Commercial Pilot

Program Overview

Take to the skies with Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s award-winning* Commercial Pilot program, offered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Aviation Council (SAC). The growing aviation industry means qualified pilots are in demand—there’s never been a better opportunity to build your career as a commercial pilot.

The Saskatchewan Polytechnic/SAC Commercial Pilot program is one of the most innovative, highly-respected programs in Canada. When you graduate, you’ll have your Commercial Pilot Licence with multi-engine instrument rating or single-engine instrument rating.

*2001 Air Transport Association of Canada Innovation Award

The Commercial Pilot diploma program provides a strong foundation in the basic principles of aviation. You’ll alternate two ground school training sessions at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon Campus, Koyl Ave. with actual flying experience at your home flying school.

You’ll learn about:

advanced aircraft systems and flight operations
aircraft engines, instruments and pilot electronics
aviation business, crew resource management and cultural awareness
Canadian aviation regulations
meteorology
instrument flying
navigation
theory of flight

State-of-the-Art Flight Simulator

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's new Alsim flight simulator puts you in the pilot’s seat for take-off and landing at any airport in North America. Programmable real-life scenarios give you risk-free experience flying in all kinds of weather and dealing with emergencies and standard operating procedures. The simulator has 19 possible configurations including single engine, multi-engine, piston engine, turbine engine and jet aircraft.

Experience and Mentorship

Ground school classes are led by experienced instructors who know the aviation business. Your classes offer a unique opportunity to talk one-on-one with experienced pilots and other aviation professionals, getting an inside view on finding a job, building your career and developing your skills.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Commercial aviation is expanding. There are job opportunities for qualified commercial pilots with charter and scheduled airlines, large corporations, courier companies, commuter airlines, flight schools, crop sprayers, aerial photography and survey companies, airline and airport administration and more. Your first job will probably be in a ground position with a smaller operator, where you’ll be expected to demonstrate commitment and professionalism as you work your way into flying positions.

For more information about a career as a professional pilot, visit the Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC) or Saskatchewan Aviation Council websites, or contact the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Aviation program head at 306-933-7290.

Potential Careers

Sample Job Title	NOC Classification¹	Earning Potential²
Airline Pilot	Air Pilots, Flight Engineers and Flying Instructors (2271)	$20,800 - $80,100
Charter Pilot	Air Pilots, Flight Engineers and Flying Instructors (2271)	$20,800 - $80,100
Flight Instructor	Air Pilots, Flight Engineers and Flying Instructors (2271)	$20,800 - $80,100

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): January

Length: Semester 1 (January to April) - 16 weeks; Semester 2 (September to December) - 16 weeks

Locations

Saskatoon

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Grade 12
Private Pilot's License
Category 1 Medical Certificate from a Transport Canada approved medical examiner; (it can take up to two months to complete this certificate; you may wish to plan your application to the program accordingly)
English Language Requirement

Note

Physics 30, Pre-Calculus 20 and Foundations of Mathematics 30 are recommended

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER©

250 Arithmetic
247 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
250 Reading
245 Writing

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as books and supplies. For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Year 1 - $3,100

Year 2 - $2,800

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

Expand All +

Semester 1

Code

Name/Description

Credits

AVIA 181

Navigation

You will study Visual Flight Rules (VFR) navigation including flight planning procedures for all phases of flight. You will use all relevant information to prepare navigation logs, flight plans, and weight and balance. Your studies will include the use of various radio aids to navigation.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

AVIA 182

Meteorology 1

You will study properties of the atmosphere and the conditions that produce and modify weather. Through practical exercises, you will interpret forecast weather conditions and its effects on the pilot and the aircraft.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

AVIA 183

Flight Operations 1

You will study aircraft performance and operational procedures.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

AVIA 184

Canadian Aviation Regulations 1

You will study the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) with emphasis on Visual Flight Rules (VFR) procedures and requirements.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

AVIA 191

Cultural Awareness

You will examine Canadian society from a sociological perspective. The elements of culture and differences between cultures will be discussed. Social stratification in Canadian culture and how the stratification impacts various cultural groups will also be examined. Other topics include race, ethnicity and prejudice. Barriers to intercultural communication will also be included.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): AVIA 189
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

COMM 393

Communications 1

You will develop the oral and written skills needed to communicate effectively in a variety of situations. You will also demonstrate appropriate customer service skills and use job search skills.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

ENGN 180

Aircraft Engines

You will study various types of aircraft engines and propellers, including piston and turbine. You will examine general maintenance procedures including entries into aircraft journey logbooks.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

INST 185

Aircraft Instruments

You will study the principles of instrument function and limitations. You will practice interpreting instrument readings.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

MATH 389

Mathematics

You will study the mathematics, algebra and geometry needed to solve various aviation related mathematical and physics problems.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

PHYS 185

Physics

You will study the principles of basic physics with emphasis on various aviation topics including motion and energy.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

Semester 2

Code

Name/Description

Credits

AVIA 180

Theory of Flight

You will study topics relevant to flight theory and aircraft design including flight control systems, stability, air flow characteristics, and forces acting on an aircraft.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

AVIA 186

Meteorology 2

You will study weather issues related to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flying. Through practical exercises, you will analyze forecast and observed weather conditions and its effects on the pilot and the aircraft.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

AVIA 192

Advanced Aircraft Types

You will study engine, electrical, fuel, pneumatic, hydraulic and mechanical systems as they relate to aircraft. The course includes type-specific ground schools on twin-engine piston and turbine aircraft.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

AVIA 193

Flight Operations 2

You will study operational flying procedures using a variety of aircraft in numerous operational scenarios. You will examine regulations pertaining to the air transport of dangerous goods. The knowledge learned will help prepare you for the Transport Canada (TC) individual Aircraft Type Rating (IATRA) examination.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

AVIA 280

Canadian Aviation Regulations 2

You will learn how to apply for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and examine company operations manuals and specifications. This course includes CARs sections applicable to 702, 703, 704 and 705 operations. Commercial air carrier operations and CARs requirements for flight safety will be emphasized.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

BUS 183

Aviation Business

You will acquire essential business knowledge that will contribute to the success of the flight operation that employs you. The course content includes commercial aviation in the business world, business plans and marketing.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

ELTR 183

Aircraft Electronics and Avionics

You will examine electrical theory and power generation as it applies to aircraft electrical systems. You will also examine various avionics and electrical systems including EFIS. Troubleshooting electrical problems and appropriate emergency procedures will also be discussed.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

HUMR 187

Human Factors and Crew Resource Management

You will relate aviation physiology, psychology, medical and interpersonal issues to survival skills and your ability to function as a safe and effective flight crew member. You will also practice your skills by preparing a survival plan.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

INST 186

Instrument Flying

You will study the regulations, theory and practical applications of instrument flying rules (IFR). Your studies will emphasize the use of Nav Canada and Canada Air Pilot publications.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

Semester Dates:
Semester 1 - January to April
Semester 2 - September to December

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training. See links below to more information about PLAR and detailed PLAR candidate guides for courses in this program.

Candidate Guide
Candidate Guide for Math and Science courses
- (e.g., APHY, CALC, CHEM, MAT, MATH, PHYS, STAT, etc.)
Candidate Guide for Communication and Social Science courses
- (e.g., COM, COMM, ENGL, PSYC, SOCI, etc.)
More about PLAR

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. You don't have to be a brainiac to receive a student award. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships