Become a pilot
Are you interested in becoming a pilot, or are you looking for a career in the aviation industry? Discover your options at Waterloo.
Geography and Aviation
Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES)
Waterloo’s Geography and Aviation program, offered by the Faculty of Environment, takes a unique approach to aviation studies. You’ll explore the field from the perspective of a geographer and commercial pilot.
In your geography classes, you’ll learn to interpret weather patterns, identify land formations, read multi-layer maps, and use tools such as geographic information systems and remote sensing. You can also add specializations in Climate Change, Earth Systems Science, Geomatics, and Economy and Society.
Learn more about Geography and Aviation program on the Undergraduate Program website.
Science and Aviation
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
The Science and Aviation program, offered by the Faculty of Science, is designed to provide a strong science and technology base for careers in the aviation and aerospace industries. Earn your Commercial Pilot Licence in a program that provides advanced flight training while learning about the world underneath you.
Your core science education will be supplemented with courses that include cartography, climatology, geographic information systems, aerodynamics, and remote sensing.
Learn more about Science and Aviation program on the Undergraduate Program website.
Flight training
In addition to your university courses, you will receive one-on-one in-aircraft flight training with a flight instructor, complemented with Preparatory Ground Instruction (PGI), as well as professional pilot theory courses taught by a Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC) instructor. Upon completing your degree, you will possess Transport Canada pilot qualifications (Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Multi-Engine Rating, and Instrument (IFR) Rating). Learn more about our flight training.
Milestones
Year 1
- Radiotelephone Operator’s Restricted Certificate (Aeronautical)
- Your "First Solo"
- Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
Year 4
- Multi-Crew Coordination
- SAMRA and SARON exams
At the end of your program, you will receive 205+ hours of total flight time.
Sequence
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Study | Study and fly | Study and fly | Study |
| Winter | Study and fly | Study and fly | Study and fly | Study or graduated |
| Spring | Fly, study optional | Fly, study optional | Fly, study optional | Graduate |