Ascension Academy with Air Transat – Frequently Asked Questions

1.1 What are the pre-requisites to apply to the Ascension Academy with Air Transat?

The pre-requisites for this program are listed on the website, www.cae.com/airtransat and are as follows;

•  Citizenship: Legally entitled to work in Canada, and a citizen or permanent resident of Canada. In the latter case, you must be able to obtain and maintain crew visa documentation required to operate aircraft internationally.

•  Minimum Education: High School

•  Minimum Age: 18 years old (at the start of training)

•  Physical & Medical Requirements:

Must be able to obtain a Category 1 Medical Certificate issued by Transport Canada (TC). Information on the TC Medical can be found here.

Must be able to pass a medical exam by Air Transat (details will be provided during application process).  

•  Language Skills: Fluency in English, both written & spoken; the equivalent of an ICAO level 4 English Language proficiency or better. French proficiency is preferred.

 

1.2 How do I apply to Ascension Academy with Air Transat?  

You can submit an application online by selecting “Apply Now” on the righthand side of the webpage: www.cae.com/airtransat.

You will be required to enter personal information, answer a number of questions and submit the following 4 documents;

1. Passport information page (with Canadian PR card if applicable)
2. Resume
3. Cover Letter
4. A copy of your high school diploma, OR a copy of the degree or diploma of the highest level of education you have achieved (Cégep, College, University).    

Please be advised that CAE will only review applications that are completed in full.  Applicants who meet the minimum eligibility criteria will be contacted by CAE within 2 weeks of their application with assessment instructions. 

 

1.3 I am currently in high school. Can I apply before I graduate?

Holding a high school or equivalent is a requirement and must be provided as part of your application. It is strongly recommended that you wait to apply until you have graduated.

If you are expecting to graduate within 3 months or less, you may apply. It is recommended that you provide evidence of your expected course completion date and diploma or equivalent which you are expected to receive.

Please note, you will be required to submit your high school diploma as proof of your graduation, prior to the start of training.   

 

1.4 What do I need to know about the assessments for the Ascension Academy with Air Transat?

Once your application documents are received and reviewed, eligible applicants will receive a link to pay for their online assessment. The online assessment costs USD 200. This fee is non-refundable. Once you have paid the fee, you will receive an email containing a link to complete an online assessment. This email also contains a digital handbook outlining what to expect for this test. 

This online assessment will contain 6 modules, including a personality questionnaire, cognitive assessments, as well as a math, a physics and an English module.

The next and final step for successful applicants will be an additional assessment, a medical check and an interview with Air Transat directly.

Applicants who are selected by Air Transat for the Ascension Academy will receive a Conditional Letter of Employment from Air Transat, prior to the start of training.  

 

1.5 How do I get my Transport Canada Medical Certificate?

You can initiate your application before receiving your medical certificate. You will be required to have completed a medical exam for a Transport Canada Medical Category 1 before travelling to Phoenix, Arizona, to commence your flight training.

Your medical certificate must be a Transport Canada Medical Category 1 – for more information on where to obtain one, please click here.

It is strongly advised to apply for your Transport Canada Medical Category 1 as soon as possible, as the wait times for an appointment can be lengthy.

You will also require an U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) class 3 medical while you are training at CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy. You will be assisted with this process once you arrive in Phoenix. However, you may apply for an FAA class 3 medical before travelling to Phoenix.

 

1.6 Do I need to have prior flight experience to apply for the Ascension Academy?

No. You do not need to have any prior flight experience to apply for the Ascension Academy. The program is designed for individuals with no prior flight experience.

 

1.7 I have already started flight training. Can I apply for the Ascension Academy?

You can still apply with a Private Pilot License (PPL). Keep in mind that you will be required to complete the syllabus in full, regardless of prior experience. No credits or discounts will be given for existing flight time or check rides.

We consider those who are working towards their Instrument Rating (IR) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL), have their IR, CPL or higher to be overqualified.  Anyone who already holds an IR or CPL is encouraged to follow the traditional hiring process and apply directly to Air Transat online, once they meet minimum hour requirements.

 

1.8 I already have my licenses and a few hundred hours. Can I apply?

This program is meant for individuals with no flying experience, or low time (PPL or below).  Individuals who already meet the qualifications and experience required to become a pilot at Air Transat should apply through the traditional hiring process here.

 

1.9 Can I arrange a tour of CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy?

Tours of CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy are only available when scheduled in advance. Please email [email protected] for available tour dates.

