Insight on Flight Schools in Ontario
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Insight on Flight Schools in Ontario
Hi,
I came across this forum, and even though it seems to be largely UK-oriented, I thought I'd ask anyhow.
Can anyone, who has preferably gone through the process, share any insight of the flight schools and general expenses(Either experienced or observed) these days, in Ontario. I'm looking for something that provides quality PPL training, as I don't have much of an intent of going higher than that, but if it is renowned to do things higher up with diligence as well, it won't hurt. I'm interested to find a place that does training old-style, preferably in a hard-to-fly airplane, rather than something super easy, and not to send me on my way to getting the license with minimal hours and tons of glass cockpit
time.
From the research I've been able to do so far, there seem to be tons and tons of places out there, but most barely seem to have either a working website with tons of spelling errors
, or any info on pricing etc etc etc. However so far, two places seem to stand out: Brampton and Brantford Flight Centre's. The former is slightly more expensive, but seems to be busier and have slightly more history. I contacted them both, and got a really positive impression, but still if anyone knows anything about them and the quality of the work that they do, it would be appreciated.
Thanks!
I came across this forum, and even though it seems to be largely UK-oriented, I thought I'd ask anyhow.
Can anyone, who has preferably gone through the process, share any insight of the flight schools and general expenses(Either experienced or observed) these days, in Ontario. I'm looking for something that provides quality PPL training, as I don't have much of an intent of going higher than that, but if it is renowned to do things higher up with diligence as well, it won't hurt. I'm interested to find a place that does training old-style, preferably in a hard-to-fly airplane, rather than something super easy, and not to send me on my way to getting the license with minimal hours and tons of glass cockpit
time.From the research I've been able to do so far, there seem to be tons and tons of places out there, but most barely seem to have either a working website with tons of spelling errors
, or any info on pricing etc etc etc. However so far, two places seem to stand out: Brampton and Brantford Flight Centre's. The former is slightly more expensive, but seems to be busier and have slightly more history. I contacted them both, and got a really positive impression, but still if anyone knows anything about them and the quality of the work that they do, it would be appreciated.Thanks!
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Not to crap on PPRUNE, but you should check out the forums on AVCANADA :::WELCOME:::
As for flight schools, I was in pretty much the same boat as you, in Toronto, wanting a PPL and maybe a few ratings but no intention on going commercial. I lucked out in that back when I started, flying clubs were more common and I had great training at Hamilton Flying Club. It doesn't exist anymore.
Instead, most of these places out here have "200 hour wonders" who give me advice like "Keep your nose lower on approach or you'll tail strike" or some other complete bullplop. Some are so busy they can't remember who's who (and often don't care). My advice is to have a little interview with your instructor. Preferably, pick someone who is old and has no intention of building hours so they can move onto regional airlines. I have a few "test" questions like hitting the prop gently with the dipstick during the walk-around and see if they know what for.
As for finding something old-style and hard to fly, good luck. You won't find it. I'd recommend you just train on a 152 like everyone else and then move onto something more interesting like taildraggers (which are great fun, BTW).
Feel free to PM me if you want more info/questions.
As for flight schools, I was in pretty much the same boat as you, in Toronto, wanting a PPL and maybe a few ratings but no intention on going commercial. I lucked out in that back when I started, flying clubs were more common and I had great training at Hamilton Flying Club. It doesn't exist anymore.
Instead, most of these places out here have "200 hour wonders" who give me advice like "Keep your nose lower on approach or you'll tail strike" or some other complete bullplop. Some are so busy they can't remember who's who (and often don't care). My advice is to have a little interview with your instructor. Preferably, pick someone who is old and has no intention of building hours so they can move onto regional airlines. I have a few "test" questions like hitting the prop gently with the dipstick during the walk-around and see if they know what for.
As for finding something old-style and hard to fly, good luck. You won't find it. I'd recommend you just train on a 152 like everyone else and then move onto something more interesting like taildraggers (which are great fun, BTW).
Feel free to PM me if you want more info/questions.
Where exactly are you in Southern Ontario? There's flight schools just about everywhere. Future Air has bases in Collingwood and Barrie and there's Spectrum Airways at Burlington plus there's Guelph and K-W. Lots of choice. Go hang out in the pilot lounges for a day and talk to people.
Airports under the Pearson Class C get stuck with longer transits to practise areas. Those with towers can get you stuck in queues on busy days, i.e. weekends.
Some of it depends on the flying you plan to do. Do you have the budget to fly for personal transportation?
There's also gliders. The keeners in our club get turned loose cross-country in a couple of years and you get to start dropping in on farmers
Airports under the Pearson Class C get stuck with longer transits to practise areas. Those with towers can get you stuck in queues on busy days, i.e. weekends.
Some of it depends on the flying you plan to do. Do you have the budget to fly for personal transportation?
There's also gliders. The keeners in our club get turned loose cross-country in a couple of years and you get to start dropping in on farmers
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If you tap the prop with a stick, it should give you a good solid tone. (Metal prop of course.) I've been told if the prop has a fracture, it will buzz a little. Never heard the buzz, but I've also never had a fractured prop either. More than one older instructor has told me this, so it's either a well known thing, or some urban legend that seems to have been passed over the years because prop fractures are so rare. 
Anyone got any other "tips" of that nature that aren't in the POH? (Such as, in the early 177/Cardinal, always check the fuel vents. They can jam the aileron if they shift.)
Anyone got any other "tips" of that nature that aren't in the POH? (Such as, in the early 177/Cardinal, always check the fuel vents. They can jam the aileron if they shift.)
Back in 1967 I learned at Sudbury Aviation in Azilda which is a touch north of Sudbury on floats. If they are still there (which I believe) you will have a lot of fun as float plane flying will give the well deserved chalenge you are looking for.
Brantford Flight Centre has always been a good school. It's a good training environment because the airport is uncontrolled and not ridiculously busy (like Brampton at times). You're close enough to controlled airports that allows you to get experience in the ATC environment. Then again I'm somewhat biased as it's where I started my career over 30 years ago. Wherever you decide, enjoy!
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I would recommend Waterloo as well and the reason is BECAUSE they have a tower. The airport is not really that busy and you get experience with radio procedures as an everyday occurance. The practice area is right outside the control zone so there's not a lot of wasted time transiting. I would not recommend any airport in the YYZ control area
I would also suggest you interview the instructor rather than the other way around. Try and get an instructor that does it full time so he/she is there every week. If your constantly changing instructors it can easily add 5-10 hrs on to the time spent getting your license. ( which comes out of your back pocket and into their cash registers)
On another topic, in my experience as an instructor from longgggggg ago, close to 90% of students get their license, fly a few close friends and family around and then never fly again. Be very clear in your mind as to why you are starting in the first place. The first question students ask is How much?..they then go home, wrap their heads around that amount and budget for it. What they don't realize is that the spending of mega $$$$ never ends when it comes to flying.
Good Luck.
I would also suggest you interview the instructor rather than the other way around. Try and get an instructor that does it full time so he/she is there every week. If your constantly changing instructors it can easily add 5-10 hrs on to the time spent getting your license. ( which comes out of your back pocket and into their cash registers)
On another topic, in my experience as an instructor from longgggggg ago, close to 90% of students get their license, fly a few close friends and family around and then never fly again. Be very clear in your mind as to why you are starting in the first place. The first question students ask is How much?..they then go home, wrap their heads around that amount and budget for it. What they don't realize is that the spending of mega $$$$ never ends when it comes to flying.
Good Luck.
