Pilot, Captain

About the Job

Are you passionate about flying and love the idea of traveling across the skies? A Pilot–Captain is the leader in the flight deck, responsible for safely flying passengers or cargo from one place to another. In Canada, Captains fly domestic and international routes for airlines, cargo carriers, private charter services, and more.

This is a high-responsibility job that requires great focus, leadership, and flying experience. As a Captain, you’ll be in charge of the entire flight crew and are the final authority on the aircraft.

Main Responsibilities

As a Captain, your duties include:

• Flying the aircraft safely, from takeoff to landing

• Planning flight paths, altitudes, and fuel requirements

• Checking weather forecasts and flight conditions

• Communicating with air traffic control (ATC) during the flight

• Aircraft examinations before and after each flight

• Managing the flight crew, including the First Officer and the cabin crew

• Handling emergency situations or changes during the flight

• Making final decisions about flight safety

• Writing flight reports and logging hours

• Ensuring the aircraft complies with all aviation rules and regulations

Work Environment

Captains in Canada typically fly for:

• Commercial airlines (like Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines)

• Regional airlines (such as PAL Airlines or Air North)

• Charter companies (serving mining camps, oil fields, and remote areas)

• Cargo companies (like Cargojet or FedEx)

• Corporate/private jets (business flights for private clients)

Most Captains work on rotating schedules, which may include weekends, holidays, and night shifts. Flight hours are regulated for safety, so you’ll also have regular rest periods.

Skills and Qualifications

Must-Have:

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)
• Any Category 1 Medical Certificate issued by Transport Canada

• Minimum required flight hours (usually 1,500+ hours total for a Captain role)

• Strong communication and leadership skills

• Capacity to make rapid and sound decisions

• Excellent knowledge of aircraft systems and aviation regulations

• Ability to stay calm under pressure

Nice to Have:

• Experience with specific aircraft types (Boeing, Airbus, Dash-8, etc.)

• Previous First Officer experience with the same airline

• College or university aviation training (optional but helpful)

• French/English bilingual skills (important for some Canadian airlines)

Typical Career Path

To become a Captain, most pilots follow this path:

1. Earn a Private Pilot License (PPL)
2. Complete Commercial Pilot Training and gain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
3. Training in Aircraft to become a First Officer with an airline (co-pilot)
4. Flight Hours: Work as a Flight Instructor or Bush Pilot
5. After gaining experience and meeting airline requirements, get promoted to Captain
6. Some Captains start in the military or fly in remote parts of Canada before moving into commercial aviation.

Job Outlook in Canada

The demand for professional pilots in Canada is strong. With many senior pilots retiring and the aviation industry growing again after COVID-19, airlines are hiring more pilots than ever.

• Retirement: Many senior Captains are retiring, creating new openings.

• Regional demand: Airlines in remote regions (like the North) often need experienced Captains.

• Flight schools: Some Canadian pilots work as instructors or examiners to stay active in aviation.

Pay and Benefits

Salary depends on experience, employer, and aircraft type.

Example Range:

• Entry-level Captain (small aircraft): $90,000–$120,000

• Mid-career Captain (regional jet): $120,000–$150,000

• Senior Captain (international airline): $150,000–$180,000+

Other Benefits:

• Travel perks (free or discounted flights)

• Medical and dental coverage

• Pension or retirement savings plan

• Paid vacation and sick leave

• Training and upgrade opportunities

Work-Life Balance

Being a pilot comes with a unique lifestyle. While it offers adventure and good pay, the job also includes long hours, time away from home, and irregular schedules. Many Captains enjoy the job’s variety, but it’s important to have good time management and support from family or loved ones.

Tips for Success

• Keep learning: Aviation changes fast. Stay current with rules, weather, and technology.

• Stay healthy: You must pass regular medical exams, so good health is important.

• Build hours safely: Experience matters. Focus on safe and professional flying.

• Stay professional: Captains are leaders and role models in aviation.

• Be flexible: You might move or travel a lot, especially early in your career.

How to Apply

If you meet the requirements and are ready to lead from the cockpit, apply directly with airlines or through aviation job websites in Canada. Popular sites include:

• Workopolis

• Indeed Canada

• AvCanada.ca

• Company websites (Air Canada, WestJet, PAL, etc.)

Have your resume, licenses, medical certificates, and references ready. Many employers also ask for a Simulator Assessment or a Technical Interview during the hiring process.

Conclusion

Being a Pilot – Captain in Canada is a rewarding career for those with a love for aviation, strong decision-making skills, and the ability to handle responsibility. It takes training, dedication, and experience—but it offers a career full of excitement, leadership, and high earning potential.

If you’re already a First Officer or an experienced pilot looking to take the next step, becoming a Captain is the natural progression. Canada’s wide skies and diverse aviation industry make it an ideal place to grow your flying career.