Flight School Help - Vancouver Area

[emmjayy]

Hello Everyone,

I'd like to start out by saying I have read and searched through many threads on this forum and others with regards to all the different options for flight schools here in Vancouver and surrounding areas. The vast majority of the information I can find is either very conflicting, or quite dated and most likely not too relevant for present day. I am hoping to get some insight from folks on here with some first hand knowledge of the schools in this area. I am trying to decide on a flight school for my PPL, CPL and Multi/IFR training starting hopefully in January or February of 2018. I am located in North Vancouver and have primarily been looking at schools out of Boundary Bay and Pitt Meadows due to their proximity. I plan on doing my training on a full time basis and ideally would like to fly 5-6 days/week (weather permitting).

I have been out to visit both Pacific Flying Club and Professional Flight Center (PRO-IFR) out at Boundary Bay. I had quite a good experience at Pacific when I dropped by. The lady at the front was great with answering all my questions and an instructor who happened to be near by took the time to take me out and show me some of their fleet which I appreciated. There are mixed reviews for this school with many people seeming very happy with all the training they have received there, others have complaints of scheduling issues and having their flights bumped for the BCIT program students which I find a bit troubling.

When I dropped into Professional Flight Center I didn't feel I got quite the same attention and enthusiasm that I received when stopping by Pacific but I did show up unannounced and they seemed quite busy so I don't put a whole ton of stock into that necessarily. Out of all the schools I've researched this one seems to have the most universally positive reviews of the schools in the area which is quite encouraging. Professional also have teamed up with Douglas college so I'm curious if they may have the same scheduling issues as Pacific with regards to getting bumped out of a booked time for a program student.

I have also heard quite good things about Pacific Rim Aviation out at Pitt Meadows although I have not been out to visit them yet. Also depending on what you're reading and who you ask there seems to be no great consensus on which of the two airports is best to train out of. Some say training at Boundary Bay was very beneficial as it gave them invaluable busy airport experience, others say to only consider Pitt Meadows/Langley as they are so much closer to the training area and you are not paying for travel time.

Essentially what I would like to get is some real world knowledge from some recent or current students or instructors who might be able to provide a bit more insight into what school in this area might fit with what I am looking for.

Thanks for your time,

MJ

[Aly.S]

Hello everyone,

Sorry to be bumping this thread after that much time, but MJ asked all the same questions I have. Any information or recommendations out there about flight schools in the Vancouver area. I'm looking to get my multi-engine instrument and CPL training. I'll be hopping over from Europe so visiting before hand might not be feasible,

I'll be mainly relying on reputation and what feedback I can dig up. I've done a few searches on the forum but haven't been able to come up with anything relevant and/or recent. I'm also interested in hearing about Pacific Flying Club and Professional Flight Centre. Hope someone can give me some pointers.

Thanks,
Al

[Nil.]

I have the same issue. Any feedback about flying school in Raincouver Area would be appreciated as I plan to do my fight training next year as an international student.
thanks!

[rigpiggy]

I love vancouver, however, i would go someplace less crowded with better weather"sun for the upcoming months

[CrossCanadaMark]

What about the Victoria Flying Club- is this a good place to get a PPL, and then do Commercial somewhere else? Or would it be better to do everything at the same place, such as Diamond Flight Centre, etc.

[flash8]

What about the Victoria Flying Club- is this a good place to get a PPL, and then do Commercial somewhere else? Or would it be better to do everything at the same place, such as Diamond Flight Centre, etc.

Yes, was going to suggest VFC... great club... also based at an International Airport.... spent many a happy time there (in the mid/late 90's though)... Victoria is very quiet/sleepy..... but many folk like this... oh just seen looks like you are already in Vic!

[Nil.]

Originally Posted by flash8

Yes, was going to suggest VFC... great club... also based at an International Airport.... spent many a happy time there (in the mid/late 90's though)... Victoria is very quiet/sleepy..... but many folk like this... oh just seen looks like you are already in Vic!

Thank you Flash8, I prefer "quiet places" I was thinking and researching over VFC. I would be glad to have more feedback about this flying club. I plan to do my CPL and FI and work as an instructor.
Thanks guys!

[flash8]

Originally Posted by Nil.

Thank you Flash8, I prefer "quiet places" I was thinking and researching over VFC. I would be glad to have more feedback about this flying club. I plan to do my CPL and FI and work as an instructor.
Thanks guys!

When I were there for the PPL (and part of CPL) the instructors and aircraft were first rate, with the benefit of operating from a small but International Airport (in those days mostly 737-200's, 146's and Dash 8's so will have changed!) - and the city is beautiful, quiet, peaceful and crime is almost non-existent - in fact it probably is one of the safest cleanest cities on the planet... everyone knows each other it seemed... (I was there three years in total). I totally recommend the city if you are looking for safety, quiet and laid back. I loved it but left in search of adventure ))))

Not sure about FI opportunities... probably limited... post CPL/IR perhaps one of the local Twotter seaplane operators for work? Dunno... they didn't like me but that was way back )))))

If you are into "quiet" it is like another world compared to Vancouver.... you will think they are different planets!

[Takira101]

Hi,

I did all of my training in the Vancouver area.
I can give you some info regarding my experiences with some of the flight schools there.
First bit of advice. DO NOT choose Professional Flight Center. Do not be fooled. They want your money. Period. Very unprofessional operation. Stay away!

