I need some serious help!
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Flightcpt. Right now you are focused on getting into an airplane as quickly as you can and getting the license in hand, so it seems as though this is a hard decision.
We've all been there.
But try and think what might happen twenty to thirty years down the road when a doctor tells you you've already flown your last flight and you're looking at another ten to twenty years driving a desk or simulator. You are going to want an education more than just a pilots license to make things interesting day in and day out. This makes your decision now a very easy one.
Do your Grade 12, study for the good grades and go to a degree program. There are lots more of those around than VFC too (i.e., Mount Royal). You'll thank yourself in twenty years.
We've all been there.
But try and think what might happen twenty to thirty years down the road when a doctor tells you you've already flown your last flight and you're looking at another ten to twenty years driving a desk or simulator. You are going to want an education more than just a pilots license to make things interesting day in and day out. This makes your decision now a very easy one.
Do your Grade 12, study for the good grades and go to a degree program. There are lots more of those around than VFC too (i.e., Mount Royal). You'll thank yourself in twenty years.
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Well that's what I got to hear from students at some flight academies in Manitoba (Harvs Air bring one of them). How could I know, I've never been to Canada before? Could you please tell me the correct months?
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Harv's
Ignore all the doom and gloom posts.
Harv's for an Indian CPL trainee is probably the best choice for a variety of reasons.
First, they do a large number of foreign students including Indian. They have experience and expertise in assisting in obtaining the vital Student Visa and
because it is in Manitoba, you will most probably end up with a work permit when you finish your training providing you make the proper application in the first place.
BC, Alberta and Ontario, do not have the same policies towards immigrants that exist in Manitoba. The other choice is Quebec that would require you start with reasonable ability in French.
First you decide on the province, then the school.
Manitoba wins hands down, and then Harv's wins again because of
their experience and size.
One factor you need to consider is the "Culture" of respect towards immigrants and or the lack of.
Go to youtube and put in immigration and the name of the province and watch the results.
Harv's for an Indian CPL trainee is probably the best choice for a variety of reasons.
First, they do a large number of foreign students including Indian. They have experience and expertise in assisting in obtaining the vital Student Visa and
because it is in Manitoba, you will most probably end up with a work permit when you finish your training providing you make the proper application in the first place.
BC, Alberta and Ontario, do not have the same policies towards immigrants that exist in Manitoba. The other choice is Quebec that would require you start with reasonable ability in French.
First you decide on the province, then the school.
Manitoba wins hands down, and then Harv's wins again because of
their experience and size.
One factor you need to consider is the "Culture" of respect towards immigrants and or the lack of.
Go to youtube and put in immigration and the name of the province and watch the results.
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No fly months? Winnipeg gets 265 clear days a year on average! Fog there is 6 km visibility
Although there is a rain shadow in Victoria, it still rains a lot (been there, done that).
I can personally recommend Harvs Air, and Manitoba is not a bad province at all. I immigrated there myself.
I wouldn't let the choice of degree influence your decision.
Phil

I can personally recommend Harvs Air, and Manitoba is not a bad province at all. I immigrated there myself.
I wouldn't let the choice of degree influence your decision.
Phil
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I would be an international student on a student visa, and I am torn between Brampton Flight Centre, and Harv's Air. How I wish physically checking, and talking to students would be possible for me, but I am not in Canada.
If I go to Brampton, I won't be eligible for a PGWP.
If I go to Harv's Air, I would be eligible for a PGWP. But I am not sure if I would like it in Manitoba, and I don't know anyone in Manitoba. Whereas, I have friends in Toronto.
I was also considering Moncton Flight College, but I can't reach anyone. I sent them an email last night, and I got an out-of-office reply, which would be until 12th March. I also tried calling the number on their website, and no one answered. I mean, why don't they assign a reliever or something if the person in charge would be gone that long?
Or would you recommend other flight schools aside from the ones I have mentioned? Inputs would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, guys!
If I go to Brampton, I won't be eligible for a PGWP.
If I go to Harv's Air, I would be eligible for a PGWP. But I am not sure if I would like it in Manitoba, and I don't know anyone in Manitoba. Whereas, I have friends in Toronto.
I was also considering Moncton Flight College, but I can't reach anyone. I sent them an email last night, and I got an out-of-office reply, which would be until 12th March. I also tried calling the number on their website, and no one answered. I mean, why don't they assign a reliever or something if the person in charge would be gone that long?
Or would you recommend other flight schools aside from the ones I have mentioned? Inputs would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, guys!
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So make some more friends!
They're a great bunch at Harvs! You'd better get used to making friends if you are going to fly for a living, especially if you plan to fly in the bush.
Phil

Phil
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If you are really "torn" up by the responses, then see what you want to see and be happy at Brampton where you probably have a host of countrymen living near by who know little about aviation but will push you to being close to Toronto.
If you can't reach MFC on the phone then that should be an indication of their approach to communications. MFC has had good and bad management in the past. A lack of answering the phone is not a good sign.
If you call Harv's you get a very nice friendly lady who will answer all your questions or get someone who can. Everyone on this forum has told you how fortunate you would be at Harv's etc etc.
If you want to speak to "other students" then just get on the phone, call Harvs and they will have a room full of foreign students
most probably who speak your first language who you can speak with. Their instructors are generally former students so, that should tell you volumes about how supportive they are of foreign students etc.
They also have a lot of experience at understanding the immigration related questions which means the paperwork has to be done correctly. If it is not done correctly, exactly as it is required, it may need to be done all over again and that could cost you another six months and an exit from Canada for a while to deal with the problem.
Now, I'm not acquainted with the ops rules at Harv's but at other flight schools not far away, we instructed in a Cessna 172 down to -30C with the cowl covers installed, something you will probably see only in Canada.
Now, down at Brampton, where it hardly ever gets that cold in winter, you will see them shut down operations at a much warmer temp.
Other schools claim they fly when it gets cold but also shut down when it gets a bit chilly at -15.
If you are coming to Canada then keep an open mind to be taught how to fly in the cooler temperatures, like -30 and below.
After you start work in Canada, you will go from some really chilly place to another place where its only -40 and it will feel positively tropical by comparison.
You now have an incredible amount of very good information on the previous posts. Perhaps it is time for you to follow up on that information.
If you can't reach MFC on the phone then that should be an indication of their approach to communications. MFC has had good and bad management in the past. A lack of answering the phone is not a good sign.
If you call Harv's you get a very nice friendly lady who will answer all your questions or get someone who can. Everyone on this forum has told you how fortunate you would be at Harv's etc etc.
If you want to speak to "other students" then just get on the phone, call Harvs and they will have a room full of foreign students
most probably who speak your first language who you can speak with. Their instructors are generally former students so, that should tell you volumes about how supportive they are of foreign students etc.
They also have a lot of experience at understanding the immigration related questions which means the paperwork has to be done correctly. If it is not done correctly, exactly as it is required, it may need to be done all over again and that could cost you another six months and an exit from Canada for a while to deal with the problem.
Now, I'm not acquainted with the ops rules at Harv's but at other flight schools not far away, we instructed in a Cessna 172 down to -30C with the cowl covers installed, something you will probably see only in Canada.
Now, down at Brampton, where it hardly ever gets that cold in winter, you will see them shut down operations at a much warmer temp.
Other schools claim they fly when it gets cold but also shut down when it gets a bit chilly at -15.
If you are coming to Canada then keep an open mind to be taught how to fly in the cooler temperatures, like -30 and below.
After you start work in Canada, you will go from some really chilly place to another place where its only -40 and it will feel positively tropical by comparison.
You now have an incredible amount of very good information on the previous posts. Perhaps it is time for you to follow up on that information.
Moderator
Flightcpt, you've got quite a lot of really good information here. For myself, I was trained at Brampton, back in the '70's, they have a good operation. My visits to Harv's Air impressed me well. Consider accommodating costs, this may make Harv's more attractive, it's really expensive to live near Toronto.
Winter is a great time to fly, there are no no fly months in Canada. You will encounter colder temps at Harv's Air than Brampton, but that would rarely cause no fly. Yes, we put blankets o the engines, and plug them in to warm them up. You'll find the performance of a plane at -20C on a super clear winter day to be noticeably better than a soggy +30C day, winter fly as much as you can.
Winter weather patterns include "lake effect snow" in areas downwind of very large lakes. Most places in southern Ontario are subject to Lake effect snow, so there will be no fly days from that. I think Harv's Air may also subject to this effect, though I think to a lesser degree, they're better positioned relative to lakes Winnipeg and Manitoba. The Vancouver area, and maritime provinces in the east are subject to rain and fog in the summer - ocean effect.
No Major Canadian flying school will disappoint you, but certainly one may fit your needs just a little better than another, do your research well!
Winter is a great time to fly, there are no no fly months in Canada. You will encounter colder temps at Harv's Air than Brampton, but that would rarely cause no fly. Yes, we put blankets o the engines, and plug them in to warm them up. You'll find the performance of a plane at -20C on a super clear winter day to be noticeably better than a soggy +30C day, winter fly as much as you can.
Winter weather patterns include "lake effect snow" in areas downwind of very large lakes. Most places in southern Ontario are subject to Lake effect snow, so there will be no fly days from that. I think Harv's Air may also subject to this effect, though I think to a lesser degree, they're better positioned relative to lakes Winnipeg and Manitoba. The Vancouver area, and maritime provinces in the east are subject to rain and fog in the summer - ocean effect.
No Major Canadian flying school will disappoint you, but certainly one may fit your needs just a little better than another, do your research well!
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Ignore all the doom and gloom posts.
Harv's for an Indian CPL trainee is probably the best choice for a variety of reasons.
First, they do a large number of foreign students including Indian. They have experience and expertise in assisting in obtaining the vital Student Visa and
because it is in Manitoba, you will most probably end up with a work permit when you finish your training providing you make the proper application in the first place.
BC, Alberta and Ontario, do not have the same policies towards immigrants that exist in Manitoba. The other choice is Quebec that would require you start with reasonable ability in French.
First you decide on the province, then the school.
Manitoba wins hands down, and then Harv's wins again because of
their experience and size.
One factor you need to consider is the "Culture" of respect towards immigrants and or the lack of.
Go to youtube and put in immigration and the name of the province and watch the results.
Harv's for an Indian CPL trainee is probably the best choice for a variety of reasons.
First, they do a large number of foreign students including Indian. They have experience and expertise in assisting in obtaining the vital Student Visa and
because it is in Manitoba, you will most probably end up with a work permit when you finish your training providing you make the proper application in the first place.
BC, Alberta and Ontario, do not have the same policies towards immigrants that exist in Manitoba. The other choice is Quebec that would require you start with reasonable ability in French.
First you decide on the province, then the school.
Manitoba wins hands down, and then Harv's wins again because of
their experience and size.
One factor you need to consider is the "Culture" of respect towards immigrants and or the lack of.
Go to youtube and put in immigration and the name of the province and watch the results.
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No fly months? Winnipeg gets 265 clear days a year on average! Fog there is 6 km visibility
Although there is a rain shadow in Victoria, it still rains a lot (been there, done that).
I can personally recommend Harvs Air, and Manitoba is not a bad province at all. I immigrated there myself.
I wouldn't let the choice of degree influence your decision.
Phil

I can personally recommend Harvs Air, and Manitoba is not a bad province at all. I immigrated there myself.
I wouldn't let the choice of degree influence your decision.
Phil
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I was also considering Moncton Flight College, but I can't reach anyone. I sent them an email last night, and I got an out-of-office reply, which would be until 12th March. I also tried calling the number on their website, and no one answered. I mean, why don't they assign a reliever or something if the person in charge would be gone that long?
Everyone recommends Harvs air, so it's a safe choice, don't confuse yourself with too many flight schools but yes do your research well.
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Flightcpt, you've got quite a lot of really good information here. For myself, I was trained at Brampton, back in the '70's, they have a good operation. My visits to Harv's Air impressed me well. Consider accommodating costs, this may make Harv's more attractive, it's really expensive to live near Toronto.
Winter is a great time to fly, there are no no fly months in Canada. You will encounter colder temps at Harv's Air than Brampton, but that would rarely cause no fly. Yes, we put blankets o the engines, and plug them in to warm them up. You'll find the performance of a plane at -20C on a super clear winter day to be noticeably better than a soggy +30C day, winter fly as much as you can.
Winter weather patterns include "lake effect snow" in areas downwind of very large lakes. Most places in southern Ontario are subject to Lake effect snow, so there will be no fly days from that. I think Harv's Air may also subject to this effect, though I think to a lesser degree, they're better positioned relative to lakes Winnipeg and Manitoba. The Vancouver area, and maritime provinces in the east are subject to rain and fog in the summer - ocean effect.
No Major Canadian flying school will disappoint you, but certainly one may fit your needs just a little better than another, do your research well!
Winter is a great time to fly, there are no no fly months in Canada. You will encounter colder temps at Harv's Air than Brampton, but that would rarely cause no fly. Yes, we put blankets o the engines, and plug them in to warm them up. You'll find the performance of a plane at -20C on a super clear winter day to be noticeably better than a soggy +30C day, winter fly as much as you can.
Winter weather patterns include "lake effect snow" in areas downwind of very large lakes. Most places in southern Ontario are subject to Lake effect snow, so there will be no fly days from that. I think Harv's Air may also subject to this effect, though I think to a lesser degree, they're better positioned relative to lakes Winnipeg and Manitoba. The Vancouver area, and maritime provinces in the east are subject to rain and fog in the summer - ocean effect.
No Major Canadian flying school will disappoint you, but certainly one may fit your needs just a little better than another, do your research well!
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I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time and efforts to reply. I'm pretty sure that after utilising the information I have received here, the results will be great. If there is anything you would like to know about flying in India or Australia, please do ask me. Thank you all for helping me out once again!
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Hi, Flightcpt! I might go to Harv's Air as well.
See you there! Yes, I have a few Canadian friends that I have met during my travels, and they are really nice. But none of them is from Manitoba, unfortunately.
And thank yooooou to everyone who responded!

And thank yooooou to everyone who responded!
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I look forward to seeing you there as well.
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In India the minimum requirement to become a pilot is to be a Grade 12th Passout with Physics, Maths and English as your subjects.
So you cannot find any job in India as a fresher therefore it is better to pass out from high school first then do it from Australia and according to Indians, Australia is a good place to learn flying, many Indians go to Australia for CPL.
Canada isn't ideal due to its bad weather, flying months are less plus Aviation degrees aren't very progressive or helpful to make you a pilot, it is better do it from a flying academy or after having a good graduation degree which can get you into an alternate job as a security measure.
All the best.
So you cannot find any job in India as a fresher therefore it is better to pass out from high school first then do it from Australia and according to Indians, Australia is a good place to learn flying, many Indians go to Australia for CPL.
Canada isn't ideal due to its bad weather, flying months are less plus Aviation degrees aren't very progressive or helpful to make you a pilot, it is better do it from a flying academy or after having a good graduation degree which can get you into an alternate job as a security measure.
All the best.
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Canada isn't ideal due to its bad weather, flying months are less plus Aviation degrees aren't very progressive or helpful to make you a pilot, it is better do it from a flying academy or after having a good graduation degree which can get you into an alternate job as a security measure.
I feel like feeding a troll today.
There are many universities in Canada which provide training towards a pilot license in addition to providing world-class education towards an undergraduate science or management degree, both of which are transferable in the workforce. However, many overseas students look for "the quick fix" and stop their search at those schools that provide aviation diplomas at best or just the licenses at worst. While still valuable, these are not as transferable as a degree. With that said, many universities in Canada and the United States will transfer some or all of the license or diploma into credits towards a degree, leaving further education up to the student. Imagine that, taking on the responsibility for your growth and education instead of hoping it is handed to you on a silver platter with gold trim.
As far as progressive, one need only look at the popular websites (ScienceDaily, Phys.Org, etc.) to see how world-leading many Canadian institutions are, never mind those sites that sit behind the university firewalls. I'll grant you the flight departments of these universities are not challenging NASA for top research spot, but there is also nothing stopping a student from doing co-op research.
As far as weather goes, I guess you figure Canada ends east of Abbotsford. The breadth of Canada includes many locations that have very few poor weather days, and some places count lousy weather in hours over a year rather than days. It is one of the few countries where one can gain experience in almost all weather conditions our planet can throw at us. But yeah, I guess that's not helpful in learning how to be a pilot.
I'd keep going but frankly, this has gotten me through four cups of coffee and a muffin, and I have a honey-do list an arm long.
I hope the troll is well fed.