International Pilot Academy

What International Pilot Academy does

International Pilot Academy (IPA) is a Transport Canada-accredited (FTU 3948) professional flight training school headquartered in Gatineau, Quebec, operating since 2011. The school delivers a complete training ladder from Recreational Pilot Permit and Private Pilot Licence (PPL) through Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Multi-Engine, IFR, Night, Flight Instructor Rating, and an Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence (iATPL) that culminates in Multi-Crew Cooperation with Jet Orientation Training (MCC/JOT). Training is delivered on a five-aircraft fleet (Cessna C150L, Cessna C172, Symphony 160, Piper PA38, Navajo PA-31-350 Chieftain) supplemented by a Boeing 737 Advanced Procedures Trainer simulator for airline-preparation training. The student experience is supported by proprietary tooling: the FlightLogger platform for flight hour and syllabus tracking, and the Pilot EFB suite (pre-flight check sheet, weight and balance calculator, document portal).

IPA's commercial model is professional services tuition plus flight-hour revenue, with pricing largely quote-based for core licensing programs and unit-based pricing only for ancillary products (Ottawa-Gatineau City Tour at CAD $350, Pilot for a Day at CAD $250, and Online Ground School refreshers at CAD $49.99 per topic via Zoom). The customer base is split between domestic Canadian students (highlighted by a 'no waitlist' positioning) and international students supported through dedicated admissions and onboarding, with a graduate employment pipeline into affiliated Transport Aerien Gatineau (TAG) and a 2022 joint venture with Air Djibouti extending the school's footprint into the Horn of Africa. GTM is direct-to-consumer, sales-led, with consultation-driven conversion through the website and lead generation via Instagram, Facebook, and an active blog. No external institutional funding, acquisitions, or public listing has been disclosed.

Name

International Pilot Academy

Legal name

International Pilot Academy

Website

https://intlpilotacademy.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

International Pilot Academy is a Transport Canada-accredited flight training school in Gatineau, Quebec, offering programs from Recreational Pilot Permit through Integrated ATPL, including Boeing 737 simulator-based airline preparation, serving aspiring Canadian and international pilots.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Flight Training Services

NAICS

Flight Training (611512), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Private Aviation Pilot & Crew Staffing/Training Services (THABAFAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)

Keywords

• Flight training programs
• Pilot licensing courses
• Aviation education
• Airline preparation training
• Professional pilot school

Headquarters

HQ city

Gatineau

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Flight Training Programs: Structured pilot training programs including PPL, CPL, Flight Instructor Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, IFR, and Integrated ATPL. Revenue from tuition and flight hours across comprehensive career-aligned programs.
2. Aircraft Rental: Rental aircraft available for student and pilot use for time-building and personal flying purposes
3. Tours and Experiences: Ottawa-Gatineau City Tour ($350 CAD) and Pilot for a Day Experience ($250 CAD) for recreational and introductory flying experiences
4. Online Ground School: Accredited online refresher courses for Transport Canada PPL and CPL exam preparation at $49.99 per topic, conducted via Zoom
5. Aviation Consulting Services: Expert aviation consulting services for prospective commercial pilots

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

International Pilot Academy is a Transport Canada-accredited flight training school (FTU 3948) in Gatineau, Quebec, providing structured pilot training from recreational permit through to Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence (iATPL). The academy delivers training using a professional fleet (Cessna C172, Symphony 160, Piper PA38, Navajo PA-31 Chieftain) and a Boeing 737 APT simulator, and also offers recreational experiences, online ground school, and Pilot EFB digital tools.

Product overview

International Pilot Academy offers a comprehensive suite of flight training programs ranging from Recreational Pilot Permit through to Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence (iATPL). The product portfolio includes foundational courses (PPL, Night Rating, IFR), career-focused programs (CPL, Multi Engine Rating, Flight Instructor Rating), and advanced airline preparation (MCC with JOT, Boeing 737 type rating). Training is delivered using a professional fleet of training aircraft (Cessna C150L, Cessna C172, Symphony 160, Piper PA38, Navajo Chieftain) and a Boeing 737 Advanced Procedures Trainer simulator. Additional offerings include Ground School (online and in-person), Aerobatics Training, and experiential products (City Tours, Pilot for a Day). The academy also provides a Pilot EFB with digital flight planning tools.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Pilot EFB: Electronic Flight Bag application providing Pre-Flight Check Sheet, Weight & Balance calculations, and Document access tools for pilots.

