Frequently Asked Questions

Is it a good time to do my flight training/become a pilot?

We think… Yes! Analysis showed that by 2029, the civil aviation industry will require over 260,000 new pilots. By the end of 2021, with air travel demand increasing, an estimated 29,000 new pilots will be needed. *

A forecasting analysis by Boeing estimates drastic increases in pilot demand over the next 20 years. By 2039, there will need to be 763,000 new pilots to achieve the demand of air travel.**

We believe that now is a great time for students to obtain their licenses; to be ready for the incoming demand for pilots.

*[Source: Pilot Demand Outlook 2020, CAE, https://www.cae.com/cae-pilot-demand-outlook-2020/ ]

** [Source: Pilot and technician outlook 2020-2039, Boeing, https://www.boeing.com/commercial/market/pilot-technician-outlook/]

How long will it take me to complete my cpl/ppl?

The length of your training will depend on a few factors, mostly whether you are full-time or part-time. The average time for full-time students to finish their Private Pilots License is around 3-6 months. For a Commercial Pilots License, the average time for a full-time student is approximately 12 months .

The program may be shorter or longer depending on the students motivation and availability.

are there any prerequisites to get a pilots licence?

For a Private Pilots License, you will need to obtain a Category III medical from a Certified Civil Aviation Medical Examiner (“CAME”). : Cat III Medical, private ground school, International: IELTS 5 of higher,

For a Commercial Pilots License, you will need a Category I Medical. See the link below* to find more information on obtaining a medical, and to find your local CAME for a medical examination.

For international students: an English level of IELTS 5 or higher is required.

We require students to participate in the private online ground school for their PPL. However, this will be done alongside your training.

*Transport Canada Aviation Medical Information and CAME search: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/medical-fitness-aviation

How much does a pilots licence cost?

Please see our COSTS page for detailed information.

The cost of a Pilots License is a significant undertaking. However, like all higher education courses, this is an investment into yourself and your career. The cost of your flight training that you will incur will vary with skill level and our outline is an estimation only. Give us a call or email and we would be happy to discuss costs further with you.

How often can i fly and when are you open?

We are open 7 days a week (closed federal statutory holidays).

You can fly as little or as much as you would like. The typical flights per week for a part-time student is about 2, and for a full-time student can be 5-6 times per week.

What's it like flying in the winter?

Absolutely beautiful. There is something magical about our snowy mountains and frozen lakes in the wintertime. Our flight school is open in the winter, but we do not fly if the temperature is -25 degrees Celsius and below.

I don't live in whitehorse/canada....can i still train with Alkan?

Yes! Alkan Air Flight Academy is currently accepting applications from International Students. Many of our students have travelled from Europe and across Canada to be able to experience their flight training in our beautiful part of the world. We would be happy to speak with you about visas and the application process.