
of January 22, 2025, students looking to switch DLIs will also
require a new provincial letter of attestation to reapply for a
study permit.
The
number of PALs that Principal Air can issue will vary year to year,
but the number is limited so we recommend working with an agent or
immigration specialist to help with the application process.
IELTS
Requirements
While
there is no strict IELTS requirement, we prefer students to have:
Additionally, if English is not your first language or you did not
graduate from an English-based high school or university, you
must pass the Transport Canada Aviation Language Proficiency Test
(ALPT) before applying for your Private Pilot Licence.
Since Aviation English is the international language of civil
aviation, proficiency is essential for both flight training and
communication. To help students meet this requirement, we offer
an in-house training that focuses on improving radio communication
skills and aviation-specific language.
Question:
Can a
apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit after Graduating?
You must meet the PGWP eligibility criteria set by
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Learn more and
apply for a
PGWP here.
You have completed a flight training course and hold a
Canadian commercial pilot’s licence. You have, or are in the process
of obtaining, an instructor’s rating and have a job offer to work as
a flight instructor at a flight training institution. If your
program is longer than 6 months, if you possess a SIN number, and if
you are studying full-time, then you may be eligible to work during
your time as a student.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Principal Air can offer support and suggestions to help you explore
and access all available financial support options. Whether you’re
looking for scholarships, grants, or loan opportunities, we’re ready
to guide you through the process and ensure you have the resources
you need to succeed. We post many aviation related scholarship
opportunities on our
Facebook page. More general information can be
found here
Regular Hours of Operation:
Principal Air is open 7 days a week and all holidays with the
exception of our airshow break in August and for a two-week winter
break between Christmas and New Years. For more detailed hours of
operation please see our
contact us page.
Key
Personnel:
Jeannette Nosko
Class
1 Flight Instructor/ Chief Pilot and Pilot Examiner
jeannette@principalair.ca
or 604-850-0290
Mitchell Nosko
General and Operations Manager/ CEO / TC Authorized person for
licencing / international admissions
mitchell@principalair.ca
or 604-850-0290
Critical Incident and Crisis Management Policy
Dispute Resolution Process:
When a
concern arises, the student should first attempt to address it with
the individual most directly involved, whether that is another
student or instructor.
If unsatisfied with the outcome, the student should submit a written
complaint to Chief Flight Instructor.
Should this person be absent or be named in the complaint the
student should submit the written complaint to the General Manager
of Principal Air.
The
CFI Jeannette Nosko or GM Mitchell Nosko will arrange to meet with
the student to discuss the concern as soon as possible and within
five days of receiving the student’s written complaint.
Following the meeting with the student, the CFI or GM will conduct
whatever enquiries and/or investigations are necessary and provide a
written response to the student that includes reasons for the
determination on the complaint.
The written reasons will be provided no later than 15 days
following the receipt of the student’s written complaint. Students
making a complaint may be represented by an agent or a lawyer.
We
ensure that all complaints will be handled with confidentiality to
the extent possible, and students will not face retaliation for
raising concerns in good faith. After having exhausted the dispute
resolution process, a student may file a claim with the Private
Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced
Education (http://www.privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca/)
on the basis that the institution misled the student regarding any
significant aspect of an approved program.
Q:
What mental health support is available for students?
A: At
Principal Air, we are committed to supporting your mental health and
well-being. In addition to our Program Administrator offering
support, students also have access to Here2Talk, a 24/7, 365
days-a-year service providing confidential support in multiple
languages.
You
can speak with a trained counsellor through:
For
more information or to start a conversation with a counsellor, you
can also visit their website: Here2Talk.
Your
mental health is important to us, and support is always available
when you need it. You are not alone—reach out anytime!
Addiction and Overdose Supports
Q:
What addiction and overdose support does Principal Air provide, and
what are the expectations for students?
A: At
Principal Air, we are dedicated to ensuring the health, safety, and
well-being of all our students. We understand that some students may
face challenges related to substance use, addiction, or mental
health. Students facing difficulties can reach out to our GM or CFI
in order to receive confidential guidance and or help finding
external resources and professional support.
While
we do not currently carry Naloxone kits on campus, we actively
promote overdose awareness and harm reduction. Free Naloxone kits
and overdose prevention training are available at the following
nearby services:
If you
are facing difficulties or have concerns, you are encouraged to
contact us for support:
Info@principalair.ca or
call the office 604-850-0290
Please
note: Principal Air enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drug or
substance use in the flight training environment. Any violation of
this policy—including possession or use of prohibited
substances—will result in immediate disciplinary action, including
potential dismissal from the program.
BC
Medical Services Plan (MSP):
All
people residing in B.C. must enroll in the Medical Services Plan
(MSP). This makes sure you can access provincial health care
benefits like visits to a doctor. International students will need
to provide a valid study permit or work permit.
Learn more and apply for MSP here.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ATTENDANCE POLICY
International students that are enrolled on a full-time
basis are expected to book 2 to 3 flights per week in addition to
maintaining good study habits and keeping up with their homework.
Failure to do so can result in students being put on probation or
having their immigration status changed. We expect that
international students should focus primary on flight training, any
part time jobs should not interfere with this goal.
No Show Policy / Late Cancellation Policy
Instructors are present for your lesson you should be
as well. Students/Renters shall show up prior to their booking to
use the aircraft. Instructors shall cancel the lesson if weather is
an issue, if the instructor has not reached out about the lesson,
the expectation is that the student will show up.
