Free Agent Program
Your journey. Your destination.
Cygnet’s Free Agent Program offers a flexible, airline‑focused iATPL pathway for students with little or no flight experience. Training is completed primarily in Kingston, with an optional Jet Orientation module available through CAE Toronto.
who this program is for
- Students with little or no flight experience
- Individuals entering aviation from various backgrounds
- Those who want flexibility in choosing their future airline employer
Career pathways
Graduates meet with Cygnet’s referral partners, including Summit Air and Air Tindi, for interview opportunities.
What you will earn
- Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
- Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
- Multi-Engine Rating
- Instrument Rating
- Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence (iATPL)
program duration
The program takes about 20 months, including integrated iATPL training at Cygnet and simulation-based learning.
training locations
Kingston Airport (CYGK): All flight training
Gardiners Road Training Centre: Classroom and simulator sessions
CAE Toronto Training Centre: Optional Jet Orientation module
Program Details
What your training includes
Diamond Aircraft Fleet
Students train on Cygnet’s modern Diamond fleet, including the DA-20, DA-40 and DA-42.
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.
Instruction & Student Support
Cygnet’s instructional team includes experienced former airline and military pilots who bring real‑world operational insight into every stage of training. Students benefit from an approximate 1:6 instructor‑to‑student ratio, allowing for highly personalized coaching and continuous support. The training environment is further strengthened through weekly study halls, monthly student representative meetings, and quarterly town halls, along with Crew Resource Management training days, wings ceremonies, and other community‑building events that enhance both professional development and connection.
admission requirements
- Canadian citizenship or legal entitlement to live and work in Canada
- Minimum age of 18 by the time of graduation
- Strong proficiency in written and spoken English
- A valid Transport Canada Category 1 Medical Certificate
Cohort intakes and training pace
- New cohorts begin in January, May and August
- Academic schedule typically runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Student must be available up to six days per week due to weather and training requriements
- Flight schedules aim for three flights per week, conditions permitting
student experience
- Instructors with extensive experience, including former airline and military pilots with decades of operational knowledge
- An approximate 1:6 instructor-to-student ratio, supporting individualized coaching
- Weekly study halls supporting academic success
- Monthly student representative meetings encouraging communication and feedback
- Quarterly town halls promoting transparency and continuous improvement
- Guest speakers from across the aviation industry
Frequently asked questions
Application Process
What are the prerequisites for the Free Agent Program?
- Canadian citizenship or legal entitlement to live and work in Canada
- Minimum age of 18 by the time of graduation
- Strong proficiency in written and spoken English
- A valid Transport Canada Category 1 Medical Certificate
- No university degree or diploma required for this pathway
How do I apply for the Free Agent Program?
To begin your application, click the “Contact Us” button at the bottom of the page and either send us an email or submit the form through the Contact Us page on the website. Our team will then follow up with next steps.
After contacting us, you will be guided through the application process, which requires the following items:
- A Canadian passport and a Canadian Permanent Residency card, if applicable
- Resume
- A copy of your Secondary School/High School Graduation Diploma
Please note: Cygnet will only review applications that are completed in full. Applicants who meet the minimum eligibility criteria will be contacted by CAE within two weeks of their application with assessment instructions.
I have already started flight training; can I still apply for the Cygnet Integrated Airline Pilot Licence Program?
You can apply with a Private Pilots Licence.
We consider those working towards their Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL) and those with their CPL or higher to be overqualified.
Applicants who already possess a CPL are encouraged to apply directly to their airline of choice once they meet the minimum hour requirements.
program cost and payment
How much does the Cygnet Free Agent Program cost?
The full course price is expected to be approximately $122,400 CAD before taxes. This price includes your Integrated Airline Pilots Licence and includes the MCC program.
In addition to the course price, you should budget housing costs in Kingston, Ontario. Please note Cygnet Aviation Academy does not provide student housing.
Pricing is subject to change. The published cost may not reflect the most current program fees.
Remedial training, headset(s), uniforms, laptops, and books are not included.
How can I make payments, or can the program be paid in installments?
Program fees are paid in phases throughout the 18-month program and can be made in installments.
Accepted cadets will be provided with an enrollment agreement, which outlines the payment
about the free agent program
What is an Integrated Airline Pilots Licence?
An Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a career as a professional pilot.
The program equips students with the necessary skills to operate as flight crew in advanced, multi-crew aircraft. The program comprises ground school training and flight training with the use of various simulators and aircraft.
The purpose of the integrated program is to train individuals who have no prior experience in flying and equip them to pursue a career as an airline pilot. This program is organized in a very structured and intensive manner, allowing you to complete both ground school and flight training activities concurrently.
What aircraft will I train on?
Cygnet trains pilots on a fleet of Diamond aircraft (DA-20s, DA40s, and DA-42s), as well as simulators.
How many flight hours will I graduate from the program with?
The Cygnet Integrated Airline Transport Licence program follows a Transport Canada-approved training program.
You will graduate from the program with more flight and flight simulation training hours than are required under the regulatory minimums.
When do classes start?
The application process is ongoing, with new cadet classes starting in January, May, and August.
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.
Start your journey with confidence
Join our Free Agent Program.
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