I wrote a detailed blog post here so you can review it.

https://courses.www.pilotdmello.com/blog/faa-atpl-to-tcca-licence-conversion

To convert your licence please read this official document regarding the application steps.

https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/reference-centre/advisory-circulars/advisory-circular-ac-no-401-001

The exam to study is using these courses.

-For CPL you need the FAACA course.

-For IR you need the FAAIA course.

-For ATPL you need the FAAAA course.

https://courses.www.pilotdmello.com/faaca-faaia-faaaa-foreign-licence-conversion

I wrote a detailed blog post here so you can review it.

https://courses.www.pilotdmello.com/blog/foreign-licence-conversion-icao-atpl-tc

To convert your licence please read this official document regarding the application steps.

https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/licensing-pilots-personnel/flight-crew-licences-permits-ratings/licensing-foreign-pilots

The exam to study is using these courses.

-For CPL study this

https://courses.www.pilotdmello.com/commercial-pilot-license-cpl-exam-prep-question-bank

-For IFR study this

https://courses.www.pilotdmello.com/inrat-exam-Preparation-study-guide-practice-tests-ground-school

-For ATPL study this

https://courses.www.pilotdmello.com/atpl-saron-samra-iatra-airline-transport-pilot-licence

✅ What is a "Frozen" ATPL?

• A "Frozen" ATPL typically refers to someone who has completed the ATPL theoretical exams and holds a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR), but does not yet meet the experience requirements to unfreeze the ATPL. 

❌ You Cannot Convert a "Frozen" ATPL to a Canadian ATPL

Transport Canada does not recognize the concept of a “frozen” ATPL (i.e., someone who has passed the ATPL theoretical exams but doesn’t yet meet the flight experience requirements). Therefore:

• If you do not hold a full ATPL (issued and valid), you cannot convert it to a Canadian ATPL.

• Instead, you may convert your CPL and IFR ratings only.

✅ If You Have a Full, Valid ICAO/EASA ATPL

If you do hold a full ATPL, you are eligible to apply for a Canadian ATPL, provided you meet the requirements below:

Requirements:

1. Hold a valid ICAO-compliant ATPL

2. Have a valid Instrument Rating

3. Meet Canadian ATPL experience requirements (including 1500 hours TT)

4. Pass the following Transport Canada exams:

   • SARON (Senior Airline Regulations and Operations - Navigation)

   • SAMRA (Meteorology, Radio Aids, Flight Planning, Air Law)

   • INRAT (Instrument Rating – if your IR is not recognized)

5. Pass a Category 1 Transport Canada Medical

6. Complete any additional requirements based on the type of conversion and your background (e.g., English proficiency)

✅ If You Only Have a Frozen ATPL (No Full ATPL Yet)

You’ll be applying as a CPL holder. Here's what you can do:

1. Convert to a Canadian CPL and Instrument Rating

2. Pass:

   • CPAER (Commercial Pilot Written)

   • Possibly INRAT (for IR)

3. Meet medical and experience requirements

Once you meet the full ATPL experience requirements (1500+ hours, cross-country, night, IFR, etc.), you can later upgrade to a Canadian ATPL by completing the ATPL exams.

🔐 Need to reset or change your pilotdmello.com password?

No worries! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Go to the login page:
   https://courses.www.pilotdmello.com/login

2. Click on ‘Forgot Password’

3. Enter the email you used when signing up for the course.

4. Click ‘Send Recovery Info’

5. You’ll see a message that says:
   "If your email address exists in our database, you will receive a password recovery link at your email address in a few minutes."

6. Check your email inbox for a message titled “Instructions to reset your password”
   (Be sure to check your spam/junk folder too, just in case!)

7. Click the link in the email and follow the steps to create your new password.

We hope that solved it for you :)

There’s no single “best” flight school — the best school for you is the one that fits your goals, learning style, budget, and timeline.

That said, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in different provinces of Canada. Each region has its strengths and drawbacks when it comes to flight training:

✈️ British Columbia (BC)

• Pros: Milder winters, generally good year-round flying weather, stunning scenery, and a number of well-established schools around Vancouver and Abbotsford.

