The holder of a Recreational Pilot Permit may act as pilot-in-command of a single engine, non-high performance aeroplane under conditions of day visual flight rules (you must be within visual reference of the ground). The holder of a Recreational Pilot Permit can only carry one passenger on board, and the aeroplane can only be designed to carry a maximum of four persons.

The minimum Transport Canada requirements to hold the Recreational Pilot Permit are as follows:

Minimum of sixteen years of age

• Category 4 Medical Certificate valid for a Pilot Permit – Recreational – Aeroplane

• 60% in each of the four mandatory areas, as well as in the overall written examination Pilot Permit – Recreational – Aeroplane (RPPAE) or Private Pilot License – Aeroplane (PPAER):
  • Air Law;
  • Navigation;
  • Meteorology;
  • Aeronautics – General Knowledge;

Minimum of 25 hours recreational pilot flight training consisting of a minimum of:

• 15 hours dual flight instruction time, including a minimum 2 hours cross-country flight time
• 5 hours solo flight time