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Regulations, Licensing, and Official Resources

Official rules, requirements, and guidance from Transport Canada and Nav Canada covering licensing, training standards, and operational regulations.

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Understanding regulations, licensing requirements, and official guidance is a critical part of flight training. Familiarity with these materials not only helps you stay compliant but also prepares you for exams, flight tests, and safe decision-making in the cockpit. The following resources are essential for pilots training in Canada, though much of the guidance applies universally to aviation principles.

 

Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)

The CARs are the foundational rules governing all aspects of aviation in Canada, including licensing, aircraft operations, and pilot responsibilities. The CARs will be reference quite significantly throughout your ground school (specifically in the Air Law section). The CARs form the legal framework for all flight activities, with the following including, but not limited to, particularly relevant examples for VFR pilots:

  • VFR weather minima (CAR 602.114/115)

  • Licensing requirements and privileges (CAR 401.26 - PPL Aeroplane)

  • Uncontrolled aerodrome communication procedures (CAR 602.97 - 602.103)

  • Aircraft equipment requirements for day VFR (CAR 605.14)

 

Hint: the four examples listed above are a tiny portion of the CARs, but questions that often come up on TC Written Exams and asked by your Flight Test Examiner.

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You are not expected to know the CARs as if you were a lawyer, however, you should understand what is applicable to your licences (PPL, CPL, etc.) and mission of flight (flights over water, flying in IMC, etc). 

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Click here to access the Transport Canada CARs.

✈️Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)

The AIM provides essential information on aviation procedures, airspace, navigation, and communication. It serves as a practical guide for flight planning and operations, offering both regulatory context and procedural advice for pilots of all levels.

 

The AIM will often reference the CARs, as the CARs is the legally binding regulations, whereas the AIM is a reference and guidance document. Generally, the AIM is a lot more "digestible" than the CARs.

 

You can purchase a printed version of the AIM, however, I recommend using the link below, as the AIM is published twice per year. The most recent digital PDF version is available for free through Transport Canada. Click here to access version 2025-2.

✈️Study and Reference Guides and Sample Exams for TC Written Examinations

Transport Canada provides study and reference guides for their written examinations. These guides detail the content that may be included on your exam, helping student pilots focus their study on key knowledge areas while providing a roadmap for exam preparation.

 

Additionally, TC also provides four sample exams that can help students get a feel for how TC structures their exams. TC provides sample exams for:

  • Glider Pilot Licence

  • Recreational Pilot Permit and Private Pilot Licence

  • Private and Commercial Pilot Licence

  • Pilot Permit - Ultra-light Aeroplane

 

Click here to access the entire list of TC Study and Reference Guides and their Sample Exams.

 

✈️Flight Test Guides

In addition to being a valuable resource when preparing for your flight test, all flight test candidates are required to be familiar with the applicable Flight Test Guide prior to their flight test.

 

This guide details the standards and maneuvers expected during your flight test, offering insight into what examiners look for and how to demonstrate proficiency.

 

Click here to access the entire list of TC Flight Test Guides.

 

Transport Canada – Civil Aviation: Medical Portal

It's no secret that Aviation Medicals have a reputation for being a lengthy and stressful process, with some pilots receiving their first medical in as little as two weeks, to some pilots waiting 1+ year, or even worse, not receiving their medical at all. While the process of obtaining your medical is still full of unknowns, TC has improved our visibility into our status through the Civil Aviaiton applicant portal service.

 

This portal allows pilots to view the status of their Medical Examination Report (MER), and if needed, submit a follow up request.

 

When you first apply for your medical by going in person to a CAME, TC will email you to confirm they have received the report from the CAME. This email will also contain a file number that you can use to access the Medical Portal.

 

While TC doesn't provide specific definitions for the status of your medical, based on my experience, the status listed on your portal translates to:

  • In Progress: TC has received your MER from your CAME and is reviewing and has not made a decision

  • Deferred: TC has found a reason not to issue an aviation medical to you, for now. This does not mean you will never receive a medical, rather you will receive a letter detailing why you were deferred and the additional next steps required.

  • Completed: in our experience, this generally means your medical has been approved and you should expect it in the mail within the next few weeks.

 

Click here to sign into your TC Account and access the Civil Aviation - Medical Certificate Applications and Renewals.

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