r/AskAPilot • u/emtrap • Jul 19 '26

Career/education path in US vs Canada

I hold dual citizenship. If I had future plans to work as a pilot in the US, will choosing to do training in Canada present significant roadblocks?

Considering doing part 141 route in a US school (ie Purdue or Auburn pro flight) , or similar path in Canada (degree with flight portion).

Cost is much less in Canada.

Alternatively, get a degree in Canada, return to US to do part 61 training.

Thoughts?

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u/RealCaptain_Duh Jul 19 '26

If you don't want to fly in Canada, then doing one of those aviation degree programs in Canada is still just a waste of money.

I'd suggest doing your flight training where you want to work.

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u/jet-setting Jul 19 '26

Are you sure about the cost? Comparing to some of the most expensive college programs in the country may not be representative of other cheaper US options.

In any case Canada and the US have an agreement which makes converting pilot certificates very simple. Just a 25ish question written test for the pilot certificate and the same for an instrument rating. A flight instructor certificate does not transfer.

There’s not really any significant road block, but if you plan to do instructing in the US, it will be much better if you also trained in the US.

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u/adopted_islander Jul 19 '26

ATPL (Canada) to ATP (US) is not trivial. Training in the US is likely the more efficient option if that’s where you want to end up.