1. APPLICATION

1.1 What are the pre-requisites to apply to the Jazz Approach program?

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

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

• Minimum Education: Post-secondary degree, diploma or equivalent.

• Minimum Age: 18 years old.

• Physical & Medical Requirements: Must be able to obtain a Category 1 Medical Certificate issued by TC. https://tc.canada.ca/en/corporate-services/acts-regulations/list-regulations/canadian-aviation-regulations-sor-96-433/standards/standard-424-medical-requirements/standard-424-appendix-ii-limitations-restrictions-which-may-appear-permit-licence-medical-certificate#physical

• Language Skills: Fluency in English, both written & spoken; a minimum of ICAO level 4 English Language proficiency.

1.2 How do I apply to Jazz Approach?

Ready to apply? You can submit your application online. Select “Apply Now” on the righthand side of the webpage: www.cae.com/jazz

You will be required to enter your personal information, and submit the following 3 documents;

Passport (with Canadian PR card if applicable)
Resume
A copy of your post-secondary unofficial transcript OR a copy of your post-secondary degree or diploma *

*Submit the transcript, degree, or diploma of your highest level of post-secondary education. For those who meet post-secondary education equivalency, please upload relevant documentation.

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 doing a post-secondary course. Can I apply before I graduate?

Holding a post-secondary degree, diploma or equivalent is a requirement and must be provided at the first step of your application. It is strongly recommended that you wait to apply until you have graduated.

If you are expecting to graduate within 6 months or less, you may submit an application. It is recommended that you provide evidence of your expected course completion date and degree, diploma or equivalent which you are expected to receive.

1.4 What do I need to know about the assessments for the Jazz Approach program?

Once your application documents are received and reviewed, eligible applicants will receive a link to complete an online assessment. You will receive a digital handbook outlining what to expect for this test. This online assessment will evaluate your personality and aptitude. The next and final step for successful applicants will be two additional assessments and an interview with Jazz Aviation directly. Both assessments and the interview will be conducted on the same day. This will be scheduled in advance.

1.5 Can I arrange a tour of Cygnet Aviation Academy?

Tours of Cygnet Aviation Academy can be arranged upon request. Please email [email protected] to schedule a tour.

1.6 How do I get my Transport Canada Medical Certificates?

You can initiate your application before receiving your medical certificate. We will however, require a copy of your medical to confirm enrollment in the course. Your medical must be a Transport Canada category 1 medical – for more information on where to obtain one, please visit; https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/saf-sec-sur/2/came-meac/l.aspx?lang=eng

1.7 Do I need to have prior flight experience to apply for the Jazz Approach program?

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

1.8 I have already started flight training. Can I apply for the Jazz Approach program?

You can still apply with a 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.

We consider those who are working towards their CPL, have their CPL or higher to be overqualified. Anyone who already holds a CPL is encouraged to follow the traditional hiring process and apply directly to Jazz online, once they meet minimum hour requirements.

1.9 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 Jazz should apply through the traditional hiring process at: https://flyjazz.ca/en/careers/pilots/pilot-recruitment/

2. COST, FINANCING & PAYMENT

2.1 How much does the Jazz Approach program cost?

The full course price is expected to be approximately $126,000 CAD, before taxes. This price includes your iATPL training including a jet transition module, and CRJ 200 type rating. In addition to the course price, you should budget housing costs in Kingston, Ontario at approximately $1,000-$1,100 per month with 3-5 roommates or $1,300-$1,400 per month with 1-2 roommates.

Remedial training, headset, uniforms, laptops, and books are not included.

2.2 Is there financing available for the Jazz Approach program?

Financing solutions are available to cadets. Instructions for how to apply for your student loan will be provided to accepted cadets.

Please see the attached link for current financing opportunities:

https://www.cae.com/civil-aviation/become-a-pilot/how-to-become-a-pilot/funding/

2.3 Is the Jazz Approach program eligible for OSAP funding?

At this point in time, the Jazz Approach program is not eligible for funding under the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

Federal and provincial student funding opportunities are being sought for the program. More details will be provided should such funding opportunities become available.

2.4 Can the program be paid in installments?

Yes, the program can be paid in installments.

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

2.5 What payment methods are accepted?

Payment is accepted in the form of e-transfers, wire transfers, cheques, and bank drafts.

Credit cards cannot be used for payment at this time.

3. TRAINING

3.1 Where will the training take place?

The ab initio (on-aircraft) portion of the flight training course will be conducted at Cygnet Aviation Academy in Kingston, Ontario.

The simulator training for the CRJ-200 Type Rating will take place at the CAE training center in Mississauga, Ontario.

Cygnet Aviation Academy is owned by Chorus Aviation. Chorus Aviation is also the parent company of Jazz Aviation.

3.2 What aircraft will be used for training?

The ab initio (on-aircraft) training provider will be using a fleet of Diamond aircraft (DA-20s, DA40s, and DA-42s), as well as simulators.

3.3 What is the duration of the program?

The duration of this program is expected to take 20 months in total.

The first 18 months will be spent training at Cygnet Aviation Academy in Kingston, Ontario. There you will complete your Integrated Airline Transport Pilot License (iATPL) training.

The following 2 months will be spent at CAE Toronto, in Mississauga, Ontario. There you will complete a CRJ 200 type rating.

This training program is a full-time commitment. You will be expected to attend training an average of 5 days per week. Due to weather delays, you may be asked to attend 6 days per week as necessary.

