What is different about your club compared to some of the other schools?
We are a not-for-profit flying club with arguably the lowest rates in Canada. We have a relaxed atmosphere without compromising safety or professionalism. We believe in having our students make decisions early and taking charge of their own training.
I want to be a pilot. What is the first step?
The first step is to book a discovery flight to experience flying firsthand.
If you enjoy the flight, we suggest you book an appointment with a Civil Aviation Medical Examiner to make sure you can fly. Of course, you can start your training before the medical is completed - but if Transport Canada gets hung up on aspects of your medical history, you might experience delays in your training until that’s sorted. You’ll need a Class 4 medical for a recreational license, Class 3 for a private and a Class 1 medical if you’ll be flying professionally.
What are the minimum age requirements for flight training?
Student Pilot Permit – 14
Recreational Permit-16
Private Pilot License – 17
Commercial Pilot License – 18
Airline Transport Pilot License or ATPL- 21
How much does it cost to get a Private Pilot License?
Please budget $15,000 for the Private Pilot Course. While very few people can obtain the license with just the
45-hour minimum Transport Canada requirements, most of us mortals take an average of 65 hours flight time. Some students take upwards of 100 hours. It’s very individual.
How long will it take for me to get a Private Pilot License?
For each booking you will likely log 1 – 1.5 hours of flying time. If you fly three times per week, based on an average of 55-65 hours to obtain your PPL, you can expect to be flight test ready in4-6 months, providing you don’t lose flight training time due to weather delays. Fly more often and you can be done sooner.
What can I do to get my license as soon as possible and as cheaply as possible?
Come prepared for each lesson. Take notes in the pre/post flight briefings, and in your ground school classes. Study hard. Ask questions. Talk with your instructor and schedule flights as regularly as possible. Aim for at least three flights per week - many of your flights will be cancelled due to the weather.
What is the most efficient way to go from zero experience to a job-ready professional?
1. Get your Private License. Aim to write your private exam well before your flight test.
2. You can write your Commercial exam at 100 hours total time.
3. If you’re ready take your CPL flight test at 150 hours total time.
4. If everything goes well, you will have all the requirements for your CPL except the 200hr total time requirement very quickly.
5. Book the planes as often as possible and FLY to get the 200-hour requirement for your license.
6. Once you have your CPL you are employable, but if the airline is your goal further training is required.
How long will it take, and how much does it really cost to go from zero hours to a pointwhere I can be hired as a professional pilot?
If you work hard, study, come prepared, take notes, and fly at least 3 times a week, you could have your PPL + CPL in less than a year. The total cost will depend on your ability and how often you fly. Estimated cost 45,000 to 50,000. Please remember this is very individual. Weather and personal time commitments can change the estimated time and cost.
Can I pay as I go?
Of course. Payment is collected after each flight. We take cash, Visa, Mastercard, debit and e-transfer’s to accounts@flytfc.ca
Note: We do allow customers to put money in their account or leave a credit card on file for convenience.
Do I need to have a degree in engineering to be a pilot?
Not at all. There is no educational prerequisite. You don’t even have to be good at math, though it would help. Thankfully we have calculators for that! If you did fine in physics in high school, you’ll be more than ready for the academic demands of a student pilot. The most helpful qualities that will help you succeed are strong work ethic, an aptitude for good decision making under pressure, and the patience to learn all the applicable aviation regulations.
After I graduate, am I guaranteed a job with the airlines?
No, the future is uncertain. The only guarantee is that we will provide you with the best and most affordable training possible. We do have several alumni who are now employed as commercial pilots.
