How many hours do I need for ground school?

Transport Canada requires 40 hours for Private Pilot and 80 hours for Commercial Pilot ground school. However, most students spend more time studying — around 100 hours for PPL and 130 hours for CPL — especially when preparing for the written exam.

How are ground school hours counted?

We track your quiz completions to determine how much material you've covered. Unlike simply logging hours watching videos, quizzes confirm you’re actively learning.

How do I retake a quiz to get 100%?

Finish the quiz, click Submit, then restart it. You can reattempt as needed — the system keeps your highest score.

Do I have to complete and pass all the quizzes?

Yes. You must complete all quizzes and correct them to 100%. This confirms you've learned the required material and helps track your ground school progress.

Do I need to watch all the videos?

Not necessarily. As long as you can get 100% on the quizzes, you're good. Everyone learns differently — some prefer videos, others presentations or reading reference manuals. Use the method that suits you best.

How should I go through the course material?

If you're new to aviation, start by watching the videos and reviewing the presentations. If you're already familiar, the presentations may be enough. If you're confident, jump straight into the quizzes. If you struggle with a quiz, go back to the videos and presentations to review.

Do I need to follow a specific order when taking the courses?

The courses are laid out in a recommended order (top to bottom), but you're free to complete them in whatever sequence works best for you. The key is to understand the material well enough to pass the quizzes.

What course should I start with?

Start with the Air Exercises course — it gives you the foundation for flight lessons and the flight test. Then move on to PSTAR (Pre-Solo Air Regulations), the Radio Licence course, and finally the Private Pilot Ground School. These courses build on each other and are essential if you're beginning in airplane flight training.

How do I get a recommendation letter for the Transport Canada exam?

To get a letter, complete all quizzes and achieve at least 75% average on three practice exams. Fill out the form at least 48 hours before your exam date. Your course access must still be active, and your practice exams should be recent (within the last two weeks).

What if I need more time or don’t pass the Transport Canada exam?

If your course access expires, visit the course renewal page — your progress is saved for one year. If you don’t pass the exam, we’ll help you come up with a study plan and offer tutoring. After two weeks, you can retake the exam.

Using the self lead courses you can start any time. If it's instructor lead, then it's at the specific time the next instructor lead course starts.

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What you will learn

Demonstrate a thorough understanding of Canadian aviation regulations, airspace classifications, and pilot responsibilities.

Apply fundamental principles of aerodynamics and theory of flight to real-world flight scenarios.

Analyze weather data, interpret METARs and TAFs, and make informed go/no-go decisions based on meteorological conditions.

Execute accurate flight planning using maps, performance charts, and navigation tools, including radio navigation aids.

Apply fundamental principles of aerodynamics and theory of flight to real-world flight scenarios.

Understand human factors and pilot decision-making principles to enhance flight safety and reduce error.

Develop confidence and preparedness for the Transport Canada PPAER written examination.

Navigate Transport Canada’s licensing and exam procedures, including how to schedule, prepare for, and pass your written exam.

Prerequisities

No prerequisites required for this course.

FAQ

How many hours do I need for ground school?: Transport Canada requires 40 hours for Private Pilot and 80 hours for Commercial Pilot ground school. However, most students spend more time studying — around 100 hours for PPL and 130 hours for CPL — especially when preparing for the written exam.
How are ground school hours counted?: We track your quiz completions to determine how much material you've covered. Unlike simply logging hours watching videos, quizzes confirm you’re actively learning.
How do I retake a quiz to get 100%?: Finish the quiz, click Submit, then restart it. You can reattempt as needed — the system keeps your highest score.
Do I have to complete and pass all the quizzes?: Yes. You must complete all quizzes and correct them to 100%. This confirms you've learned the required material and helps track your ground school progress.
Do I need to watch all the videos?: Not necessarily. As long as you can get 100% on the quizzes, you're good. Everyone learns differently — some prefer videos, others presentations or reading reference manuals. Use the method that suits you best.
How should I go through the course material?: If you're new to aviation, start by watching the videos and reviewing the presentations. If you're already familiar, the presentations may be enough. If you're confident, jump straight into the quizzes. If you struggle with a quiz, go back to the videos and presentations to review.
Do I need to follow a specific order when taking the courses?: The courses are laid out in a recommended order (top to bottom), but you're free to complete them in whatever sequence works best for you. The key is to understand the material well enough to pass the quizzes.
What course should I start with?: Start with the Air Exercises course — it gives you the foundation for flight lessons and the flight test. Then move on to PSTAR (Pre-Solo Air Regulations), the Radio Licence course, and finally the Private Pilot Ground School. These courses build on each other and are essential if you're beginning in airplane flight training.
How do I get a recommendation letter for the Transport Canada exam?: To get a letter, complete all quizzes and achieve at least 75% average on three practice exams. Fill out the form at least 48 hours before your exam date. Your course access must still be active, and your practice exams should be recent (within the last two weeks).
What if I need more time or don’t pass the Transport Canada exam?: If your course access expires, visit the course renewal page — your progress is saved for one year. If you don’t pass the exam, we’ll help you come up with a study plan and offer tutoring. After two weeks, you can retake the exam.
When can I start?: Using the self lead courses you can start any time. If it's instructor lead, then it's at the specific time the next instructor lead course starts.

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