Ground School Taught by Working Airline Pilots

PPL and CPL ground school built and taught by an active Airbus captain. Letter of Recommendation, official records, and a 7-day free trial.

Our Best Selling Pilot Training Ground Schools

Private pilot ground school online in Canada

Private Pilot Ground School

Your first licence — 60+ hours, PSTAR and ROC-A courses included. No prerequisites, no experience needed.

From $199 · 7-day free trial
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Commercial pilot ground school for the CPAER exam

Commercial Pilot Ground School

80+ hours for the CPAER — Multi-Engine and Night Rating courses included. Taught by an airline captain.

From $199 · 7-day free trial
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ROC-A radio operator's certificate course for pilots and drone operators

Radio Operator's Certificate (ROC-A)

For pilots, drone operators, and airport workers — taught by ISED examiners. Take your official exam with us too.

$24.95 · Exam booking available
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Night rating ground training for Canadian pilots

Night Rating

Fly after dark — night operations, human factors, lighting, and emergencies. Included free with the CPL course.

$39.95 · Instant access
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Also available: Multi-Engine Ground School  ·  Free PSTAR Course

Ground School Highlights

Student Testimonials

Online Ground School in Canada — Common Questions

Everything students ask before enrolling.

Is online ground school accepted by Transport Canada?

Yes. Transport Canada sets the ground school requirements — it doesn't "approve" individual schools — and our online ground school courses meet those requirements in full. You receive an official record of ground school completion and a Letter of Recommendation when you pass our exams, which is what you need to write your Transport Canada written exam. Our courses are accepted by flight schools across Canada, and Canadian Flight Trainers is approved as an Educational Institution by ESDC.

How much does ground school cost in Canada?

In-person ground school at a flight school typically costs $400 or more, on a fixed classroom schedule. Our online ground school starts at $199 for both the Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot courses, with a 7-day free trial — and because the lessons transfer directly to your flight training, good ground school reduces the number of expensive aircraft hours you need.

Can I start ground school before choosing a flight school?

Yes — and it's one of the smartest ways to start. Ground school has no prerequisites, so you can begin online today, from home, before you've flown a single lesson. Many of our students complete much of their ground school first, then arrive at flight training prepared. We also partner with flight schools across Canada, so your instructors can follow your ground school progress alongside your flying.

How long does online ground school take?

Our courses are self-paced — the Private Pilot Ground School includes 60+ hours of instruction and the Commercial Pilot Ground School includes 80+ hours, which you can spread over weeks or months depending on your schedule. Enrolment options run from 4 months to a full year, with extensions available if you need more time.

Who teaches the courses?

Working airline pilots. Our courses were built and are taught by an active Airbus captain who is also a Class 1 flight instructor — the highest instructor rating in Canada — supported by a team of flight instructors and ISED-accredited examiners. When you have a question, a real pilot answers it, usually the same day.

Is there a free trial?

Yes — student enrolments in our ground school courses include a 7-day free trial, so you can work through real lessons before you're charged. You can also try our free PSTAR course or the free ground school sample course with no payment details required.

In Partnership with Flight Schools Across Canada

Who We Are

Online Ground School Logo

Canadian Flight Trainers is an online ground school built and taught by working airline pilots — current, practical material for the pilot you’re becoming, not just the exam you’re writing. Approved as an Educational Institution by ESDC, accepted by Transport Canada, and all flight schools in Canada, Canadian Flight Trainers bridges the gap between ground school and flying.

Online Ground School - Why Pick Our Courses

Created by Active Airline Pilots

All of our courses are taught by active and practicing professional airline pilots in the aviation industry. They have the experience to back up the practical knowledge they are teaching. Learn how to be a Commercial Pilot from pilots who practice what they preach.

Productivity

We allow you to plan your day, be more productive at home or at the beach. No unnecessary trips to the airport 1 hour away. Balance your commitments and life at home with your flight training. Our courses are made by professionals, so no wasted time — every lesson maps to your flight training.

Transport Canada Compliant

All of our courses go above and beyond Transport Canada's compliance standards. You will be ready for all of Transport Canada's Exams with our multiple practice tests and many of assessment tasks. You will pass your exams with ease.

Research Based Methods and Support

Our ground school courses were designed using a 21st Century Framework for learning. Our qualified Flight Instructors will monitor your course progress, and are on standby to answer questions and support your journey of learning every step of the way.

Pilot Training with Canadian Flight Trainers Saves You Money

Pilot Training Flight Training and From the Ground Up

Our practical online ground school courses reduce the cost of your flight training because our online pilot training lessons are directly transferable to aircraft flight lessons, meaning that you can spend less time and money in an aircraft learning something you already know. With our flight instructor support, we’ll help you learn about flying an airplane before you even step into one.

ISED-Accredited Examiners on Staff

Study for your ROC-A and take the official exam — all in one place.

Remote 30-minute video exams, available in English and French, from anywhere in Canada.

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Try a Free Course First

Free Ground School Sample Course

Real lessons from our PPL and CPL courses — see exactly how we teach before you enrol. No payment details required.

100% Free
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PSTAR Exam Preparation Course

Everything you need to pass the PSTAR before your first solo — rated 5.0 by students, and completely free.

100% Free
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Free Knowledge From the Flight Deck

Guides written by working pilots — read by thousands of Canadian aviators every month.

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Airline captain Daniel Gustin on a documentary set as an aviation expert

CFT founder Daniel Gustin on set as an aviation expert

The Pilot Behind the Courses

Taught by a Captain the Networks Call

Canadian Flight Trainers was founded by Daniel Gustin — an active Airbus captain, Class 1 flight instructor, and ISED-accredited examiner who appears as an aviation expert on national television and in print.

When the media needs aviation explained clearly, they call a working pilot. When you're learning to fly, you deserve the same standard — every CFT course is built and taught by pilots who fly for a living.

Learn more about our aviation expertise →