Private Pilot Licence

Frequently asked questions

Is the PPL program running this year?

We anticipate being able to offer the PPL program for the summer of 2023.

Students wishing to enroll in the next PPL program are asked to contact us at aviation@mtroyal.ca. The number of places in the MRU PPL program may be limited.

Applications for the Diploma program require a separate application. View the Admissions website for more information on how to apply.

Registration is done through the Faculty of Continuing Education, and further information on deadlines and the registration process will be provided as places are confirmed. After registration, PPL students will receive information to help you prepare for the first ground school session.

How do I register for the PPL program?

Students wishing to enroll in the PPL program are asked to contact the Aviation Department at our Springbank Campus at aviation@mtroyal.ca. Registration is done through the Faculty of Continuing Education, and further information on deadlines and the registration process will be provided as places are confirmed. After registration, PPL students will receive information to help you prepare for the first ground school session.

When do I know if I am accepted into the PPL program?

Further information will be provided by email to each PPL applicant as the process moves forward. For the January PPL start, application decisions are generally made between mid November and mid December. For the end of August start date, application decisions can be expected between July and mid August.

What are my chances of being accepted into the PPL program?

Places in the PPL program are given to applicants to the Aviation diploma program, with a priority to those who have a conditional offer. Conditional offers are provided on a competitive basis, so that students who have applied to the diploma program early and have the highest grades have the best chance of being admitted into the PPL program. It is recommended to apply early for the PPL program. Places in the PPL program are limited.

Will attaining the PPL automatically get me into the Aviation Diploma program?

PPL students are not guaranteed a position in the Aviation Diploma program, as it is dependent upon satisfactory progression through the PPL program and on the MRU Admissions process. Students expecting to take the Mount Royal PPL program must have applied for the Aviation Diploma program starting in the Fall which is separate from the PPL application and registration. Visit the Admissions website to apply to the MRU Aviation diploma.

Students who are dedicated, work hard and proceed at an appropriate pacewill complete the PPL in 5 to 8 months. Successful MRU PPL students will receive a credit for the first required course in the Diploma, a savings of more than $4,500.

When does the PPL start?

The program starts with ground school classes running twice a week for two months. Ground school classes are held at the main MRU campus. Flight training begins in conjunction with Ground school with an anticipated completion five to eight months after starting. Students are expected to be sufficiently available to conduct flight training.

How long does it take to complete the PPL?

The MRU Aviation program teaches beyond the minimum Transport Canada requirements. While the minimum dual instruction hours is 17, this is not sufficient to prepare students for the flight test and schools across the country exceed this number in their required training. The Transport Canada minimum for the program is 45 hours, yet average completion across the country is approximately 65 hours. In addition to the Ground School Course, MRU Aviation incorporates 41 hours of dual instruction, 14.5 hours solo instruction, 6 hours simulator dual plus unlimited solo Mentor sim use, and 34 hours of individual ground instruction into the PPL training.

Students should be available to fly as much as possible, with an availability of at least four or five times per week. Please expect both weather and maintenance to cancel some bookings. Some students will require additional training, which we can accommodate.

Where is the ground school and flight training located?

Ground school is held twice a week on the main campus with class location details to be provided to successful applicants. Ground school includes industry professional guest speakers. Simulator sessions are also at the main campus.

Flight training is held at the Mount Royal Campus at the Springbank Airport, which is about 15 minutes west of Calgary. The drive from the main campus to Springbank takes 25 to 30 minutes. Students are required to have their own reliable vehicles, as public transit is not available to the airport. PPL students can expect to be at the airport for approximately four to five hours per flight lesson.

Do I need a Category 1 Medical?

Students must have a Category 1 as required for a commercial licence. This medical can only be conducted by a Transport Canada approved civil aviation doctor, and can take up to 90 days for paperwork and government processing. A geographically searchable list of approved aviation doctors can be found on this list of Aviation Medical Examiners. The cost of the medical could be between $150 and $250 depending on the doctor and the examination required. Please include the date of your medical appointment in your application so we know that this is in process.

How much does it cost to complete the PPL?

Flight training and briefings are the main costs in completing the PPL. Depending on student ability and success, as well as commitment, the flight training portion will cost approximately $21,112 plus GST. Successful PPL students will receive credit for the first required Diploma course FLTR 1100, a savings of just over $4,600. Our program is aimed at having students learn to fly safely and anticipates students using the national average for hours required to complete the training. Therefore, our program includes 41 hours of dual instruction, 14.5 hours solo instruction, 6 hours simulator dual plus unlimited solo Mentor sim use, and 340 hours of individual ground instruction into the PPL training.

Many students will likely need to purchase a little additional training at some point in the course. Unlimited use of the Frasca Mentor simulator, which is identical to the Cessna 172 cockpit, as well as the Redbird Crosswind Trainer are included in the costs.

In addition, there is a minimum of 40 hours of Ground School required by Transport Canada. The cost of the Ground School portion of the training is $600 and is offered through the Faculty of Continuing Education. While we provide some of the materials required in the course through our online course management system, you will be required to purchase additional materials. We will provide you with a list of required tools and equipment: the ground school materials will cost around $250; headsets cost anywhere from $350 to $600 for a basic model.

Is full payment for the PPL due at the start of the course?

The PPL course consists of ground school and six flight training modules. The Ground school and the first flight module payment is required prior to the start of Ground school. Payment for each of the remaining five modules is required as the student proceeds through the course, and prior to the start of each new module.

Are there student loans available for the PPL?

The government does not approve student loans for the PPL, but only for advanced training beyond the PPL.

Who do I speak to if I have more questions?

Please email us at aviation@mtroyal.ca or call 403.288.9551 with any further questions. Our dedicated staff are happy to speak with you.