bafanguy,
It is kind of interesting looking at the differences. Unlike the US, we don't spend much on our military and it shows when you look at what is happening. We have (feel free to correct me if anyone cares):
- about 30 Sea Kings
- maybe 20 Labrador helicopters
- a lot of Griffons (close to 100, but I can't remember)
- about 12 new EH-101s
- about 80 operational CF-18s
- 12 or 14 Arcturus/Argus patrol aircraft (think P-3 Orion)
- 30 or 40 C-130Es
- a couple Airbus A-300s
- some Buffalo, Twin Otter and other smaller transports
- a few Canadair Challengers
In the last couple of years we have grounded all of the CT-133s, and most of the CT-114s. The only new fixed wing aircraft we have been purchasing are the Challengers which the Prime Minister gets to use. When you look at the US and its 1100 F-16s alone, and you can see a bit of a difference. Westjet also doesn't seem to like air force pilots, so if thats where you want to go, avoid the air force.
This isn't meant to knock the air force as it is a great route for some people and will give them some great experience, but it isn't as much of a guarantee as in some countries.
whereisjohn,
You will probably have the right number of hours for Westjet, but they rely heavily on personal recommendations. So if you don't know many people in the company, or people who do, you will have trouble. They ask for 4000 hours, but most have 6000 or more. Some do get hired with just over 4000, but they have the right connections.
If you want to fly commercially in Canada, the best advice so far seems to be don't give up and be ready for a long, hard road (or maybe that should be approach).
goates