Products and services

• Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Foundational flight training program providing a strong foundation in flight training through expert instruction, hands-on flying experience, and safety focus; first step toward becoming a licensed pilot. For aspiring private pilots.
• Flight Instructor Rating Advanced instructional skills program enabling pilots to build valuable flight hours while earning as a flight instructor; a gateway to commercial aviation career.
• Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) Professional aviation career program with advanced flight training, real-world experience, and professional instruction designed to launch careers in commercial aviation.
• Multi Engine Rating Advanced rating training on the Navajo PA-31 Chieftain for pilots to operate twin-engine aircraft; includes IFR and multi-crew SOP training.
• Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence (iATPL) Comprehensive accelerated flight training program including MCC and CRM, leading to Frozen ATPL certification; designed for airline career preparation over approximately two years full-time.
• Multi Crew Cooperation with Jet Orientation Training (MCC with JOT) Final step before airline career; equips aspiring pilots with teamwork, decision-making, and jet operational skills using the Boeing 737 APT simulator; covers SOPs, CRM, and LOFT.
• Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Rating Training for flying beyond visual sight using aircraft instruments in IMC, low visibility, and complex airspace; builds skills crucial for professional aviation career.
• Night Rating Privileges pilots to operate aircraft after sunset; includes night navigation, takeoff/landing techniques, visual illusions, lighting systems, and safe decision-making.
• Recreational Pilot Permit Streamlined training program for hobby pilots wanting to fly for leisure with fewer requirements than PPL; flexible pathway to upgrade to Private Pilot Licence.
• Pilot Ground School Comprehensive instruction in aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, aircraft systems, and aviation regulations; available online and in-person; accredited for Transport Canada requirements.
• Aerobatics Training Specialized training for licensed pilots to develop advanced aerial maneuvering skills, higher awareness, better control, and stronger confidence in emergency situations.
• Ottawa-Gatineau City Tour One-hour aerial tour of the Ottawa and Gatineau region priced at CAD $350, allowing passengers to experience flight and photograph city landscapes and Gatineau hills.
• Pilot for a Day Experience Hands-on flight experience where participants get assistance to fly an aircraft; priced at CAD $250.

Quantifiable outcome

• No waiting list for students in Canada

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Air DjiboutiflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 July 2021Joint venture to establish a new Pilot Training Center in Djibouti starting January 2022. Students from around the world can register for IPA's Integrated Airline Transport Pilot License program and obtain Transport Canada certification. The Horn of Africa location offers favorable climate year-round and cost-effective training standards.
• Transport CanadacoreOthersOfficial Flight Training Unit (FTU 3948) regulatory oversight and certification body for all pilot licensing programs. Programs aligned with Transport Canada standards for private and commercial pilot paths.
• Transport Aerien Gatineau (TAG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharter company affiliated with IPA. IPA graduates may join the IPA/TAG family. TAG operates PA-31-350 Chieftain for charter services. Brad Wintrup serves as Director of Flying Operations for TAG.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)minorOthersUS aviation regulatory body with cooperation on flight training standards and pilot certification recognition.
• Beira Aviation AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAviation training academy partnership for potential student exchanges and collaborative training programs.
• Jules SelwancoreOthersCo-Founder and President of IPA, type-rated on Boeing 737 and Airbus A320/A321/A330. Manages multiple business ventures alongside the academy.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ipacynd
• Instagraminstagram.com/ipa_canada?igsh=MXZiNTZsdXdhaGl2Mw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Xx.com/ipa_propilot
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/international-pilot-academy

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about International Pilot Academy