 

1.10 Can I arrange a tour of CAE Montréal Training Center? 

Tours of the CAE Montréal Training Center, where Air Transat trains its pilots, are available at specific dates and times. The schedule will be made available in advance for booking by interested parties.

2.1 Where will the training take place?

The Ground School, simulator training and flight training will be conducted at CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy in Arizona, USA.

CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy is located at:

5010 E Falcon Dr
Mesa, AZ 85215
USA

Additionally, Cygnet Aviation Academy will conduct courses covering theoretical content required for the license conversion from FAA to Transport Canada. These courses will be conducted virtually while you are in training at CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy.

 

2.2 What aircraft will be used for training? 

The flight training program for the Ascension Academy will be conducted on CAE’s fleet of Piper Archer TX (PA-28) and Piper Seminole (PA-44) aircraft and simulators. 

 

2.3 What is the duration of the program?

This training program is a full-time commitment. 

The duration of this program is expected to take 18 months in total (from your first day of training at CAE Phoenix until your license conversion is complete back in Canada). 

The first 15 months will be spent training at CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy earning your FAA Commercial Pilot License and Multi Engine Rating (CPL-ME).

Upon completion of your FAA CPL-ME, you will return to Canada and convert your FAA CPL to a Transport Canada CPL. This is an administrative process which includes additional exams. The entire license conversion process is expected to take at least 3 months.

 

2.4 How many flight hours will I have when I graduate from the Ascension Academy?

The Ascension Academy training program follows an FAA Part 61 CPL training program. You will graduate from the program with a minimum of 250 flight hours.

 

2.5 When will the first class start?

The first class is expected to start training in February 2024.

Classes will be scheduled multiple times per year.

The exact class start dates will be communicated to applicants who are accepted into the Ascension Academy, during the enrollment phase. 

 

2.6 How often will classes be run? 

Starting in early 2024, the Ascension Academy expects to run at least 2 classes per year.

The Ascension Academy will continue to accept candidates for training, until otherwise communicated.  

 

2.7 How often can I expect to fly per week?

Flying is dependent on the seasons and the weather. The aim is for you to have an activity at least 3 times per week. Flexibility is key: if possible, you may fly more often.

An activity can be a flight or a simulator session.

 

2.8 What is the student to Instructor Ratio? 

As of April 2023, there are 4 students per instructor.

 

2.9 How many aircraft and simulators does CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy have?

CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy operates a fleet of 77 aircraft. Of these, 57 are Piper Archer TXs (PA-28s) and 8 are Piper Seminoles (PA-44).

Additionally, CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy has 10 simulators, of which 5 are Piper Archer TXs (PA-28s) and 2 are Piper Seminoles (PA-44).

 

2.10 Is there a lot of self-directed learning?

The majority of FAA ground training will be done through virtual and/or self-study. CAE instructors are on hand to answer questions.

All Transport Canada theoretical instruction will be done virtually. 

 

2.11 Where are FAA exams written? 

CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy is an FAA-approved testing center. FAA exams are written on site.

 

2.12 What is the schedule like during training?

CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. You may be scheduled for training (ground school, simulator training and/or flight training) up to 6 days per week.

Every day will be different. On average, you will have 3 activities per week. An activity can be a flight or a simulator session. The average flight training mission is 1.5 hours, but the syllabus contains missions up to 4 hours. You may be scheduled for departures as early as sunrise (at 4:30am in summer) or as late as 9pm.

Similarly, simulator training may take place at night.

 

2.13 Do Pilots in training get longer breaks during training?

No extended time off is scheduled. The program is designed to be a continuous, 15-month program. Any time off that is taken by a pilot in training will extend the 15-month training timeline.

You may request time off for personal commitments. It is requested that you schedule any time off as far in advance as possible.

The attendance and time off policies will be reviewed during orientation.

 

2.14 What equipment do I need? 

All required equipment will be outlined during orientation at CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy. Most equipment will be provided.

The following equipment required for training will not be provided by CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy:

• Headset
• iPad

You may buy your own headsets based on comfort. All pilots in training are expected to arrive at CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy with a headset and an iPad. 

 

2.15 Are all books provided?

CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy provides all required FAA training and reading material. This material will be provided in digital form. You will be shown how to download and access the relevant apps on your iPad and on relevant webpages during your orientation at CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy.

 

2.16 Do pilots in training wear a uniform? What is the dress code? 

Yes. You will be required to be in uniform at all times, while on the CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy premises. During your onboarding, Air Transat will provide you with a uniform consisting of:

• 3 shirts
• 1 tie
• 1 set of epaulets.

The uniform will be sized to you upon acceptance into the program. You are expected to provide black pants.

