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A proudly Canadian Approach to ab initio flight training.
Three Canadian companies, CAE, Jazz Aviation LP (Jazz) and Cygnet Aviation Academy LP, have joined forces to offer individuals with little or no flight experience the best-in-class ab initio flight training in Canada. The Jazz Approach cadet program is underpinned by a Transport Canada-approved Integrated Airline Transport Pilot License (IATPL) training program, embedded with airline-oriented flight training, and taught by instructors with industry experience. Frequent mentorship by Jazz pilots and management, and a pathway to a career at Jazz with flow-through opportunities to Air Canada, make this the Canadian cadet program of choice!
Airline focused. Student friendly.

The Jazz Approach cadet program is based on a Transport Canada-approved Integrated Airline Transport Pilot License (IATPL) training program. Cadets will earn their Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Instrument Rating and Multi Engine Rating, before proceeding with an extensive transition program to prepare them for a CRJ Type Rating.

All ground school, flight hours, simulator training, first-time check rides, written exams and training materials required for successful completion of the program are included.

All on-aircraft training takes place at Cygnet Aviation Academy LP in Kingston, ON, while the CRJ Type Rating is conducted at CAE’s Training Center in Mississauga, ON.

For fees, funding and other programme details, please click here.

Interested?
Welcome to Cygnet Aviation Academy LP.

Based in the student-town of Kingston, Ontario, Cygnet Aviation Academy LP is a professional flight training operation specializing in airline cadet programs.

Owned by Chorus Aviation Inc. (which is also the parent company of Jazz), Cygnet Aviation Academy LP's mission is to provide safe, state-of-the-art flight training preparing First Officer ready candidates for Canadian airlines. Cygnet Aviation Academy LP utilizes a fleet of Diamond Aircraft supported by advanced flight simulation training.

Start here
Train in historic Kingston.

Kingston is a vibrant student town located at the beginning of the St. Lawrence River, halfway between Toronto and Montréal. Home to Queens University, Kingston boasts two film festivals and a vibrant downtown food and shopping scene. Kingston is a walkable city, where hidden alleyways contain antique markets and restaurant patios. Jazz Approach cadets benefit from Kingston’s affordable housing, large student community and array of activities on offer.

Flight training is conducted out of YGK; Kingston Airport. Two runways, an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and nearby practice areas make Kingston Airport an ideal base. The proximity to busy and complex airspace around Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa present cadet pilots with plenty of real-world training experiences.

Begin your application
Life at Jazz

Operating under the Air Canada Express brand, Jazz is Air Canada’s largest regional partner and one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People and Top Diversity Employers with a safe and award-winning operation.

With a fleet of 105 aircraft, Jazz is Canada's third-largest airline in terms of fleet size. Jazz flies to 71 destinations in Canada and the United States, operating approximately 450 flights daily, and carrying almost 9 million passengers annually.

As a Jazz Approach cadet, you are on track to join Jazz Aviation LP’s 4500 strong diverse and professional workforce. You will have the ability to fast-track your pilot by upgrading to captain within 5 years, or flowing through to Air Canada. The Jazz Approach leads to career success.

Take the next step
The Application Process

Make sure you are eligible: Canadian citizens or permanent residents with little or no previous flight experience are encouraged to apply. Candidates must posses a post-secondary degree or be able to show equivalent work experience.

Kick off your application by answering a few questions about your candidacy. As you proceed through the process, an assessment (at additional charge) and interviews may be required. If selected, a conditional letter of employment will be provided prior to commencing your training. After enrolling, you will begin your training at Cygnet Aviation Academy LP in Kingston for 18 months, before proceeding to the CAE Toronto Training Center in Mississauga, to complete your CRJ type rating in 2 months.

CIBC and Scotiabank provide financing to cover all program costs. Details are available here.

Ready to apply?

Let's get to know you.

Let's start off with a few questions to learn more about you and your eligibility for the programme. Once this step is completed and you qualify for the programme, you will be redirected to our application portal. Not ready to move forward? Talk to a training advisor. 

By submitting an application to CAE for the Jazz Approach programme:

  • I hereby agree to the terms of the Relevant Privacy Statement (when applicable) and to the processing of my personal data in accordance therewith and provide my consent, where required and agree that all information submitted by me may be used by CAE to determine my eligibility for any of its self-sponsored pilot training programmes and that such information may be transferred to any of the airlines participating in those programmes, to aviation authorities and/or to a third party for performing security and identity checks.
  • I understand and accept CAE’s Privacy Policy as outlined in this document.

Questions? Contact a training advisor.

Please reach out to us at [email protected] and a training advisor will be in touch.

Welcome to Jazz Approach.

Offered by CAE and Cygnet Aviation Academy LP, Jazz Approach is the first cadet program of its kind in Canada, offering candidates with no previous flight experience the required training to become an airline pilot with Jazz Aviation LP. Open to people with a post-secondary degree, diploma, or equivalent; legally entitled to work in Canada and able to obtain a Canadian Category 1 Medical Certificate, the 20-month program includes a Transport Canada approved iATPL program and a CRJ type rating in preparation for a first officer position at Jazz.

Supported by CAE

Launch a career supported by CAE, a world-class company, with over 75 years of high-tech leadership in training and simulation. Powered by 10,000 employees and 160 training locations in over 35 countries, CAE offers full pilot life cycle training, professional instructors and exceptional aftercare programmes.
Learn more about CAE