Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Canadian Flight School

Study & Prep
May 03, 2026•3 min read

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Canadian Flight School

Choosing a flight school is one of the biggest early decisions an aviation student will make. The right school can make training clearer, more organized, and more realistic. The wrong fit can create delays, confusion, and unexpected costs.

This guide gives practical questions to ask before choosing a Canadian flight school — including where ROC-A fits.

Quick links: Free ROC-A Study Hub • Free ROC-A Quiz • Book ROC-A

Quick answer

Before choosing a flight school, ask about training goals, aircraft availability, instructor availability, costs, weather delays, ground school, medical requirements, student pilot permit process, PSTAR, ROC-A timing, and graduate outcomes.

Start with Transport Canada’s school selection advice

Transport Canada says students should identify aviation goals, use the Flight Training Units Search, review school information, visit schools on a short list, and ask detailed questions about aircraft, personnel, facilities, and policies.

Official source: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/licensing-pilots-personnel/getting-trained-pilot-crew-member/how-select-flying-school

Transport Canada also provides general information on flying schools, approved flight training units, aircraft simulators, flight training devices, and flight test guides.

Source: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/licensing-pilots-personnel/getting-trained-pilot-crew-member

Questions about training goals

Ask:

  • Do you train PPL only, or also CPL and instructor rating?
  • Can students train part-time or full-time?
  • What is the expected timeline for a typical student?
  • What causes most student delays?
  • What does a realistic budget look like?

Questions about aircraft and instructors

Ask:

  • How many training aircraft are available?
  • How often are aircraft unavailable due to maintenance?
  • How many instructors are currently active?
  • Can students stay with the same instructor?
  • What is the instructor-to-student ratio?

Questions about costs

Ask:

  • What is included in the quoted price?
  • What is not included?
  • Are ground school, exams, books, headset, medical, ROC-A, PSTAR, and flight test fees extra?
  • What happens if I need more hours than the minimum?

Questions about ROC-A and radio training

Ask:

  • When should I complete ROC-A?
  • Do you require ROC-A before solo or before radio operation?
  • How do you teach radio communication?
  • Do you provide phraseology practice?
  • Can I complete ROC-A externally before training begins?

ISED describes ROC-A as a radio operator certificate for aircraft pilots and others who may operate radios using aeronautical band frequencies.

Source: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/licences-and-certificates/radio-authorizations/radio-operator-certification/restricted-operator-certificate-aeronautical-roc

Questions about student support

Ask:

  • How do you support students who struggle with radio calls?
  • How do you track progress?
  • How often do students receive written feedback?
  • Who helps with licensing paperwork?
  • What happens if an instructor leaves?

Where ROCALicence.com fits

ROCALicence.com lets students complete ROC-A without waiting for a school schedule. Students can study free, practise, and book when ready.

Helpful links

Final takeaway

Do not choose a flight school only by price or convenience. Ask detailed questions, compare answers, and complete small administrative items like ROC-A early so training starts with less friction.

Start ROC-A free: https://rocalicence.com/study-hub
Book when ready: https://rocalicence.com/roca

General educational information only. Confirm all school, licensing, and cost details directly with the flight school and official sources.

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Lesley Pinto

Lesley Pinto

ISED-appointed ROC-A examiner helping candidates complete aviation radio licensing in Canada.

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