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Where to Find a Job in Canada as an Aircraft Pilot

November 3, 2023

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  • Sinethemba Phongolo

Canada is home to one of the world’s most advanced aviation industries. With a vast and diverse landscape, aircraft pilots play a crucial role in the country's transportation and commerce. If you're considering a career as an aircraft pilot in Canada, you're in luck! The country’s rapidly expanding aviation industry's high demand for pilots due to its.

Ready to explore further? Discover where you can find aircraft pilot jobs in Canada!

Best Province or Territory to Find Jobs in Canada as an Aircraft Pilot

Yukon Territory

Yukon Territory is a great place to start your career as an aircraft pilot in Canada. Known for its scenic beauty, Yukon is also home to several aviation companies like Air North, Alkan Air, and Trans North Helicopters, offering diverse employment opportunities for aircraft pilots.

Yukon’s remoteness and limited transportation infrastructure makes the territory heavily reliant on air transportation.

Consequently, Yukon has the highest demand for aircraft pilots in Canada, making it the best province or territory in the country to find aircraft pilot jobs according to Canada’s Job Bank.

Top Provinces to Find Jobs in Canada as Aircraft Pilots

If the Yukon lifestyle doesn’t suit you, several other provinces also have great opportunities for Aircraft pilot jobs in Canada.

Alberta

Alberta offers excellent opportunities for Canada aircraft pilots. The province has a thriving aviation industry, with several companies operating in commercial and general aviation sectors.

The major cities in Alberta, such as Edmonton and Calgary, have several airports. Some of the aviation companies in Alberta include WestJet, Canadian North, and Air Canada.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador is a province that is known for its rugged coastline and vast wilderness. This makes it an excellent destination for adventure-seeking pilots who want to explore the province's remote areas. The province is also home to several aviation companies, such as Provincial Airlines, which offers charter flights to remote communities.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia, on the east coast of Canada, such as Jazz Aviation, which operates flights on behalf of Air Canada. The province's scenic beauty makes it an excellent destination for pilots who enjoy flying over the ocean.

Nunavut

Nunavut, such as Canadian North, which operates flights to remote communities in the north. The territory's vast wilderness and remote communities make it an excellent destination for pilots who enjoy flying in challenging conditions.

Ontario

Ontario is Canada's most populous province. Additionally, the province is home to several aviation schools, such as the Seneca College School of Aviation, which offers programs for aspiring Aircraft pilots.

Ontario conducts the largest number of passenger flights per year in the country, with 5,750,593 annual flights according to the most recent data from flyontario.com.

Quebec

Quebec in eastern Canada. As the second most populated province in Canada and the only majority French-speaking region in the nation, Quebec is the terminus for a lot of air traffic making its way into Canada from Francophone nations. The biggest airlines carrying this traffic include Air Canada and Jazz Aviation.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan, a province in western Canada is, along with Alberta, one of the breadbaskets of Canada. Besides rail transportation, the largest transportation organization responsible for transporting agricultural produce in the province of Transwest Air.

This carrier also offers charter flights to some of the remote communities in the province. You can apply to the Saskatchewan Aerial Applicators Association for professional membership in the province.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Work as an Aircraft Pilot in Canada?

To work as an aircraft pilot in Canada, you must meet the following qualifications:

Age Requirement

To obtain a commercial pilot license in Canada, you must be at least 18 years old.

Medical Fitness

You must be medically fit to work as an aircraft pilot in Canada. Transport Canada, the country's aviation authority, requires pilots to undergo a medical examination performed by a designated aviation medical examiner.

Education

To become an aircraft pilot in Canada, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, you must complete a flight training program from a Transport Canada-approved flight school.

Flight Experience

Commercial pilots in Canada need at least 200 hours of flight time, including 100 hours of pilot-in-command time.

How Can I Work as an Aircraft Pilot in Canada?

To work as an aircraft pilot in Canada, you can follow the following pathways:

Civil Aviation Programs

Several civil aviation programs in Canada offer flight training programs for aspiring pilots. These programs are designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become an aircraft pilot.

Military Aviation Programs

The Canadian Armed Forces offers several aviation training programs for individuals interested in becoming military pilots. These programs provide students with the necessary skills and experience to work as a military pilot.

Foreign Pilot Conversion Programs

If you're already a licensed pilot from another country, you can enroll in a foreign pilot conversion program in Canada. These programs will help you meet the requirements to obtain a Canadian pilot license. You can apply to a foreign pilot conversion program from among others the:

What Canada PR Immigration Programs Can I Use as an Aircraft Pilot?

As an aircraft pilot, you may be eligible to apply for the following Canada PR immigration programs in Canada.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is designed for skilled workers with foreign work experience who wish to settle in Canada permanently. Skilled workers are classified under Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) level 1, described as workers with an undergraduate degree qualification and a professional designation, which Aircraft Pilots fulfill. The National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for Aircraft Pilots is 72600.

Find out more about the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).

Quebec Experience Class

The Quebec Experience Class (PEC) is specifically tailored for individuals who have studied or worked in Quebec and wish to settle permanently in the province. It allows Quebec to select skilled workers familiar with the province's values, culture, and labor market.

Find out more about the Quebec Experience Class (PEC).

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC )program is designed for individuals who have gained skilled work experience in Canada. If you have worked in Canada for at least one year in a skilled occupation, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency under this program.

It provides a pathway to permanent residency for those who have already established themselves in the Canadian labor market.

Learn more about the Canadian Experience Class.

Provincial Nominee Programs for Aircraft Pilots

The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) you can use to apply for permanent residency as an Aircraft Pilot in Canada are outlined below.

Canadian Provinces or Territories PNP Skilled Worker Streams, Programs or Categories
British Columbia Skilled Worker Category
Manitoba Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
New Brunswick Skilled Workers Stream
Nova Scotia Skilled Worker Stream
Northwest Territories Skilled Workers Program
Newfoundland and Labrador Skilled Worker Category
Ontario Foreign Worker Stream
Prince Edward Island Skilled Workers Outside Canada Stream
Quebec Skilled Worker Program
Experience Class
Saskatchewan Skilled Worker Category
Yukon Territory Skilled Worker Program

FAQs

What Are The Skills Required to Work as an Aircraft Pilot in Canada?

To work as an aircraft pilot in Canada, you must have the following skills:

  • Excellent hand-eye coordination,
  • Good communication skills,
  • Good decision-making skills,
  • Good problem-solving skills,and
  • Ability to work under pressure.

Where Can I Find Job Listings For Aircraft Pilots in Canada?

NAV CANADA posts all opportunities on their careers portal. Online platforms and job listing websites dedicated to assisting individuals in their job search journey, such as: