Originally Posted by
Aicila2491
Hi everyone. I'm planning to go to Canada to get my cCPL. Could someone give me an honest opinion on the quality of training and potential job opportunities? I'm considering four academies: Chinook and BC in British Columbia, and LR and Mountain View in Calgary. I'd also appreciate any feedback on the academies themselves.
Thanks ,
A
Quality of training is top notch. I trained with Rotorworks Inc in Whitecourt, Alberta. It's ran by three very experienced instructors, highly recommended. There is also three Helicopter Companies situated at the same airport that gets low time pilots going.
Regarding the job prospects you just need to get out there and chat with all the different operators. Most of them are getting new pilots started on the ground for a year, then transitioning them into a flying roll. I personally know two low time pilots who worked the ground for six months with a well established company in Alberta after their training. Both guys are now flying the Astar. I know a few other guys flying in BC and other parts of Canada on the 206 / Astar, they all got flying pretty quick. Just to add none of them paid for any additional training after completing the basic Commercial License!