Take off with Jazz Aviation

The Jazz Approach Program is a structured training pathway developed in partnership with Jazz Aviation LP and CAE, based in Kingston, Ontario. Students accepted into this pathway receive a conditional offer of employment from Jazz at the outset of their training, creating a clear route into First Officer positions upon successful completion of all program requirements.


who this program is for

  • Students with little or no previous flight experience
  • Individuals entering aviation from various backgrounds
  • Those seeking a defined route to First Officer employment with Jazz Aviation

What you will earn

  • Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
  • Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
  • Multi-Engine Rating
  • Instrument Rating
  • Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence (iATPL)

Career pathway to Jazz Aviation

Eligible students receive a conditional offer from Jazz and, after fulfilling program and airline requirements, advance into First Officer positions.

Two pilot trainees seated in a small aircraft cockpit during flight training

program duration

Completed in approximately 20 months, including iATPL training at Cygnet and Jet Orientation Training at CAE Toronto.

training locations

Kingston Airport (CYGK): All flight training

Gardiners Road Training Centre: Classroom and simulator training

CAE Toronto Training Centre: Advanced phases, including Jet Orientation

Two aircraft on a runway in a bright sunny day.

Pilot trainee standing beside a small training aircraft on the airport tarmac

Program Details

What your training includes

Diamond Aircraft Fleet

Training begins on Cygnet’s Diamond DA20 before progressing to the DA40 and DA42 as skills advance, building a strong foundation for airline‑level operations.

simulation training

Training includes nearly 90 hours on ALSIM ALX and AL4x simulators, using scenario-based, airline-aligned training.

Multi-Crew Coordination (MCC)

A 45-hour MCC program taught by airlines pilots, simulating real-world 705-level two-crew operations.

Jet Orientation Training

A short phase of Jet Orientation Training at CAE Toronto prepares students for CRJ procedures and multi‑crew airline operations.

admission requirements
  • Canadian citizenship or legal entitlement to live and work in Canada
    (Permanent residents must also be able to obtain and maintain the crew visa documentation required for U.S. operations.)
  • Minimum age of 18 by the time of graduation
  • Strong proficiency in written and spoken English, including ICAO Level 4 or higher
  • A valid Transport Canada Category 1 Medical Certificate
  • A post‑secondary degree, diploma, or equivalent
student experience
  • Instruction from highly experienced faculty, including former airline and military pilots
  • Mentorship from Jazz Aviation throughout training
  • Small instructor-to-student ratios supporting personalized coaching
  • Weekly study halls to reinforce academic success
  • Regular student forums promoting communication and feedback
Cohort intakes and training pace
  • Full‑time schedule with daytime academics and variable flight times
  • Flight training may require availability across six days per week
  • Cohorts align with CAE and Jazz intake timelines; confirm current intake timing through the CAE Jazz Approach portal

Frequently asked questions

Application Process

What are the admissions requirements for the Jazz Approach Program?
  • Canadian citizenship or legal entitlement to live and work in Canada
  • (Permanent residents must also be able to obtain and maintain the crew visa documentation required for U.S. operations.)
  • Minimum age of 18 by the time of graduation
  • Strong proficiency in written and spoken English, including ICAO Level 4 or higher
  • A valid Transport Canada Category 1 Medical Certificate
  • A post‑secondary degree, diploma, or equivalent
How do I apply for the Jazz Approach Program?

Applicants must apply directly through the CAE Jazz Approach application portal at: https://www.cae.com/flyjazz. CAE manages the entire application, assessment, and selection process for this program.

I have already started flight training; can I still apply?

Yes. Although the program is designed for new students, applicants with prior experience are reviewed individually by CAE.

program cost and payment

How much does the Jazz Approach Program cost?

Program costs are provided directly by CAE during the application or consultation process. Contact CAE through the CAE Jazz Approach application portal for full details at: https://www.cae.com/flyjazz.

about the jazz approach program

What is the Jazz Approach Program?

The Jazz Approach Program is an airline‑focused pilot training pathway combining Cygnet’s integrated ATPL/iATPL training with CAE’s Jet Orientation Training, leading to First Officer opportunities with Jazz Aviation.

What aircraft will I train on?

Students train on Cygnet’s Diamond DA20, DA40, and DA42 aircraft before completing CRJ-focused Jet Orientation Training at CAE Toronto.

Do students receive a conditional job offer from Jazz Aviation?

Yes. Eligible applicants receive a conditional offer of employment from Jazz Aviation at the outset of training, subject to successfully meeting all program requirements.

When do classes start?

Intake cycles align with Jazz and CAE schedules. Dates can be confirmed through the CAE Jazz Approach application portal at https://www.cae.com/flyjazz.

About Cygnet Aviation Academy

Where is Cygnet Aviation Academy Located?

Ground School and simulator training takes place at Cygnet Aviation Academy’s facility at Gardiners Road in Kingston, Ontario.

Flight training takes place at the Kingston Airport (CYGK).

Can I arrange a tour of Cygnet Aviation Academy?

Yes! Please email info@cygnetaviation.com to schedule a tour.

For the most current information and full program FAQs, please visit CAE’s official Jazz Approach page: Jazz Approach Program

Trainees standing inside a CAE flight simulator training facility

Join our Jazz Approach Program by applying through the CAE website.

Porter Airlines aircraft parked in a row near an airport terminal

Destination Porter

Cygnet Aviation, in partnership with CAE and Porter Airlines, offers a streamlined cadet program for aspiring pilots with no prior flight experience.

Flight trainees seated inside a small aircraft cockpit during training

Free Agent Program

The Free Agent Program offers flexible iATPL training for cadets not yet affiliated with a specific airline.

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