Student Accommodations
Winnipeg Aviation does not currently have student housing available. There are many options available for rent in Winnipeg and the area surrounding the St Andrews airport (including the nearby communities of Selkirk, St Andrews, West St Paul).
We are a Designated Learning Institute as approved by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. E-Mail us with your inquiries into becoming an International Student at Winnipeg Aviation.
FAQs
Before you contact the visa office you must be in possession of a letter of acceptance from Winnipeg Aviation. We will email this letter to you once we have received your student application. You are more likely to obtain a visa if you have taken some aviation theory or language training from your home country.
On January 22, 2024 Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a new requirement for the Study Permit application process. IRCC will now request an additional document called an “attestation letter” issued by the provincial government. At this time, Winnipeg Aviation does not have an attestation letter to issue to students. Winnipeg Aviation will be working closely with the Government of Manitoba to ensure compliance. This process is expected to be in place by March 31, 2024. IRCC will update their website with more information as it becomes available from each province and territory. Visit the IRCC website for the most up to date information.
While this process in being developed, you can still apply to Winnipeg Aviation as an international student.
For the most current information about obtaining a student visa visit Immigration and Citizenship Canada.
If possible, we suggest that you complete an Aviation Medical Examination prior to beginning your Visa process. This will ensure that you are in fact fit to undertake the training program.
Please ensure that you use the mailing address for Winnipeg Aviation on your Medical application (700 South Gate Road, St. Andrews, Manitoba, R1A 3P8)
Click here to search for doctors in your home or neighboring country that have been approved to conduct Canadian Aviation Medical Examinations.
You can get almost all of the fresh fruits, vegetables, cooking items and bakery products at many stores nearby. You can also visit the large variety of restaurants and specialty food stores in Winnipeg. Students may contact local taxi companies to arrange transportation to and from the flight academy.
At Winnipeg Aviation we train students from all over the globe. Our courses can be flexibly accelerated so you can spend the least amount of time away from home and reduce your expenses.
Long recognized as one of the most modern, progressive, and peaceful countries in the world, Canada has always accepted students of all nationalities. You will find it easier to get a visa to enter our country than most other nations. As a leading member of the International Civil Aviation Organization Canada’s flight training standard is recognized as being one of the highest in the world.
The cost of flying is remarkably inexpensive (due to lower fuel costs) when compared to most other countries. Whether you wish to fly here for pleasure or to build up your flight time, Canada makes economic sense.
Winnipeg is located in the geographic center of Canada and the nature of our local weather is such that you can fly for more than 315 days of the year in sunshine. This means fewer weather delays and quicker acceleration through your training. Because we are at the center of the country you can easily embark on many exciting trips all over North America.
Helpful links
We cannot guarantee employment as a Flight Instructor after your training although you are welcome to apply!
Cross Border Operations
Cross Country Planning Tips:
- Fill out Customs Declaration form for all people on board
- Fill out Private Aircraft Enforcement System Arrival Report for intended aircraft
- Carry Pilots License and ID when crossing borders
US Customs
- File Canadian Flight Plan as usual and advise Customs
- Call US Customs and provide;
- Type of flight
- Number of persons on board and their names/citizenship/birthdates
- Call for a Discrete Code 1-701-780-9104
- When arriving in the US, stay in the aircraft until Customs comes to greet you
Grand Forks Customs
1-701-772-6433 or 1-701-772-3301
Grand Forks FSS
1-701-772-7201
Canadian Customs
- File an FAA Flight Plan and advise customs (1-800-WX-BRIEF)
- Call Canadian Customs (1-888-CANPASS) and provide;
- Type of Flight
- Number of persons on board and their names/citizenship/birthdates
- When arriving back in Canada wait in plane at Esso Avitat in CYWG
- If Customs is not there call CANPASS
- Record CANPASS number in Journey Log/Personal Log
Converting a Foreign License to a Canadian Licence
The following conversion process is for licence holders applying for a Transport Canada licence who already hold a licence from another ICAO country.
If you have an FAA licence, click here.
A foreign pilot must meet the medical fitness, knowledge, experience, and skill requirements as stated in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).
Transport Canada will grant credits to foreign pilot licence holders, provided that the foreign licence is medically valid, and originates from a country that is a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). If the foreign applicant meets the applicable experience requirements, the holder of a Commercial or higher type pilot licence in the aeroplane category, issued by a Contracting State of ICAO, shall be deemed to have met the ground school instruction requirement.
Transport Canada does not grant any credits to holders of foreign military licences, however an applicant’s military flight experience will be recognized and considered on an individual basis. It would be advantageous for foreign applicants to convert their military licence to a civilian licence, of their home country before making application for a Canadian pilot licence. A foreign pilot licence holder should be able to provide Transport Canada with a log book for review and an assessment of the applicant’s flight experience.
PRIVATE PILOT LICENSE
There are 2 options for converting the Private pilot licence:
- Foreign Licence Validation Certificate (FLVC)
- Private Pilot licence (PPL)
Temporary Flying: Foreign Licence Validation Certificate (FLVC) – for Training or Pleasure
A foreign pilot licence of a visitor whose residence is outside Canada may be validated for private recreational purposes. The foreign pilot licence must be valid under the law of the issuing state and valid for the privileges appropriate to the specific purpose. An applicant should apply for a Foreign Licence Validation Certificate (FLVC) before arriving in Canada.
