Kanata Aviation Training — Learn to Fly, High River AB
High River, AB  ·  30 min south of Calgary

Learn to fly in the shadow of the Rockies

Professional pilot training from zero hours to Multi-IFR & Commercial.

Home FieldCEN4 Foothills Regional (High River)
FleetDA20 · DA40 · PA23
From Zero ToCPL · Multi-IFR
AccreditationPCC · DLI
Licensed Private Career College Alberta Student Aid Provider Designated Learning Institution (DLI) Flight operations seven days per week · Office hours 08:00–16:00
Why Kanata

A new outlook on pilot training

Kanata Aviation was born from a simple passion: to help aspiring pilots reach their goal without the delays, hidden costs, and waiting-time that hold so many students back.

We're owner-run — no investors, just honest training. Our Chief Flight Instructor is a Class 1 instructor with thousands of hours of instructing and commercial experience across North America, setting the standard for consistency and quality across every lesson.

Based at High River (CEN4) just off Highway 2, you skip the congestion of busy controlled fields — meaning more time in the air per hour you pay for. When you're ready, you'll progress into Calgary and Lethbridge airspace and even cross-border flights, so you graduate with real, top-class experience.

A Kanata flight instructor and student walking across the ramp toward a Diamond DA20 trainer at High River Airport.

Little to no wait time

A large main runway and modern GPS approach mean you're in the air fast — training to commercial standards without excessive controlled-traffic delays.

Maintenance on-field

Aircraft maintenance organizations are based at the airport — less downtime, no waiting for aircraft to be ferried elsewhere or for a mobile engineer to arrive.

Purpose-built facility

Classroom, flight-planning room, briefing rooms, certified simulator, and lounge with a view of the main runway.

Trained your way

Flexible start dates and scheduling structured for cost and efficiency.

Training Programs

From first flight to certified commercial pilot

A clear path from your very first lesson to a professional flying career. Combine your training and you can reach PPL, Multi-IFR and CPL.

A Diamond DA20 on short final, landing over the runway threshold at High River. Stage 01 · Private

Private Pilot Licence

Fly for pleasure — or take the essential first step toward a flying career. Complete in as little as four months with flexible attendance.

  • Min. age17 licence
  • MedicalCategory 3
  • Ground schoolOnline
  • Flight trainingAvg. 60–70 hours
Enquire
A Diamond DA20 backlit by a low sun on the ramp at High River Airport. Stage 02 · Career

Commercial Pilot Licence

For those pursuing aviation as a profession. Build toward the 200 total hours you'll need, with full support through hour-building and solo time.

  • Min. age18 years
  • MedicalCategory 1
  • Ground schoolOnline
  • Flight training65 hrs min.
  • Total time200 hrs
Enquire
A Piper Aztec twin-engine aircraft parked on the grass, the type used for multi-engine training. Stage 03 · Advanced

Advanced Training

Take yourself to the next level. Combine ratings for the most cost-effective use of your time and budget.

  • Instrument RatingIFR privileges
  • Multi-EnginePiper PA23
  • Night RatingAvailable
  • Instructor RatingAvailable
Enquire
Transparent Pricing

Know the full picture

No hidden charges — always ask for the full breakdown. Times quoted are Transport Canada minimums; real-world hours are usually higher, and we'll always be straight with you about it.

