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

75	Arithmetic
60	Elementary Algebra
75	Reading
75	Sentence

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. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.

Session 1
expand/contract all

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 study Visual Flight Rules (VFR) navigation including flight planning and en-route procedures. You will prepare a navigation log and flight plan. Your studies will include radio aids to navigation 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. Through practical exercises, you will interpret forecast weather conditions and its effects on the pilot and the aircraft.

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 191 Cultural Awareness and Aviation History

You will receive an introduction to the elements of culture and social groups as well as the major elements of aboriginal culture. You will examine the impact of social and historical events on the development of aviation in Canada and Saskatchewan.

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

You will identify various types of aircraft engines, including piston and turbine. You will examine maintenance and troubleshooting procedures. You will also record entries into an aircraft journey logbook and organize maintenance records.

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. You will practice interpreting instrument readings.

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 Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flying. Through practical exercises, you will interpret forecast weather conditions and its effects on the pilot and the aircraft.

3.0 Credit Units
40.0 Other hours

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

AVIA 192 Advanced Aircraft Systems

You will study electrical, fuel, pneumatic, hydraulic and mechanical systems as they relate to aircraft. The course includes type-specific ground schools on twin-engine piston and turbine aircraft. You will practice operating fire extinguisher equipment.

5.0 Credit Units
80.0 Other hours

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

AVIA 193 Flight Operations 2

Your studies will help prepare you for operational flying using multi-engine aircraft on charter, air-taxi and airline services. You will examine regulations pertaining to the air transport of dangerous goods.

3.0 Credit Units
50.0 Other hours

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

AVIA 280 Canadian Aviation Regulations 2

You will learn how to apply for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and prepare and use company operations manuals. The course includes Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) sections applicable to forest firefighting, agricultural, geological and medivac 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 apply electrical theory to the generation and distribution of electricity to aircraft systems. You will also discuss radio, radar, navigation equipment and electronic flight instrument system (EFIS).

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 and interpersonal issues to survival skills and your ability to function as a flight crew member. You will practice your skills by preparing a survival plan.

3.0 Credit Units
50.0 Other hours

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

INST 186 Instrument Flying

Your studies will focus on the regulations, theory and practical applications of instrument flying. Your studies will emphasize the use of the Canada Air Pilot Manual.

4.0 Credit Units
55.0 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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