 

2.17 Can pilots in training hold a full-time or part-time job while training? 

The Ascension Academy is a full-time training program. Holding any form of employment (either full-time or part-time) during training is strongly discouraged.

You are expected to be available for training up to 6 days per week and will be required to go over study-material outside of scheduled class time. Furthermore, the training schedule requires a high degree of flexibility on the part of all pilots in training.

 

2.18 Can Air Transat pilots in training work at CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy as flight instructors to build hours?  

No. You are not able to work at CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy as a flight instructor. You will receive all required flight hours in the training program and are not required to build additional hours outside of the flight training program.

You will be expected to return to Canada and commence your FAA to Transport Canada license conversion process promptly upon completion of your flight training program in Phoenix, Arizona.

Additional training hours on simulator, mentorship and training will be provided by Air Transat once you are formally employed by Air Transat. 

The course price is:

• USD 117,450* to be paid to CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy
• CAD 5,000 (exclusive of taxes) to be paid to CAE’s partner school, Cygnet Aviation Academy for Canadian theoretical exam preparation.  

Upon acceptance into the Ascension Academy, you will be provided with an enrollment agreement outlining the relevant payment milestones to each provider.

The course price covers:

• Flight training at CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy up to a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Multi-Engine rating (CPL-ME)
• Up to 250 hours of flight time  
• First time FAA check rides and theoretical examinations
• Additional knowledge course to cover material required for Transport Canada examinations  

Additionally, you should budget for the following:

You are able to make use of CAE’s accommodation in Phoenix, Arizona at an additional cost of USD15,000 for the duration of the program.  

Please Note: the above listed estimates are based on current costs at the time of publishing in September 2023. Actual rates may vary. All cost estimates are listed exclusive of taxes.  
 

*At present, there is no sales tax for flight training in Arizona, USA.

**Fees applicable to Canadian citizens. Pilots in trainings who are not Canadian citizens, but hold Canadian Permanent Residency will likely be subject to an additional US visa process and subsequent visa fees.

 

3.2 Is there financing available for the Ascension Academy with Air Transat?   

Financing solutions are available. Instructions for how to apply for your student loan will be provided to candidates accepted into the Ascension Academy. Financing up to CAD 200,000 is available, subject to the terms and conditions of the financial institutions.

Please see the attached link for current financing opportunities:

www.cae.com/funding

 

3.3 Can the program be paid in installments?   

Yes, the program can be paid in installments.

Accepted pilots in training will be provided with an enrollment agreement, which outlines the payment plan for the program.

 

3.4 What payment methods are accepted?    

Payment to CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy must be made in US Dollars (USD) and can be transmitted in the following forms:

• Debit or generally accepted credit cards (with the exception of American Express)
• Bank electronic transfer to CAE’s bank account, the details of which are indicated on the invoice
• Personal cheques/checks
• Money Orders

Payment to Cygnet Aviation Academy must be made in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and can be transmitted in the following forms:

• E-transfers
• Wire transfers
• Cheques
• Bank drafts

Cygnet Aviation Academy does not accept credit cards as a form of payment at this time.

CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy and Cygnet Aviation Academy do not accept cash payment.

4.1 Does CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy provide accommodation?

Yes. CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy has accommodation available to pilots in training at an additional cost of USD 15,000 for the duration of the program.

CAE’s accommodation is about 10km south of the academy. A scheduled bus service runs between the accommodation and the academy.

You may find your own accommodation in Phoenix.

 

4.2 Where can I find an apartment in Phoenix, Arizona?  

Pilots in training at CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy have successfully found apartments for rent on zillow.com and Facebook Marketplace.

 

4.3 Is accommodation provided during the license conversion process in Canada?  

No. Accommodation is not provided during the license conversion process when you are in Canada. You are expected to find your own accommodation.

5.1 What happens after graduation?

Successful pilots in training, who have adhered to all terms outlined in their Conditional Letter of Employment throughout their time in the Ascension Academy, will progress to a Second-in-command position at Air Transat upon completion of the course.  No additional time building is required.

 

5.2 What aircraft will I fly at Air Transat?  

As of August 2023, Air Transat operates an all-Airbus fleet of A321 and A330 aircraft.

 

5.3 As a pilot in training in the Ascension Academy, is there a minimum amount of time I will be required to work for Air Transat?

There is no minimum amount of time that you need to commit to, or work for Air Transat. 

 

5.4 What salary can I expect as a Second-in-command at Air Transat upon graduation?

Information on Air Transat pilot salaries and benefits packages will be explained during your interview with Air Transat.