Combine your training. It's possible to obtain your PPL, Multi-IFR and CPL together in around 215 hours — the best possible outcome for your budget and timeline. That figure is possible for full-time students with consistent attendance; part-time and less consistent schedules should expect averages to run longer. Establish your end goal early, set high standards from day one, and use every flight hour wisely.
ProgrammeIncludesIndicative cost
PPL
Private Pilot Licence
Flight & instructor time, flight test fee, ground school + student pack, English & PSTAR & ROC-A exams, TC fees $25k–$30kEstimated
CPL
Commercial Pilot Licence
Flight & instructor time, flight test fee, ground school, TC & examiner fees, licence issuance $35,000with hour-building
Single-Engine Instrument Rating
IFR privileges
Flight time (in aircraft), instructor time, flight test fee, ground school, TC & examiner fees $12,000Estimated
Multi-Engine Instrument Rating
IFR privileges
Flight time (in aircraft), instructor time, flight test fee, ground school, TC & examiner fees $12,000Estimated
Night Rating
Fly after sunset
10 hrs flight time, instructor time, 5 hrs ground school, TC fees $5,500Estimated
Multi-Engine
Piper PA23
~10 hrs flight time, 10 hrs instructor time, ground school, TC fees $10,500Estimated
Instructor Rating
Teach others to fly
30 hrs flight time, 30 hrs instructor time, 25 hrs ground school min., TC fees $13,100Estimated

Figures are indicative averages and depend on your ability, commitment, availability and weather. Contact us for a full, personalised breakdown.

ALSim AL250 · Flight Training Device

Train on the ground, save in the air

The AL250 is a leading flight-training device used by schools worldwide — and it's here in High River, ready to make your training more effective and more affordable.

  • Log instrument time toward your PPL, CPL and Instrument Rating
  • Complete instrument renewals without leaving the ground
  • Keep progressing on bad-weather days and stay on track
  • Reduce costs and review challenging manoeuvres on the ground
Call for current pricing
Come See For Yourself

Not sure yet? Come take a look

You don't have to commit to anything to get started. The owners genuinely love showing people around and talking through every question you've got — in person at the hangar or over the phone.

In Person

Tour the school

Walk the hangar, see the aircraft and ground-school facility, and get a real feel for the place before you decide — no pressure, no sales pitch. Just book a time that works for you.

We'd love to show you around
By Phone

Talk to the owners

Call and get honest, straight answers about training, timelines and cost — as much information as you need. You'll be speaking with the people who'll actually train you.

Call 1 403 463 0829
International Students

Welcome from anywhere

Kanata is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and an Alberta Student Aid provider — so we're set up to support students coming to Canada for their training.

  • Designated Learning Institution for study-permit purposes
  • Uncongested airspace and reliable Alberta flying weather
  • A licensed Private Career College for post-secondary education
Contact us before enrolling
Ground School

Study online, then fly

Start your medical and ground-school study before your first lesson. We recommend these online providers to get your written knowledge in hand.

Questions

Before you start

How much does it cost to get my licence?

A PPL starts around $20,500, with most students spending $22,000–$28,000 depending on how many hours they need. A full CPL path averages about $35,000. The biggest factors are your availability, commitment and the weather — we'll always give you a full breakdown with no hidden charges.

How long will it take?

A PPL can be completed in as little as four months, though three to twelve months is typical depending on your commitment. The Transport Canada minimum is 45 flight hours; the Canadian average is around 62.

What do I need before my first flight?

To start training you should have your medical and your ground-school study underway. For a PPL you'll need a Category 3 medical; a CPL requires a Category 1 medical. We'll help you line everything up.

Where exactly are you located?

High River Airport (CEN4), 117 North Airport Close, just off Highway 2 and less than 30 minutes south of Calgary. It's an uncongested field with a large main runway and a GPS approach — ideal for making the most of every training hour.

Do you take international students?

Yes. We're a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and can support students coming to Canada to train. Please contact us before enrolling so we can guide you through the requirements.

Let your adventure begin

Get in touch

For admission information, call us Monday–Friday 08:00–18:00 or Saturday 08:00–13:00 — or send a message and we'll get back to you.

Find us
117 North Airport Close, High River Airport
High River, Alberta  T0L 0P0
Contact hours
Flight ops: 7 days/week
Office hours: 08:00–16:00
CEN4 · 50°34′N 113°52′W · 30 min S of YYC

Send a message

Opens in your email app · or call 1 403 463 0829