[lonalde]

Hey Takira101,

Would love to hear some input from you. I was looking at the ATPL integrated in Europe but was met with very mixed opinions. I'm thinking of maybe just heading back to Vancouver (my home) and trying out pilot schools there. Do you have any recommendations? Not really sure which path/route is best since I have no prior experience except for doing a discovery flight back in high school.

[pilot1234567]

Originally Posted by Takira101

Hi,

I did all of my training in the Vancouver area.
I can give you some info regarding my experiences with some of the flight schools there.
First bit of advice. DO NOT choose Professional Flight Center. Do not be fooled. They want your money. Period. Very unprofessional operation. Stay away!

Not really sure on the regular school, but Professional Flight Center (Pro IFR) runs the best IFR ground school around.

[Takira101]

I have heard good things about the IFR methods at ProIRF. My comments are more regarding their business in general. I have delt with them on a few occasions and was disapointed each time. I would anyone thinking of doing their flight training there should STAY AWAY.

[Takira101]

Lonalde,

I would be happy to offer any advice I can. Drop me a line at [email protected]

[flyingcrankshaft]

Hey,

Does any one have info on Canadian Flight Centre?

[Takira101]

At Boundary Bay I recommend both CFC and PFC. Your best bet is to walk into both and have a sitdown. Get a feel for the school and depending on how good or bad your are treated when you walk in you can decide which school you would rather train at, and more importantly, give your money to. I recommend walking in without out an appointment and see how you are treated. This will give you the best idea regarding the schools “culture” and general atmosphere. You should be welcomed and they should be happy to sit down with you and discuss your training goals. If you walk into any school where the staff / instructors dont seem interested in talking to you or act like they are too busy, LEAVE AND GO TO ANOTHER SCHOOL. Please let me know how it goes.

[Ilyushin76]

Originally Posted by Takira101

At Boundary Bay I recommend both CFC and PFC. Your best bet is to walk into both and have a sitdown. Get a feel for the school and depending on how good or bad your are treated when you walk in you can decide which school you would rather train at, and more importantly, give your money to. I recommend walking in without out an appointment and see how you are treated. This will give you the best idea regarding the schools “culture” and general atmosphere. You should be welcomed and they should be happy to sit down with you and discuss your training goals. If you walk into any school where the staff / instructors dont seem interested in talking to you or act like they are too busy, LEAVE AND GO TO ANOTHER SCHOOL. Please let me know how it goes.

Pretty much sums it all up.

[miramis]

Hi! I am bumping this thread, also looking for flight schools in that area. I am Swedish but consider pursuing my pilot career in Canada, very into seaplanes and vancouver is def the place to be then!

Keep me updated on how y'all do with choice of schools etc i'm at least 6 months away from studying (saving up money still).

Just curious, how old are you guys? I feel like i might be getting too old to pursue this dream.. just turned 29

[+TSRA]

I feel like i might be getting to old to pursue this dream.. just turned 29

You're only too old in aviation if you don't maintain realistic aspirations. I routinely train new pilots at the airlines who are entering their second career in their 50's.

As everyone's dreams are different, it's hard to say whether you are "too old." If your dream is to do float flying for the rest of your career then no, you're not too old. If, however, your dream is to be #1 on the seniority list at a major international airline and also want to have 3 to 5 years on the top of the pay scale then yes, that ship has likely sailed and you're not going to realize your dreams.

[Ilyushin76]

Originally Posted by miramis

Hi! I am bumping this thread, also looking for flight schools in that area. I am Swedish but consider pursuing my pilot career in Canada, very into seaplanes and vancouver is def the place to be then!

Keep me updated on how y'all do with choice of schools etc i'm at least 6 months away from studying (saving up money still).

Just curious, how old are you guys? I feel like i might be getting to old to pursue this dream.. just turned 29

Never too old to fly

[Takira101]

Originally Posted by +TSRA

You're only too old in aviation if you don't maintain realistic aspirations. I routinely train new pilots at the airlines who are entering their second career in their 50's.

As everyone's dreams are different, it's hard to say whether you are "too old." If your dream is to do float flying for the rest of your career then no, you're not too old. If, however, your dream is to be #1 on the seniority list at a major international airline and also want to have 3 to 5 years on the top of the pay scale then yes, that ship has likely sailed and you're not going to realize your dreams.

Sums it up pretty well. A little extreme however. If your reason for wanting to become a pilot is to become #1 on the seniority list, then I would question your reasoning. If you want to become a pilot for the great pay, I would recommend another industry. However, out of all the people I meet who want to fly for a career, no one has ever mentioned salary or seniority as a reason. Lets get real guys, being a pilot flying planes for a living is not only an awsome thing to be, it is also just plain cool. That is enough of a reason to want a career in aviation.

As for the question of age, the previous reply said it perfectly. It all comes down to what your goal is. I have met guys who have retired from boring careers in their 50s, got a float rating and lived out their days flying float planes in the wilderness. I have met guys in their early 20s who just want to instruct and fly for small operations in their local area. I also met a kid who had his first solo before 16 and is now a big shot airline pilot. Etc. etc.

The short answer for YOU is; 29 too old? You are crazy! Finish your training in a timely manner and you could be flying for a major airline before your 40th birthday. There are numerous career paths for pilots and, at 29, most of those paths are still wide open for you. Any thoughts of 29 being too late to start are wrong and should be put completly out of your mind. I assure you that your age is not an issuse. I don’t have all answers, but let me know if you have any questions or concers about your future training or career path.