At Work People in this occupation work in airline and freight companies, flying schools and the Canadian Forces and for other public and private sector aircraft operators. Pilots fly fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to transport passengers and freight and provide other services including search and rescue, aerial surveying and spraying and crop dusting. They may also test new aircraft. Flying instructors teach student pilots procedures and techniques of flying aircraft and ground-school subjects such as navigation, radio procedures and flying regulations. Education, Training and Experience People in this occupation must complete high school, graduate from a certified flying or aviation school and have a commercial pilot's licence.
Many recent entrants have a community college diploma.
People in this occupation may require a university degree or college diploma. Pilots may need additional licences or endorsements to fly different types of aircraft. Some employers may provide structured training for pilots and flight engineers. Flight instructors require Transport Canada ratings and endorsements to provide instruction on different types of aircraft. The proportion of part-time workers in this occupation has increased significantly over the last ten years.