The FLVC will be issued for a period of one year at which time the applicant may choose to renew it, or apply for a permanent Canadian Pilot Licence. Below is the process to apply for the FLVC:
1. Fill out this form.
2. Include a copy of your licence , medical, and the form, and fax or mail it to Transport Canada.
It takes 1-2 days to process and then you can fly solo in a Canadian registered airplane.
This is one of the preferred options for foreign pilots, having their home PPL, and coming to Canada for Professional Training. It is a quick and easy way to exercise the privileges of your license without the hassle of the full license conversion.
Private Pilot Licence Issued On the Basis of Foreign Licence
Candidates who want a long term Canadian Private Pilot licence are advised to convert to a full Canadian licence. An applicant who is the holder of a Private Pilot Licence issued by another country shall be considered to have met the ground school, written examination, and the flight test provided that they can show a licence and logbook.
To convert:
- Obtained a Canadian Class III medical or higher. It is important to do this first as you cannot do the written or flight test until you have been issued the medical certificate.
- Candidate has obtained 90% in the written examination PSTAR. Use the online course at Academy.cfc.aero
- Completed 5 take-offs and 5 landings within the 6 months preceding the date of application
- Has at least 45 hours total flight time, 12 hours solo, 5 hours instrument time, 3 hours dual cross country, and 5 hours solo cross country.
Once the above has been completed, the candidate will be issued a licence which will state it is based on a foreign licence; to remove this statement from your licence, the Private Pilot written examination must be completed.
COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENSE
To obtain a Canadian CPL -A, the following requirements must be met:
1. Complete the medical examination requirements in accordance with the Medical Standards for Civil Aviation Personnel Licensing and be in possession of a Category 1 Medical Certificate. The medical cost is about $200. To search for a doctor go to Transport Canada Civil Aviation Medicine.
2. Proof that the experience requirement is met. An applicant should be able to provide Transport Canada with a log book of their flight experience for review.
3. Meet the knowledge requirements by successfully completing the following written examination: CPAER
4. Meet the skill requirement by successfully completing a practical Flight Test. Flight test cost approximately $400 plus the airplane rental. The amount of training or practice prior to the flight test depends on the pilot’s currency and ability.
5. Complete the standard administrative requirements such as submitting proof of foreign citizenship and age, provide the foreign licence and log book for evaluation, submit a licence application form and pay the appropriate fee (This is conducted at a Transport Canada office).
With a pilot who is current, proficient, and has prepared for the written prior to arrival, the above will take 1 week.
For people wishing to immigrate or work in Canada, contact Immigration and Citizenship Canada.
MULTI-ENGINE RATING
To obtain a Canadian Multi-Engine Rating, the following requirement must be met: An applicant wishing to obtain a Multi-Engine Rating, to be endorsed on the CPL-A, must meet the requirements set out in the CARs.
If you have 50 hours Pilot-in-Command on multi-engine aeroplanes or have met the standard of the State that issued the rating, in the preceding 12 months (based upon date of application), then Transport Canada may issue your Canadian Multi-Engine Rating based upon your current Multi-Engine Rating.
However, if an applicant is unable to satisfy these requirements, they must demonstrate their skill through the successful completion of a practical flight test. The amount of training or practice prior to the flight test depends on the pilot’s currency and ability. With a pilot who is current and proficient, the above will take 2-3 days.
INSTRUMENT RATING
To obtain a Canadian Instrument Rating, the following requirement must be met: An applicant wishing to obtain an Instrument Rating, to be endorsed on the CPL-A, must meet the knowledge and skill requirements set out in the CARs by successfully completing the written examination (INRAT), and successfully completing a flight test.
The amount of training or practice prior to the flight test depends on the pilot’s currency and ability.
With a pilot who is current and proficient, the above will take about 1 week.
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR RATING
To convert, about half of the flight instructor course must be completed. Transport Canada will access your experience and training and advise you of the required process to convert.
For people wishing to immigrate or work in Canada, contact Immigration and Citizenship Canada.
AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT LICENSE
To obtain a Canadian (ATPL-A), the following requirements must be met:
1. Complete the medical examination requirements in accordance with the Medical Standards for Civil Aviation Personnel Licensing and be in possession of a Category 1 Medical Certificate.
2. Proof that the experience requirement is met; go to Canadian Aviation Regulations requirements.
An applicant should be able to provide Transport Canada with a log book of their flight experience for review.
3. Meet the knowledge requirements by successfully completing the following written examinations: SAMRA, SARON and INRAT.
4. Meet the skill requirement by successfully completing a Flight Test.
An applicant for an ATPL-A shall successfully complete a flight test in a multi-engine aeroplane (excluding centre-line thrust) which is suitably equipped for IFR flight in controlled airspace. The amount of training or practice prior to the flight test depends on the pilot’s currency and ability.
5. Complete the standard administrative requirements such as submitting proof of foreign citizenship and age, provide the foreign licence and log book for evaluation, submit a licence application form and pay the appropriate fee.
With a pilot who is current and proficient the above will take 1 week.
For people wishing to immigrate or work in Canada, contact Immigration and Citizenship Canada.