Frequently Asked Questions

Becoming a Pilot in Canada's Air Force

• Is the Air Force hiring people to become pilots?
• How long must I wait before I start training?
• What’s the starting salary for a pilot trainee with a University Degree?
• What kind of aircraft could I learn to fly?
• What’s the sequence of training?
• How long does it take to achieve my pilot wings?
• What are the qualification requirements to become a pilot?
• What are the standards for pilot vision in the Canadian Forces?
• Does having flying experience help my application?
• What is the minimum age to join the military for flight training? Is there a maximum age?
• What are the citizenship requirements for pilot training in the Forces?
• What is Aircrew Selection Centre all about?
• What should I expect from the officer training course prior to flight training?
• Do I have a choice of what area I would like to fly in; air force, navy or army?
• How can I apply to become a pilot?

Is the Air Force hiring people to become pilots?

The Air Force is currently hiring men and women with or working towards a university degree who want to become pilots. If you always dreamed of flying a fighter jet or a helicopter on challenging missions, this is your opportunity.

Qualified candidates can start their training immediately. Applicants can find an application on-line on the Canadian Forces Recruiting web site.

How long must I wait before I start training?

Qualified candidates who join today will see their careers take off almost immediately. We have course positions available for qualified candidates.

What’s the starting salary for a pilot trainee with a University Degree?

Once you complete the Basic Officer Training in St-Jean, Québec, your starting salary as a pilot in training will be $ 40,000 per year. Once you’ve completed your pilot training and have earned your wings your salary will range between $43,000 and $60,000 per year. Within a few years of earning your Wings you will be eligible to become a Captain. As a pilot and Captain in the Canadian Forces your salary will range between $64,000 and $90,000.

In addition to their basic pay, pilots are entitled to special environmental allowances such as aircrew and field operations allowances.

All Canadian Forces members and their families receive full medical and dental coverage, four to five weeks of paid vacation every year, access to free gym and recreation facilities and all the benefits of an organization that is on the leading edge of social change in Canada.

What kind of aircraft could I learn to fly?

As a pilot in the Air Force, you could fly the new Cormorant helicopter on search and rescue missions savings lives, making a difference.

You could find yourself behind the controls of the CF-18, a supersonic tactical fighter jet, flying across Canada at a speed of 1.8 Mach. (2160 km/h)

You could become one of the chosen few who become members of the world famous aerobatic team, the Snowbirds, flying a CT-114 Tutor aircraft.

You could fly maritime patrol missions on the Aurora keeping a sharp eye on the country's coastline, protecting our natural and economic resources.

You could be flying in UN theatres supporting the Army airlifting troops and equipment with the Griffon helicopter or fly with the Navy from the flight deck of a Canadian frigate as a Sea King pilot conducting anti-submarine missions.

As a Hercules pilot, you could be called to deliver humanitarian assistance quickly and efficiently to the world's trouble spots, such as the airlift of medical supplies and personnel into Honduras after Hurricane Mitch or into Sarno, Italy following the devastating mudslides

Air Force pilots fly a range of aircraft to carry out its many domestic and international roles. Check out the facts and figures on all the Air Force aircraft.

What’s the sequence of training?

It all begins with Basic Officer and Second Language Training at Saint-Jean, Quebec. This is followed by the Primary Flying Training course in Portage-la-Prairie, Manitoba, where candidates fly the Slingsby Firefly, a single engine piston aircraft.

Successful candidates then move on to Aero Medical and Survival Training in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Basic Flying Course on the Harvard II in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. This is followed by the Advanced Flying Training on one of the following: Hawk 115 jet , Jet-Ranger helicopter, or the Beech King Air 100, depending on the area for which you have been selected.

After successful completion of this demanding training, you will have earned your Wings as military pilot. Visit NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) for more details.

How long does it take to achieve my pilot wings?

If all the phases were to run back-to-back, the program would take about a year and a half to two years to complete. However, there can be gaps in-between flight training phases during which time pilots-in-training will do On The Job Training (OJT) on Air Force bases around the country.

What are the qualification requirements to become a pilot?

As a pilot candidate, you must attend the Aircrew Selection Centre (ASC) in Trenton, Ontario, and take specialized aptitude testing, as proficiency in mathematics and physics is required to become a military pilot.

The minimum education required is a Baccalaureate degree from a recognized university. In addition to the Canadian Forces medical standard, you will also be required to meet the medical standard established for the Pilot occupation. You should contact a Military Career Counsellor at 1-800-856-8488 or visit them on the web at: www.recruiting.forces.gc.ca for more information.

What are the standards for pilot vision in the Canadian Forces?

The recruiting standard for an untrained pilot applicant is V1 or 20/20 uncorrected. For more information, please contact your local recruiting office.

Does having flying experience help my application?

Previous flying experience can help your application, but it is not essential. By getting some flight experience, you are showing that you are committed and dedicated to flying and may have an aptitude for it. However, do not be discouraged if you have not had the opportunity to fly before submitting your application. We will test your aptitude to become a military pilot and there are many other aspects to your profile that could set you apart as a potential candidate.

What is the minimum age to join the military for flight training? Is there a maximum age?

The minimum age to join the Forces is 16. The maximum age is harder to define simply because of the time commitments involved and the fitness levels required for pilot training. For more specifics, call your local recruiting centre.

What are the citizenship requirements for pilot training in the Forces?

You must be a Canadian citizen to enrol in the Forces. Contact your recruiting centre for more information.

What is Aircrew Selection Centre all about?

Should your application pass the initial selection process, you will attend Aircrew Selection Centre (ASC) at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario. Here you will be given a series of tests to determine your aptitude to be either a pilot or a navigator.

At ASC your flying and learning abilities will be evaluated through written tests and in a moving flight-simulator over several days.

Successful applicants go on to Defence Research and Development Canada’s medical evaluation facility in Toronto where they undergo medical tests. The total process usually lasts 4-5 days. Once complete, the application is ready for presentation to a final selection board.

What should I expect from the Officer training course prior to flight training?

All pilots in the Forces are Officers. Upon selection, you will attend the Basic Officer Training in St.Jean, Que., near Montreal as an Officer Cadet.

The course lasts about 14 weeks and is considered challenging. Aspects of military life such as drill, weapons handling, dress, deportment, physical training and first aid are all covered. Leadership skills are also taught and developed. Teamwork is the key to success in this training environment.

Upon completion, those in the direct entry plan are commissioned as Second Lieutenants.

Do I have a choice of what area I would like to fly in; air force, navy or army?

In Canada, all pilots belong to the Air Force. That said, a pilot may fly in support of the Army on Griffon helicopters or with the Navy on Aurora maritime patrol Aircraft or Sea King helicopters onboard ships.

Your level of performance and proficiency, your interests and Air Force requirements at the time determine which path you will take.

How can I apply to become a pilot?

You should visit the Department's national recruiting Web site and review the Air Force section to discover the many careers offered in today's Air Force. You can also call their toll free number at 1-800-856-8488 or visit a recruiting centre near you. We’re in the Yellow Pages under Recruiting. Re-enrolling military pilots may call 1-877-877-2741.