How to Become a Helicopter Pilot for the Canadian Coast Guard

The General Aviation Branch of Transport Canada administers all pilot licenses.

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) is part of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). CCG helps ensure the safety of marine traffic and protect maritime trade and commerce. It also investigates and responds to emergency oil spills. The CCG employs a fleet of 22 helicopters in daily operations. Although the Coast Guard relies on helicopter fleets, it doesn't train pilots. There are schools and organizations throughout Canada that conduct training for aspiring helicopter pilots. In addition, everyone who flies in Canada must possess a pilot license.

Instructions

1. Enroll in a flying school. There are several flying schools throughout Canada that offer helicopter flight training, such as the Calgary Flight Training Centre, Aviation International Canada, Guardian Aerospace and Moncton Flight College. Pursue a commercial pilot course curriculum. Undergo a minimum of 200 hours flight time in which you pilot a helicopter.

2. Attend ground school. Ground school is the instructor-led, classroom instruction part of your training. The flying school conducts ground school. Complete a minimum of 80 hours of ground school after completing your flight time. Courses include Aerodynamics and Theory of Flight; Airframes, Engines and Systems; Flight Instruments; Meteorology; Navigation; and Radio and Electronic Theory.

3. Take the Transport Canada written exam and flight test. The exam you take is based on the type of helicopter license you're pursuing, such as the private pilot license, commercial pilot license and the airline transport pilot license. If you're obtaining a commercial pilot license for helicopters, the exam you take covers topics such as Air Law and Procedures; Airframes; Engines; Propellers; and Aircraft Systems. Pass with a minimum score of 70 percent.

4. Apply for your pilot license. Obtain application forms from Flight Training Units or Transport Canada Regional Offices. Include proof of your age, citizenship, medical fitness, knowledge, skill and experience requirements, as well as appropriate fees, with the application. Submit the completed application to a Transport Canada regional licensing office.

5. Seek employment with the Canadian Coast Guard. Review the current job openings on the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Canada website. Follow the online application process.

Tips & Warnings

• Proof of citizenship age include items such as a citizenship certificate and a birth certificate.

• Undergo a medical examination by a designated Civil Aviation Medical Examiner (CAME).

• Proof of your knowledge, skills and experience includes completion of flying school, pilot training record and a passing score on the written exam.

• The fee for a commercial pilot license is $80 as of early 2010.

References

• The Canadian Encyclopedia: Canadian Coast Guard
• Canadian Coast Guard: Helicopter Services Across America
• Canadian Coast Guard: How to Join the Canadian Coast Guard
• Transport Canada: How to Select a Flying School
• Transport Canada: General Information

Resources

• Public Service Commission: Search for Jobs