Diploma in Aircraft Piloting is a diploma in Aviation Studies programme taught at Cégep de Chicoutimi in Saguenay, Canada. The programme runs for 3 years.
At a glance
Degree:Diploma
Field:Aviation Studies
Duration: 3 years
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Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
Aircraft Piloting is a technical Diploma of College Studies (DEC technique) offered at Cegep de Chicoutimi through its specialized aviation campus, the Centre québécois de formation aéronautique (CQFA), and runs over three years. Students follow a shared general and specialized curriculum before choosing, in the second year, one of three specialization streams: Multi-Engine Instrument piloting for students aiming toward airline careers, Floatplane piloting for bush-pilot careers, or Helicopter piloting; the number of places in each stream depends on available instructional and aircraft resources, and selection considers performance in theory and flight coursework. Specialized flight training in the chosen stream continues through the third year. The program uses a fleet of more than twenty aircraft, including single- and twin-engine planes, floatplanes equipped for water or skis, and helicopters, along with flight simulators that include a Boeing 737-800 simulator. Graduates earn a commercial pilot licence along with ratings tied to their chosen specialization. The program suits students who can manage complex tasks with strong analytical skills, adapt well to a dynamic environment, and are ready to take on significant responsibility.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Admission requires a Quebec Secondary School Diploma (DES) meeting Cegep de Chicoutimi's general conditions: Langue d'enseignement and Langue seconde at Secondary V, Mathematiques at Secondary IV, Science et technologie (or Applications technologiques et scientifiques) at Secondary IV, and Histoire et education a la citoyennete at Secondary IV, or an accepted equivalency route. On top of these general conditions, this Centre quebecois de formation aeronautique (CQFA) programme requires Mathematiques Technico-sciences or Sciences naturelles and Physique, both at Secondary V (Mathematiques 536 and Physique 534 for diplomas before June 2010, or Adult Education modules completed by March 1). The college recommends results above 80-85% but sets no fixed minimum average. Selection is highly competitive: an eligibility phase confirms Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, Quebec residency and French proficiency; paid written exams follow (CAD 115 in 2027); then interviews and computerised aptitude testing for the roughly 120 candidates who advance; and a Transport Canada Category 1 medical, including corrected distance vision of 6/6 and uncorrected vision of at least 6/60 per eye. Only the top 40 candidates are offered a seat yearly, ~10 more wait-listed; ADHD-medicated and international candidates are not eligible.
Application Details
Application Deadline:Fall intake only (no winter round) per the 2026-2027 SRASL programme table; fall 2026 rounds closed 1 March, 1 May, 1 June and early August 2026, and fall 2027 dates are not yet published.
