Pilot Currency
The Canadian Aviation Regulations tell us that pilots must have:
Note: you can check the expiry date on your booklet’s information page. If you don’t have one, consider contacting your regional Flight Crew Licensing office.
How to stay current
In addition to meeting the requirements above, pilots must also stay current. Here’s how:
Every 6 months:
Pilots who wish to carry 1 or more passengers must complete at least 5 takeoffs and 5 landings in the category and class* of aircraft in which they carry passengers
Pilots who wish to carry passengers at night must complete 5 takeoffs and 5 landings at night
*Class refers to whether the aircraft is meant for land or sea, whether it is single-engine or multi-engine, etc.
Every 2 years, you must complete one of these training activities:
Complete a flight review with an instructor
Participate in a Transport Canada-approved recurrent training program
Complete the self-paced study program, which is updated each year
Complete a training program or pilot proficiency check required by Part IV, VI or VII of the Canadian Aviation Regulations
Complete the requirements for the issue or renewal of a licence, permit or rating
Pass the written exam for a licence, permit or rating
Every 5 years, you must fly as pilot-in-command or co-pilot at least once in a category** of aircraft for which you’re licensed.
Pilots who do not complete this requirement must:
successfully complete a flight review with an instructor, and
pass the Student Pilot Permit or Private Pilot Licence for Foreign and Military Applicants, Air Regulations examination
**Category refers to whether the aircraft is a glider, airplane, helicopter, balloon, gyroplane, etc.
This is a summary of the CARs; for the full requirements in greater detail, see the Canadian Aviation Regulations, 421.05.