3.4 How many flight hours will I have when I graduate from the Jazz Approach program?

The Jazz Approach program follows a Transport Canada approved Integrated Air Transport Pilot License (iATPL) training program. You will graduate from the program with more flight and flight simulation training hours than are required under the regulatory minimums.

3.5 When will the first class start?

The first class started training at Cygnet Aviation Academy in Kingston in January 2023.

Classes are scheduled to start every year in January, May and August.

The exact class start dates will be communicated to cadets who are accepted into the Jazz Approach program, during the Enrollment Phase.

3.6 How often will classes be run?

Starting in January 2023, Jazz Approach expects to run 3 classes per year.

The exact class start dates will be communicated within the next few months.

3.7 How often can I expect to fly per week?

Flying is very dependent on the seasons and the weather. The aim is for you to fly at least 3 times per week. Flexibility is key: if possible, you may fly more often. Alternatively, if you are scheduled to fly but the weather turns bad, you may be asked to do Ground School or a simulator session at short notice.

3.8 What is the cadet to Instructor Ratio?

As of April 2023, there are 3.5 cadets per instructor. Cygnet Aviation Academy is hiring instructors as more cadets join, to keep the ratios balanced.

3.9 How many aircraft and simulators does Cygnet Aviation Academy have?

Cygnet currently has 3 DA-20s and a DA-42. Cygnet is growing and has additional aircraft on order. Cygnet also has two simulators (one ALSIM and another DA-40/42 simulator).

3.10 Where does the training take place?

Ground School and simulator training takes place at Cygnet Aviation Academy’s facility at Gardiners Road in Kingston. Flight training takes place at the Kingston Airport (CYGK).

3.11 Is there a lot of self-directed learning?

While learning is classroom based, your success is largely dependent on keeping up with readings and making sure that you understand what is being taught. The instructors are always there to help and go into further detail, but it is expected that you dedicate enough time to reviewing the material you’ve been taught.

3.12 Where are Transport Canada exams written?

Cygnet Aviation Academy is a Transport Canada-approved testing center. Transport Canada exams are written on site.

3.13 What is the schedule like during training?

Ground School is taught Mondays to Fridays between 9am and 4pm.

Scheduling for flight and simulator training can be outside of these hours, to take advantage of the season and the weather. Cadets are expected to be available 6 days per week for scheduling purposes.

3.14 Do Cadets get longer breaks during training?

No extended time off is scheduled. The program is designed to be a continuous, 20 month program. Any time off that is taken by a cadet, will extend the 20 month training timeline.

All statutory holidays are given. Cadets 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.

3.15 Are all books provided?

No. Cygnet Aviation Academy will provide the list of required books on your orientation day. You are expected to buy these yourself.

Cygnet Aviation Academy issues pre-loaded iPads that contain the course content as well as some helpful apps.

3.16 What equipment do I need?

All required equipment will be outlined during orientation.

You will need a headset for training. Many cadets want to buy their own for comfort. When shopping, keep in mind that Jazz issues headsets to all pilots. You will be issued a headset by Jazz upon completion of training.

3.17 Do cadets wear a uniform? What is the dress code?

Shirts and ties are provided by Jazz at no cost. The uniform will be sized to each cadets upon acceptance into the program. Cadets are expected to adhere to a business casual dress code until their uniform arrives.

3.18 Can cadets hold a full-time or part-time job while training?

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

Cadets 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 is highly dependent on the weather, and therefore requires a high degree of flexibility on the part of all cadets.

4. ACCOMMODATION

4.1 Does Cygnet Aviation Academy provide accommodation?

No. Cygnet Aviation Academy does not provide accommodation for cadets in the Jazz Approach program. Cadets are expected to make their own accommodation arrangements. Cygnet Aviation Academy is located in Kingston, ON, which is a student town. Apartments for rent are readily available. You should budget housing costs in Kingston, Ontario at approximately $1,000-$1,100 per month with 3-5 roommates or $1,300-$1,400 per month with 1-2 roommates.

4.2 Where can I find an apartment in Kingston?

Cadets have successfully found apartments on rentals.ca, kijiji, and Facebook Marketplace.

4.3 Are short-term rentals or housing provided during the type rating in Toronto?

No. Accommodation is not provided during the type rating in Toronto. Cadets are expected to find their own accommodation. CAE will support where possible.

5. EMPLOYMENT AT JAZZ AVIATION

5.1 What happens after graduation?

Successful cadets will receive a conditional letter of employment with Jazz Aviation, to progress to a First Officer position upon completion of the course. No additional time building required. Hiring at Jazz is based on available course dates.

5.2 How long does it take for me to flow through to Air Canada?

Jazz and Air Canada currently have a relationship that provides preferential opportunities for Jazz pilots to interview for positions as pilots with Air Canada. Jazz is a member of the Air Canada Express preferential interview process with Air Canada.

5.3 As a Jazz Approach cadet, is there a minimum amount of time I will be required to work for Jazz?

As a Jazz Approach cadet there is no minimum required time to work at Jazz after graduation. You can leave at any time.

5.4 What salary can I expect as a First Officer at Jazz upon graduation?

Information on Jazz pilot salaries and benefits packages are listed on the following website;

https://flyjazz.ca/en/careers/pilots/pilot-recruitment/

Scroll down to ‘Compensation and Benefits’ for full details.