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Commercial Pilot


Location(s):  Saskatoon   

Commercial Pilot is a diploma program. It provides the training you need to become a commercial pilot.

The program is offered as a partnership between SIAST and the Saskatchewan Aviation Council (SAC). You will start your training at a flying school where you will complete your Private Pilot Licence. You apply for admission to the program while training for your private licence. You will be accepted into the program when you meet all of the admission requirements.

You will then start Session 1 of the commercial pilot ground school program and upon successful completion, you will return to an SAC member flying school to complete the flying requirements. When you have successfully completed the ground school and flying requirements, you will receive your basic Commercial Pilot Licence.

Session 2 begins in the fall. You will complete your ground school training for multi-engine aircraft. You will also complete the Instrument Flight Rating ground school and write the Transport Canada IFR examination. At the end of Session 2 ground school, you will be prepared to write the Transport Canada IATRA examination, which you will need in order to fly as a co-pilot in a multi-engine aircraft requiring two pilots. You will complete the Multi-Engine Flying and Instrument Flight rating requirements and flight tests at any SAC member flying school. Upon successful completion, you will receive your SIAST/SAC diploma as a qualified commercial pilot with multi-engine endorsement and instrument flight rating.

The program draws instructors from the leaders in Saskatchewan's aviation industry. You will meet experienced personnel who will provide the knowledge you need for success in the aviation field.

Length: 30 weeks


Career Opportunities

Graduates are qualified commercial pilots with Multi-Engine Flying and Instrument Flight ratings. These ratings are very important steps toward a career in commercial flying. Graduates
from the SIAST Commercial Pilot program have the opportunity to be trained by industry operators as pilots in a number of areas including: charter flying, regular scheduled flying, aerial application (crop spraying), aerial photography, survey work and even flight instructing. It can be on various types of aircraft, including single engine, multi-engine, piston engine, turbine engine, float planes, or any combination of these types.

For more information about a career as a professional pilot, contact the Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC), or Student Employment Services at the SIAST campus nearest you.


Program Details

Start Date(s): January (Session 1); September (Session 2)

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Admission Requirements


  • Grade 12

  • Private Pilot's License

  • Category 1 Medical Certificate from a Transport Canada approved medical examiner

  • English Language Requirement


Note

  • Physics 30 and Math 30 are recommended



Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.



ACCUPLACER ©     

ACCUPLACER© Cut Scores
for this program

75Arithmetic
60Elementary Algebra
75Reading
75Sentence
Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies


Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.


Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Fact Sheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.





Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Find out more about transfer credit options.



  • AVIA 180  Theory of Flight
  • Classroom and lab experiences will help you explore a variety of topics relevant to flight theory and aircraft operation specifics. These include forces acting in a turn, use of high lift devices, drag reduction and wing design.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • AVIA 181  Navigation
  • You will review basic Visual Flight Rules (VFR) navigation (including flight planning and en-route procedures) and study advanced VFR navigation using a variety of aircraft manuals, charts and other publications. Radio aids to navigation will be covered to the commercial pilot flight test level.

    3.0 Credit Units
    50.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • AVIA 182  Meteorology 1
  • You will study properties of the atmosphere and the conditions that produce and modify weather.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • AVIA 183  Flight Operations 1
  • You will study aircraft performance and operational procedures.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • AVIA 184  Canadian Aviation Regulations 1
  • You will receive an overview of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) that will help you prepare for the Transport Canada Commercial Pilot examination.

    1.0 Credit Units
    20.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • AVIA 189  Cultural Awareness
  • You will receive an introduction to the integration of aboriginal culture with aviation in Northern Saskatchewan. You will examine the major elements of Aboriginal culture and intercultural communication.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • COMM 393  Communications 1
  • You will develop the oral and written skills needed to communicate effectively in a variety of situations. These include passenger, crew, approach and maintenance briefings, lectures and introductions.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • ENGN 180  Aircraft Engines
  • The course combines maintenance theory with hands-on experience in approved maintenance tasks for pilots. A variety of classroom, lab experiences and project activities will provide you with theoretical and hands-on opportunities to learn.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • INST 185  Aircraft Instruments
  • You will study the principles of instrument function and limitations, and the specifics of instrument uses and construction.

    1.0 Credit Units
    20.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • MATH 389  Mathematics
  • You will review the arithmetic, algebra and geometry needed to gain an understanding of physics, electricity, aircraft systems and aircraft engines.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • PHYS 185  Physics
  • Classroom and lab settings will help you learn the principles of basic physics relevant to the theory of flight, meteorology, instruments, and navigation.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


    Session 2

  • AVIA 186  Meteorology 2
  • Your studies will focus on weather issues related to IFR flying.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • AVIA 187  Advanced Aircraft Systems
  • The course content includes electrical, fuel, pneumatic, hydraulic and mechanical systems associated with the function of undercarriage, servo-boost flap, de-ice, pressurization, brakes and air-conditioning equipment.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • AVIA 188  Flight Operations 2
  • You will be prepared for operational flying using multi-engine aircraft on charter, air-taxi and airline services. The course content includes type-specific ground schools on twin-engine piston and turbine aircraft.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • AVIA 190  Introduction to Aviation GPS
  • You will receive an introduction to aviation Global Positioning System (GPS). You will review historical events, basic theory, specific terms and warnings relevant to GPS. You will receive hands-on instruction and experience on GPS receivers through computer simulation software. You will progress from the basic uses such as data entry, retrieval and 'direct-to' functions, to more complicated operations such as flight planning and route selection.

    1.0 Credit Units
    16.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • AVIA 280  Canadian Aviation Regulations 2
  • You will learn how to apply for an Air Operator Certificate and prepare and use company operations manuals. The course content includes CARs sections applicable to forest fire-fighting, agricultural, geological, medivac and helicopter operations. Commercial air carrier operations and CARs requirements for flight safety will be emphasized.

    1.0 Credit Units
    20.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • BUS_ 183  Aviation Business
  • You will acquire essential business knowledge that will contribute to the success of the flight operation that employs you. The course content includes commercial aviation in the business world, business plans and marketing.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • ELTR 183  Aircraft Pilot Electronics
  • You will review the theory of electricity and the generation, distribution and application of electricity to aircraft systems. You will also discuss radio and radar transmissions and their use for communication and navigation.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • HUMR 187  Human Factors and Crew Resource Management
  • You will relate aviation physiology, psychology, medical issues and interpersonal skills to your ability to function as a flight crew member. A significant part of the course is taught in an outdoors survival environment.

    3.0 Credit Units
    50.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • INST 186  Instrument Flying
  • Your studies will focus on the regulations, theory and practical applications of instrument flying. The use of the Canada Air Pilot Manual will be emphasized.

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • TRAN 180  Introduction to Dangerous Goods By Air
  • The course provides an introduction to Canadian and international regulations governing the transportation of dangerous goods. You will use a variety of publications and manuals to learn safe and legal techniques and the proper documentation required for transporting dangerous goods by air.

    1.0 Credit Units
    16.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning



    Approximate Session Dates
  • Session 1 - January to April
  • Session 2 - September to December

  • More Information



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