You need 100 hours for a Canadian CPL(H). If you have an ICAO CPL(H) already you can probably do the conversion inside about 10 flying hours but you will need to take the exams*. Anything you are current on will be granted as a type rating.
Any Canadian commecial pilot with at least 10 hours on type can do the type rating.
Central Helicopter Training Academy is one name that springs to mind in Ontario - pm Winnie on this forum.
*Books for the exams - see the big ad on the right.
Not sure about validation - not a common practice I think.
If you are an experienced long line driver (with IR or ATPL) and more than 3000 or 4000 hours, you will be able to find a company willing to get you a work permit...
Huey, I think What Limits means is being a helicopter pilot DOES NOT score any points on the immigration form.Immigration is as far as I know still worked on a points system.
When I came to Canada 20 odd years ago from the UK being a pilot scored big points as it was classed as a sort after profession, there was also a shortage.so with a couple thousand hours as long as you passed an immigration medical, spoke English or French, simples.Now in recent times we had a lot of Aussies, Kiwis etc coming over and working,the low timers and also a few high timers who couldn't get work started lobbying immigration claiming "not fair ya di ya" so immigration backed off on issuing work permits to foreigners.Company I work for has in past sponsored work permits. I haven't heard of any lately though.So in theory although not impossible to get a work permit, you won't get one like we did years ago for being a pilot.I have 12000hrs+ with about 8000 of those longline, it wouldn't get me a work permit now.Although if I was say,a doctor with a CPL I would maybe get one for being a doctor, the pilot bit wouldnt count.Pleased I got in when the going was good. Shame really for you guys looking, cos yes there is a lot of work for guys with a few thou hrs..... Newfie....
The National Occupancy Code for pilots (Air Pilots NOC 1171 I think) is considerred skilled work, and will allow you to apply as an immigrant. That SOME people have complained to HRDC in Canada that "someone else" where taking Canadian jobs, only made it more difficult to get a work permit, so they are now limited in time (4 years max with 2 years quarantene), and difficult to get a Labour Market Opinion, but not impossible.
The process to immigrate is raather long tho, so don't expect to get in the first 18 months or so...
I'm a former French army helicopter pilot, with 3200 h and more than 2000 hours on twin like AS532, I also have a FAA ATP H. I have tried to get a work permit, the answer was: NO.
It's hard to get a visa to work in a company, I asked many of them if they need a foreign pilot and want to make him a contract, once again the answer was: NO.
Hopefully my wife is a nurse, got easily a job and I got the working permit 3 months ago.
So don't be afraid to try many ways to find a solution.
Now that I have a working visa, I have contacts with companies. Many airmedic companies have fixed-wing and helicopter fleet, I have both ratings. The problem was to be sponsored for a visa.
You need a sponsor company to get the LMO for you, then you apply for a Validation...though in the longer term you'll need to convert your licence to a Canadian one. The LMO is easier to get if you have unique or sought-after qualifications. I tutor part-time for the International Test Pilot School; so, as you might gather, I have unusual qualifiactions as a test pilot and test pilot instructructor, but my validation (and I'm on the second annual one now) does not restrict me to 'private' privileges: although it does specify who I work for. Incidentally, I would concur with whoever it was that gave CHTA/Zimmer Air Services at St Thomas a positive endorsement. ITPS use their helicopters, and IMHO they are very well maintained. (They have R22, R44, B206 and AS355, plus an approved synthetic trainer.) And CHTA are friendly guys too. I have dealt with Tim and Kevin there, and recommend them. A LMO should translate to a TWP with Visa. Residency is a whole other topic, and as for Citizenship, you'll have to be there a goodly few years before you can apply!
