Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN CAN I START? 
ANYTIME! We are open seven days a week. All you have to do is contact us and set up a time with an instructor. Your first flight will be a 30 minute introductory flight for only $39.59 in a Cessna 152, $48.15 in a Cessna 172, or $52.43 in a Cessna 172R.

WHAT ABOUT GROUND SCHOOL? 
We suggest that you enroll in our ground school and purchase the ground school kit when you first start training. We provide online ground school instruction and preparation for the written examinations. This course provides you with the flexibility that will allow you to study at any time, as well as interactive slides and quizzes. You must complete a minimum of 40 hours of ground school to qualify for a private licence. 

DO I HAVE TO PAY UP FRONT? 
Ground school tuition must be paid for on enrolment. Flying is paid for at the end of each flight lesson. We accept CASH, AMEX, VISA, MASTERCARD and INTERAC.

WHAT IS GROUND BRIEFING? 
This is one-on-one instruction on the specifics of each flight exercise and is conducted prior to each flight. For the first few lessons, the briefing time is approximately 15 minutes per flight. However, as you progress onto more complex exercises such as navigation, the briefing may be up to an hour long. Briefings may also be conducted post flight to discuss weak areas as well as to make suggestions for improvement. Students require an average of ten hours briefing for a private pilot licence. Briefing is charged at the instructor hourly rate.

HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SET ASIDE FOR EACH LESSON? 
In the initial stages, your flights will be about an hour in duration. However, you should plan to spend a full two hours at the airport. The extra hour will be necessary for briefing, pre-flight inspection of the aircraft, obtaining a weather briefing, post-flight documentation and debriefing, if necessary. When you progress to advanced exercises such as navigation, you should expect to spend about five hours total for a three-hour flight.

WHAT OTHER COSTS ARE INVOLVED? 
Students must pass a medical examination with an Aviation Medical Examiner designated by Transport Canada. We suggest you complete this as soon as possible after commencing your training. The examiner fee ranges from $100.00 to $130.00. We will provide you with a list of qualified examiners. This examination is NOT covered by MSP of B.C. Transport Canada also charges a fee, which varies with the type of licence applied for.

There are also Transport Canada fees for the written exam, flight test and licence processing.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FLY DURING TRAINING? 
Ideally, a student should fly three or more times a week. However, this may not be possible because of time or financial constraints. We recommend that you fly at least once a week to minimize total training costs and to enable you to progress as quickly as possible.

WHAT TESTS DO I HAVE TO TAKE? 
There is an in-house written exam that must be completed prior to obtaining a Student Pilot Permit which is necessary for solo flight. A Transport Canada written exam and flight test must be completed in order to obtain a licence. Students will also have to complete a brief oral exam in order to obtain a Radio Licence.

CAN I RENT AIRCRAFT UPON COMPLETION OF TRAINING? 
Once you have obtained a licence, you may rent our aircraft. Should you wish to take the aircraft for an extended period of time, the following conditions apply:  during the normal weekday, 0800 on Monday to 1800 on Friday, a minimum of three (3) hours must be flown or charged to the aircraft. At all other times, including holidays, a minimum of four (4) hours must be flown by the aircraft and/or will be charged to the pilot. You should fly at least once a month to maintain currency. Our rental policy requires that you complete a currency checkout with an instructor if you have not flown for more than 60 days.

WHAT ABOUT CREDIT FOR TRAINING AT ANOTHER SCHOOL? 
We will give you full credit for any flying completed at another school provided you have a completed log book or pilot training record with details of training certified by the school. Evidence of ground school must be certified in a Pilot Training Record or in another record acceptable to Transport Canada.