International Students - FAQ’s

Where are we located?

Spectrum Airways is located at Burlington Executive Airport in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. We are approximately 30 minutes West of Toronto.

How long will this take, and what will it cost?

Please visit our International Student Program Outline page here. This program is intended to be completed within 24 months.

How do I apply for a student visa?

This process should be started as soon as possible. The application must be completed EXACTLY as they require, or it may not be accepted. It is recommended you allow at least two months for the application process prior to your proposed start date at Spectrum Airways. You must show that you have adequate monetary funds available to you to pay tuition fees, maintain yourself and dependants who go to Canada and to pay return transportation costs without engaging in employment in Canada. We will provide you with a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to Spectrum Airways and a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), which you will need for the Visa application process. Please apply to the Canadian Embassy or Consulate that is located closest to you.

Important things to note:

  • You do not need a study permit if you plan to take a course or program in Canada that lasts six months or less. 

  • You must complete the course or program within the period authorized for your stay in Canada. 

  • Spectrum Airways will require a copy of your student visa and passport; however no original copies will be held.

  • Starting November 8, 2024, you must be enrolled in the designated learning institution (DLI) named on your study permit. This means you can no longer change DLIs through your online account. To change DLIs, you need to apply for a new study permit.

Do we offer accommodations?

Although Spectrum Airways does not offer accommodations, we will do our best to help international students find suitable accommodations in the area. You can check out Canada Homestays Network by clicking here to find more information about a Homestay. We can also put you in contact with a local real estate agent who can help.

Do we offer transportation?

Spectrum Airways does not offer transportation, however we do our best to accommodate students. Many of our students arrange carpooling together. Some students have obtained an International Driver’s Permit from their home country.

What programs do we offer?

Spectrum Airways offers the following programs:

  • Canadian PPL (Private Pilot Licence) 

  • Canadian CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) 

  • Canadian Multi Rating (in a Piper Seneca – PA-34) 

  • Canadian Single IFR (in a Cessna 172 – C-172 and Piper Warrior - PA 28) 

  • Canadian Multi IFR (in a Piper Seneca – PA-34)

  • International Students will be enrolled in our Advanced Commercial Licence Program, which combines a PPL + CPL + Multi IFR. ISP Program graduates also have the option to complete an Instructor Rating.

When can I start my program?

ISP candidates will be subject to pre-set start dates. Please visit the International Student Program page for further information.

What are the costs?

Please refer to the ISP section of our website for a detailed breakdown of the costs.

How does payment work?

For international students, we require a $20,000 payment upon acceptance into our program. These funds will be utilized throughout the first term of your training. Subsequent payments are outlined on our ISP Outline page.

Do our aircraft meet the DGCA requirements?

The DGCA currently recognizes all Spectrum Airways aircraft for the Indian Licence conversion. However changes to their approval standards are subject to change and it is the students responsibility to be familiar with the DGCA requirements. Do not get tricked into thinking that a Cessna 150, or a Piper Seminole is the same. The DGCA will NOT recognize those other aircraft. Please visit the DGCA website for further information. It is highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the DCGA requirements to ensure a quick license conversion for your arrival home.

Do you offer Radio Telephony Licence?

We offer the test for the Radio Telephony licence on-site.

What are the prerequisites?

You must have a good grasp of the English language, meaning you must be able to speak, read, and write in English. As a result, we require a passing grade of at least a 6.0 on the IELTS English proficiency test prior to acceptance at Spectrum. These skills will be required, upon your arrival in Canada, to pass your Transport Canada English proficiency exam. Besides our English requirements we do not have any other academic prerequisites.

Can I convert my foreign
PPL licence into a Canadian Licence?

Yes, you can convert your PPL licence into a Canadian PPL. We have outlined the steps under the Licence Conversion here.

Canadian Study Permit - Exceptions

In some cases, you do not require a study permit to go to school in Canada.

Studying a Short-Term Course or Program - You do not need a study permit if you plan to take a course or program in Canada that lasts six months or less. You must complete the course or program within the period authorized for your stay in Canada.

Foreign Representatives to Canada - If you are a family member or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD), you may not need a permit to study in Canada. You should contact your embassy in Canada. Your embassy can contact the Office of Protocol at DFATD to find out whether you need a study permit.

Members of Foreign Armed Forces - If you are a member of a foreign armed force under the Visiting Forces Act, you do not need a permit to study in Canada. If your family members, including minor children, want to study in Canada, they must meet the requirements.

Foreign Nationals Who Are Registered Indian Status in Canada - If you are a citizen of another country who has Registered First Nation status in Canada, you do not need a permit to study in Canada.