Destination Porter: Cadet Program

Your direct path to Porter Airlines starts here.

The Destination Porter: Cadet Program is a structured training pathway developed in partnership with Porter Airlines and CAE, based in beautiful Kingston, Ontario. Eligible students receive a conditional offer of employment from Porter at the outset of the program, creating a clear route from training to the flight deck.

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 Porter Airlines

What you will earn

Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
Multi-Engine Rating
Instrument Rating
Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence (iATPL)
Dash 8‑400 type training at CAE Toronto

Career pathways

Eligible students receive a conditional offer from Porter Airlines and, after completing all program requirements, progress into First Officer roles.

program duration

Approximately 20 months, including integrated iATPL training at Cygnet and type training at CAE Toronto.

training locations

Kingston Airport (CYGK): All flight training

Gardiners Road Training Centre: Classroom and simulator sessions

CAE Toronto Training Centre: Dash 8‑400 type qualification

Program Details

What your training includes

Diamond Aircraft Fleet

Training begins on Cygnet’s Diamond DA20, DA40 and DA42, building a strong foundation before 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.

Dash 8-400 Type Training

The program culminates in tailored Dash 8-400 training at CAE Toronto, preparing graduates for entry into Porter line operations, subject to program completion and conditions.

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. Porter Airlines pilots also contribute mentorship throughout the program, supporting cadets as they progress toward airline‑aligned proficiency. Students benefit from an approximate 1:6 instructor‑to‑student ratio, offering personalized coaching and continuous guidance. The training environment is further supported through weekly study halls, monthly student representative meetings, and quarterly town halls, as well as Crew Resource Management training days and wings ceremonies that reinforce professional growth and readiness.

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
A post-secondary degree

student experience

Instructors with extensive experience, including former airline and military pilots with decades of operational knowledge
Mentorship from Porter Airlines pilots throughout training, supporting readiness for airline operations
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

Cohort intakes and training pace

Full‑time schedule with daytime academics and variable flight times
Training intensity may require availability across six days per week, depending on weather and operational requirements
Cohorts and timelines align with training and hiring needs; confirm current intake timing with admissions

Frequently asked questions

Application Process

What are the admissions requirements for the Destination Porter: Cadet 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
A post-secondary degree

How do I apply for the Destination Porter: Cadet Program?

Applicants must apply directly through the CAE Porter application portal at: https://www.cae.com/porter. This is the official pathway for submitting your application to the Destination Porter: Cadet Program.

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

This program is designed for individuals with little or not previous flight experience. Applicants with some training may still apply, but eligibility is determined through CAE’s application review.

program cost and payment

How much does the Destination Porter: Cadet Program cost?

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

about the destination porter: Cadet program

What is the Destination Porter: Cadet Program?

The Destination Porter: Cadet Program is an airline‑focused cadet program delivered in partnership with Porter Airlines, CAE, and Cygnet Aviation Academy. Cadets complete iATPL training in Kingston followed by Dash 8‑400 type training at CAE Toronto, preparing them for First Officer roles with Porter Airlines.

What aircraft will I train on?

Students train on Cygnet’s Diamond DA20, DA40, and DA42 aircraft before completing Dash 8‑400 type training at CAE Toronto.

Do students receive a conditional job offer from Porter Airlines?

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

When do classes start?

Cohorts begin in alignment with CAE and Porter’s training schedule. Applicants can confirm the next intake date through the CAE Porter portal at https://www.cae.com/porter.