Training

Freedom Flight!

Your Introduction to the world of flying…

  • Freedom in its purest form. That’s how pilot Gary Stokor described flying in his poem, “Impressions of a Pilot.” When you book a Freedom Flight with Near North, we give you a chance to feel the excitement and joy of flying an aircraft. Whether you’re considering a career or a new hobby, prepare yourself for an incredible and empowering experience!
  • A Freedom Flight is a hands-on introduction to the world of aviation where you can discover the thrill of flying an aircraft, and learn more about the process of flight training. When you decide to pursue your Private Pilot Licence, the Freedom Flight will count towards your required hours.
  • You can book a Freedom Flight for any time that works with your schedule. We’ll reserve a time slot with one of our experienced flight instructors, and when you arrive get a tour of our training facility and a behind-the-scenes look at the pre-flight procedures prior to heading out to the aircraft.
  • The Cessna 172M aircraft is maintained to exacting standards by our on-site maintenance team to ensure a comfortable and safe flight. You will sit up front with the instructor and you can bring a friend or family member along for the ride at no additional cost. And photos and/or videos are encouraged!
  • After the mandatory safety briefing, you’ll be ready to take to the skies! Wearing the provided headset you’ll be able to hear the standard radio phraseology required for safe flight, and you’ll be able to communicate with the instructor as well. We encourage you to ask questions and learn all you can!
  • But that’s not all — once airborne, your instructor will hand the controls over to you, and you’ll get to do the flying! You’ll enjoy a scenic flight like you’ve never seen. And when your Freedom Flight is over, we can help you plan your path to become a licensed pilot.
  • We hope you enjoy your Freedom Flight and we look forward to helping you find freedom in its purest form.

To reserve your Freedom Flight, please contact Near North Aviation at 905-679-5577. The cost of your introduction to the world of flying is just $99.95 plus tax.

Private Pilot License

Note: While it is possible to achieve the PPL within the minimums, the national student average is between 65 and 75 hours of flight training.

The Private Pilot Licence (PPL) program is designed for those who want to fly recreationally, without the restrictions of the Recreational Pilot Permit. It is also a prerequisite for those wanting to pursue a Commercial Pilot Licence toward a career in aviation. Holders of a PPL may fly all single engine, non-high performance aircraft day VFR. Ratings such as Night, Multi-engine, Seaplane, and Instrument may be endorsed on a PPL. This program focuses on in-depth ground and flight instruction. Ground School consists of a minimum of 40 hours of in-class or online training to prepare the student for the Transport Canada written examination.

Flight Training (FT) consists of a minimum of 45 hours of flight instruction preparing the student for the Transport Canada flight test.

IFR Training

Learning to fly in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) with a private licence can expand the use of your aircraft and your ability to fly to more destinations. You can choose to do a single engine (Group 3) instrument rating on a C-172 or a multi-engine (Group 1) instrument rating on a Piper Twin Comanche.

The minimum requirements for the rating are 40 hours of instrument time (with a maximum of 20 hours done in a simulator) and 50 hours of cross-country pilot-in-command time.

Of the 40 hours instrument time, a minimum of 5 hours must be on the category of aircraft you wish the rating to cover; e.g., single engine, multi engine or helicopter. The cost of the rating will vary depending on the experience of the student and the aircraft type chosen for the rating.

Multi-Engine Rating

The Multi-Engine Rating program is designed for those who want to fly bigger aircraft with more than one engine. This rating is perhaps the most fun to obtain. There is really not too much new to learn apart from the aircraft itself, but it provides the pilot with loads of flexibility in operations.

The comfort in the sky of a multi-engine aircraft is unrivaled by any single.

Night Rating

The Night Rating on a Private Pilot Licence allows the holder to fly during the hours of darkness under Visual Flight Rules. There is no flight test or written exam for this Rating.

Recreational Pilot Permit

The Recreational Pilot Permit (RPP) program is designed for those who want to become a pilot to fly recreationally or as a hobby. Although it is the quickest and most affordable route in learning to fly, the Recreational Pilot Permit is more restricted than the Private Pilot Licence.

  • Allowed to fly single engine aircraft with a maximum of four seats.
  • Restricted to flying VFR with one passenger.
  • May not be endorsed with any other ratings.
  • Can solo at 14.
  • Must be 16 to be licenced.
  • Must possess a Category 4 medical certificate.
  • Ground school is not required, however we recommend you take the course to ensure you will pass the written exam.
  • Minimum training requirements are 25 hours of flight training.

VFR Over-The-Top Rating

The VFR Over-The-Top Rating is designed for private pilots who want the ability to fly in more challenging weather situations. This training is included in all Commercial Pilot Licence programs.

The VFR Over-The-Top Rating consists of a minimum of 15 hours dual instrument flight instruction. It may include up to a maximum of 5 hours of instrument ground time.

There is no ground school requirement for the VFR Over-The-Top Rating. Your instructor will conduct a one-on-one briefing regarding instrument flying techniques and human factors considerations.