-Cancelations require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice,
notice of cancelations within 24-hour notice will be subject to the
late cancelation fee
-Any no shows will be subject to the late charge fee
-If a student shows a habit of constant cancelations,
they might have their bookings restricted or remove.
-Students who arrive
more than 15 minutes
late
without prior notice
to lessons will be charged a late fee as it reduces the quality and
effectiveness of the lesson.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Students enrolled with Principal Air are expect to
conduct themselves in a professional manner.
Principal Air has a zero-tolerance policy for any criminal
activity. Students may
not consume alcohol for 24 hours prior to a flight.
Prescription drugs and be taken under the advisement of an
Aviation Doctor. Marijuana or any other drug must not be taken 72
hours prior to a dual flight or one week prior to a solo flight.
Sexual Misconduct Policy
1. Principal Air is committed to the prevention
of and appropriate response to sexual misconduct.
2. Sexual misconduct refers to a spectrum of
non-consensual sexual contact and behavior including the following:
· sexual assault;
· sexual exploitation;
· sexual harassment;
· stalking;
· indecent exposure;
· voyeurism;
· the distribution of a
sexually explicit photograph or video of a person to one or more
persons other than the person in the photograph or video without the
consent of the person in the photograph or video and with the intent
to distress the person in the photograph or video;
· the attempt to commit
an act of sexual misconduct; and
· the threat to commit an
act of sexual misconduct.
3.
A Complaint of sexual misconduct is different than a Report of
sexual misconduct. A person may choose to disclose or complain of
sexual misconduct without making a formal report.
A Report is a formal notification of an incident of sexual
misconduct to someone at the institution accompanied by a request
for action.
4.
A
student making a Complaint will be provided with resolution options
and, if appropriate, accommodation, and will not be required or
pressured to make a Report.
5. The process for making a Complaint about
sexual misconduct involving a student is as follows:
·
The
complaint can choose to provide a verbal statement or written
statement to either the school CFI or general manager. Or in their
absence the senior instructor on staff.
6. The process for responding to a Complaint of sexual
misconduct involving a student is as follows:
· The institution will acknowledge receipt of the
Complaint within
5
business days and inform the complaint of any
follow up actions taken.
7. The process for making a Report of
sexual misconduct involving a student is as follows:
·
The complaint should file a written report that must
include the date and time of the event as well as the date the
report was submitted to management as well as to whom it was
addressed to. The report should also include the names of the
individuals involved and a description of what happened.
8. The process for responding to a
Report of sexual misconduct involving a student is as follows:
·
The institution will review the Report within a
reasonable timeframe and confirm next steps in writing.
9.
It is
contrary to this policy for an institution to retaliate, engage in
reprisals or threaten to retaliate in relation to a Complaint or a
Report.
10. Any processes undertaken pursuant to this policy
will be based on the principles of administrative fairness. All
parties involved will be treated with dignity and respect.
11. All information related to a Complaint or Report is
confidential and will not be shared without the written
consent of the parties, subject to the following exceptions:
· If an individual is at
imminent risk of severe or life-threatening self-harm.
· If an individual is at
imminent risk of harming another.
· There are reasonable
grounds to believe that others in the institutional community may be
at
significant risk of harm based on the information provided.
· Where reporting is
required by law.
· Where it is necessary
to ensure procedural fairness in an investigation or other response
to a Complaint or Report.
Refund Policy
The following refund policy applies to the terms of
this enrolment contract:
Refunds in Cases of Withdrawal or Dismissal 1.
Written Notice
a) To initiate a
refund, written notice must be provided:
1. By a student to
the institution when the student withdraws, or
2. By the
institution to the student where the institution dismisses a
student.
2.
Refund Entitlement
a) Refund
entitlement is calculated based on the total fees due under the
contract, less the applicable non-refundable application and or
registration fee. Where total fees have not yet been collected, the
institution is not responsible for refunding more than has been
collected to date and a student may be required to make up for
monies due under the contract.
3.
Refund policy before the start of a program:
1.
Before a program starts, students are entitled to a full refund of
any deposits made to Principal Air. This also applies to
international students should their visa application be rejected.
4.
Refund policy after the starting a
program:
1.
For domestic students: If a student withdraws from a program, they
are entitled to a refund of their remaining account balance minus a
$100 administration fee.
2.
For international students:
a) If an
international student withdraws, they are entitled to a refund of
their remaining account balance less their enrollment fee.
b) If an
international student has been referred to Principal Air by an
agency and referral fees have been paid to the agent, those fees are
also non-refundable.
c) if an
international student arrives in Canada and withdraws or is
dismissed after the start date of their program and up to and
including 10% of the hours Principal Air can retain 30% of the
tuition due under the contract. The Institution must refund course
materials if not provided to the student.
d) if an
international student arrives in Canada and withdraws or is
dismissed after the start date of their program and after more than
10%, but before 30% of instruction hours, have been provided of
their hours Principal Air can retain 50% of the tuition due under
the contract. The Institution must refund course materials if not
provided to the student.
5.
Other Refund Policy Requirements:
a)
Where a student is deemed not to have met the institutional and/or
program specific minimum requirements for admission, the institution
must refund all fees paid under the contract.
b)
Refunds owing to students must be paid within thirty (30) calendar
days of the institution receiving written notification of withdrawal
and all required supporting documentation, or within thirty (30)
calendar days of an institution’s written notice of dismissal.
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