• Cons: Frequent rain and low clouds in coastal areas can limit VFR (Visual Flight Rules) training days.

🌬️ Alberta

• Pros: More sunny days, dry climate, and consistent visibility. Excellent schools in Calgary, Edmonton, and smaller towns like Springbank and Medicine Hat.

• Cons: Can get very cold in winter, and strong winds can challenge beginners (but will help build your skills!).

🍁 Saskatchewan & Manitoba

• Pros: Flat terrain, less air traffic, and a lot of open airspace — ideal for new pilots.

• Cons: Harsh winters, icy conditions, and fewer flight schools compared to larger provinces.

🌊 Ontario

• Pros: Plenty of school options, especially near Toronto, London, and Ottawa. More airline connections and potential networking opportunities.

• Cons: Busy airspace, more complex airspace rules, and weather variability (fog, snow, etc.).

🌬️ Quebec

• Pros: Strong aviation presence, especially near Montreal and Quebec City. Bilingual instruction may be available.

• Cons: Gusty winds, cold winters, and weather delays are common.

🌪️ East Coast (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & PEI)

• Pros: Smaller, tight-knit schools with personal attention. Coastal flying experience is a bonus.

• Cons: Very gusty winds, more storms, and frequent weather-related disruptions.

🏔️ Territories (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)

• Pros: Unique and rugged flying experience, great for bush or northern aviation careers.

• Cons: Extreme cold, limited accessibility, and fewer flight schools.

💡 Final Tip:

When choosing a school, don’t just go for the lowest price. A reputable school with experienced instructors and a good track record will set you up for success.

Here’s how to do your research:

• ✅ Check Google reviews for honest feedback.

• ✅ Reach out to current students or alumni on LinkedIn and social media to hear their experiences.

• ✅ Ask about aircraft availability, instructor-student ratios, and flight hours.

✈️ Bottom line:

The best flight school is the one that gives you consistent training, prepares you well for exams, and offers a good balance of quality and price. It’s not about finding the cheapest option — it’s about getting the most value for your investment in your future.

Be mindful of inconsistent training or long breaks between lessons. These can lead to increased costs (more flight hours needed to catch up) and loss of motivation due to lack of continuity. Consistency is key — it helps you stay sharp, stay motivated, and save money in the long run.

The aviation industry is cyclical, meaning it naturally goes through highs and lows. Things like fuel prices, recessions, and global events can all impact hiring across the board — and that includes pilot jobs.

But here’s what matters most: you can’t control the market, but you can control your preparation.

• ✅ Choose a flight school that fits your needs and learning style

• 🛫 Focus on passing your flying and written exams confidently

• 📄 Build a solid, competitive resume

• 💬 Practice and prepare for interviews so you're ready when opportunities come up

There’s no “perfectly safe” industry — every career path has risks. But for us, aviation is hands-down the most fun, and the one with the least regrets. If you’re passionate about flying, it’s a journey well worth taking.

The processing time for your medical with Transport Canada can vary, but most of the time it takes about 2 months. However, keep in mind that government institutions can sometimes be slow, and in some cases, it could take 6 months or even longer, depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your case.

If it's been a while and you're concerned, it’s always a good idea to reach out to Transport Canada for an update.

Check out this official TC webpage: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/medical-fitness-aviation/apply-manage-aviation-medical-certificate

No — our courses are designed with a minimum 6-month access, as they cover everything you need in a structured and complete format.

That said, most pilots actually complete the material in about 2 weeks, depending on their pace and commitment. We keep access open for 6 months so you can revisit the content anytime you need.

We focus on delivering real value, not cutting corners — so if you're looking for something quick and cheap, this might not be the right fit.

Our instructors are highly experienced pilots who work for various airlines in Canada. Due to potential conflict of interest policies, we are not able to disclose specific airline affiliations.

What you can be sure of is that all of our instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from their aviation careers, ensuring you receive top-notch training and mentorship.