Buying Your First Aircraft in Canada: It Does Not Have To Be a Cessna 172
- Caleb Winterburn
- Mar 11
- 3 min read
One of the biggest myths in aviation is that your first aircraft has to be a Cessna 172.
For decades the Cessna 172 has been viewed as the traditional starting point for aircraft ownership. It is a fantastic airplane and has trained thousands of pilots around the world. But after helping thousands of aircraft owners navigate the insurance process, I have learned something important.
The right answer is much simpler.
Buy the aircraft that actually fits your mission.
Many pilots spend years upgrading through different airplanes when they could have purchased the aircraft they truly wanted from the beginning. Someone who dreams of flying long cross-country trips may eventually move into something faster and more capable. Others may want a tailwheel aircraft for backcountry flying or a floatplane for summer adventures.
The real question should always be:
What type of flying do you actually want to do?
When you choose an aircraft that fits your mission from the start, you often save years of unnecessary upgrades, training transitions, and additional expenses.
(I got to fly this beautiful Diamond DA50RG in Calgary and it was amazing!)
The Insurance Myth Many First Time Buyers Discover
Another surprise for many first-time aircraft buyers is the cost of insurance.
Many people assume aircraft insurance must be extremely expensive. In reality, it is often far more affordable than people expect. In many cases aircraft insurance can actually cost less than car insurance because accidents in aviation occur far less frequently than automobile accidents.
Premiums are typically influenced by several factors including:
Pilot experience
Aircraft type and value
Intended use of the aircraft
Training or transition requirements
Programs like the COPA Aviation Insurance Program through Covalen are specifically designed for Canadian aircraft owners and help provide tailored aviation coverage for pilots across the country.
You can learn more about the program here:
Transition Training Is Often More Flexible Than People Expect
Another concern new aircraft owners often have is transition training.
Many buyers assume they must complete training with a specific flight instructor before they are allowed to operate their aircraft. While that is sometimes required, it is not always the case.
Depending on the insurance company, transition training can sometimes be completed with a qualified commercial pilot or even the previous owner of the aircraft.
Every situation is unique, but the process is often far more flexible than many new owners expect.
Buying an Aircraft Should Be Exciting
Purchasing your first aircraft should be one of the most exciting milestones in aviation.
Unfortunately, many pilots hesitate because they believe the process will be complicated or stressful. In reality, when you have the right guidance and understand the insurance side early on, the process is usually much smoother than people think.
When pilots choose an aircraft that fits their mission and work with experienced aviation professionals, aircraft ownership becomes one of the most rewarding experiences in flying.
Looking For Aircraft Insurance in Canada?
If you are buying your first aircraft or reviewing your current coverage, it is important to work with a broker who understands aviation and the unique risks associated with aircraft ownership.
Through the COPA Aviation Insurance Program, Canadian pilots have access to specialized aviation coverage designed specifically for aircraft owners.
Learn more about the program here:
About the Author
Caleb Winterburn is a commercial pilot and aviation insurance specialist based in Calgary, Alberta. Over the past 15 years he has completed more than 22,000 aircraft insurance policies and helped tens of thousands of pilots navigate aircraft ownership and aviation insurance across Canada.
As both a commercial fixed wing and helicopter pilot, Caleb brings real world aviation experience to the insurance side of the industry. He works closely with aircraft owners, flight schools, and aviation businesses to help them secure the right coverage for their operations.
Learn more about aviation insurance options through the COPA Aviation Insurance Program offered through Covalen:
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