Points well expressed.
Thank you +TSRA! "one pro of doing your training in Canada is the contacts that you will make. Your flight instructors, your fellow students, other local or transiting pilots that you get to know" You're absolutely right, and this is particularly true in the airline industry, which is known for being a tight-knit community where networking and personal connections can play a vital role in advancing your career. Building strong relationships with your flight instructors, fellow students, and other local or visiting pilots can lead to numerous opportunities, especially when you're starting out. In Canada, our aviation community is smaller compared to larger markets like the U.S., and the relationships you cultivate during your training can be instrumental when you're looking for jobs, references, or even just advice on navigating the industry. Many pilots find their first jobs through recommendations from instructors or fellow students, and being connected with the right people can open doors to regional carriers or corporate aviation positions that might not even be publicly advertised. Additionally, airlines often value candidates who come with strong references from within the industry, as it reassures them about a pilot’s competency and work ethic. The connections you build during your training can also provide insight into the best paths to follow for career advancement, as well as mentorship from more experienced pilots. In an industry where who you know can be just as important as what you know, these contacts are more than just a convenience—they’re a key resource for career growth.
Thank you Pilot DAR! "in addition to the important points above, is to support the Canadian training industry, rather than the American industry." What a strong point.
Your point about supporting the Canadian training industry is especially timely, considering the current contract negotiations with Air Canada pilots. These negotiations are crucial in addressing the issues of wage parity and working conditions, which could help retain more qualified Canadian pilots within the country. Right now, one of the major reasons Canadian pilots are migrating to the U.S. is because of better pay and job conditions. The U.S. offers more competitive salaries, especially with regional airlines facing severe pilot shortages, which creates an attractive pull for Canadian pilots. As a result, many Canadian-trained pilots are leaving to work for U.S. carriers, exacerbating the shortage at home. By supporting the Canadian aviation training industry, we can help slow this migration. If Canadian airlines, such as Air Canada, improve wages and working conditions through successful contract negotiations, they can better retain Canadian-trained pilots and ensure the long-term health of the industry. Strengthening our local aviation community by training, paying, and treating pilots competitively will not only retain talent but also ensure that the investment in Canadian pilot training stays within the country. Elevating pilot pay and improving contract terms in Canada will create a more level playing field between the U.S. and Canada, and help keep Canadian-trained pilots from seeking opportunities elsewhere.