We often get asked this question, and the simple answer is No.

The program cost estimate is as the name implies – Estimate. This is our best guess – based on the current factors and the Transport Canada licensing requirement what it would approximately cost to fulfil those requirements on a full-time program. This is a budget number.

But we recommend students to plan on a having a buffer shall you need additional resources for your training.

The program cost estimate typically includes:

• Program tuition
• The specified in the estimate number of hours of flight time
• Books packages as listed
• Theory courses as listed
• Exams as listed – 1 attempt each
• Anything else that is listed in your desired program’s cost estimate

Make sure you review your cost estimate in detail, incl. the list of items and quantities included, as well as the legend that specifies some non-included items and costs as well as the payment plan.

You will also find more details about included and excluded cost in our CFC Student Handbook – available on the “About Us” page of the website and attached to your information package email.

Examples of what is usually not included in the program cost estimate are:

• GST – 5% Canadian government tax charges (not optional)
• Student enrolment fees and admin fees – variable for domestic/international student and the training being done
• Exams retest if you need more than one attempt
• Extension fee and fuel upcharge if you do your program longer than the standard program duration. We usually build in 1-2 months buffer on the program duration for weather and aircraft contingencies, but beyond that it’s your performance based. Study full time and minimize the duration-driven cost.
• Upgrade to a bigger aircraft – this is typically optional, but you should expect to need a bigger aircraft if your weight over 200 lbs (90kg)
• Additional instructor time, beyond the time included in the cost estimate – on the ground or in the air. The more prepared you are, and the better you perform, the less instructor time you need.
• Additional aircraft time, if you need to pass the exams or simply want more than the Transport Canada required amount for licensing purposes (optional, performance driven)
• Additional books and pilot store items not included (optional). Your program cost estimate includes all the books you’ll need for studies though.
• Express license processing by an Authorized Person (optional)
• Headset rental after the first solo. Up to the first solo it is included at no charge. We recommend you buy your own, once you have tried a few different ones during your first flights.
• Airport pickup upon arrival (optional)

Again please refer to the CFC Student Handbook, as well as your Program’s cost estimate for more explanations and specific details. Ask questions – we are happy to answer.

And beyond that – do your homework, study hard and consistent. The more consistent effort you put in your studies, the less it will end up costing to your bank account.