What are the advantages and Disadvantages
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 3
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From: Ontario
What are the advantages and Disadvantages
Hello ALL @ PPRuNe,
I have been browsing the web looking for advantages and disadvantages of doing my PPL to CPL (Ratings included, CFI etc ) and came across the notion of possibly doing the courses in the U.S (FAA Lic) versus TC. Starting from scratch and completing the courses at a flight school in, lets say, New Brunswick or Ontario, versus South Florida. I am putting together the pro's and con's of both. Ie; License conversion being a con when returning. More available flight days in Florida ticking off a pro category. I do have the opportunity to either. No- I currently do not have legal authorization to work there after the courses (although I can stay for a good amount of time as a CFI to build hours and maybe ear a little). What would you say is a PRO or a CON on doing the 12 month in New Brunswick or heading to FL USA to get the same in possibly a little time less (7-8 mnths). Let me know your thoughts. Your input is appreciated and valued!
I have been browsing the web looking for advantages and disadvantages of doing my PPL to CPL (Ratings included, CFI etc ) and came across the notion of possibly doing the courses in the U.S (FAA Lic) versus TC. Starting from scratch and completing the courses at a flight school in, lets say, New Brunswick or Ontario, versus South Florida. I am putting together the pro's and con's of both. Ie; License conversion being a con when returning. More available flight days in Florida ticking off a pro category. I do have the opportunity to either. No- I currently do not have legal authorization to work there after the courses (although I can stay for a good amount of time as a CFI to build hours and maybe ear a little). What would you say is a PRO or a CON on doing the 12 month in New Brunswick or heading to FL USA to get the same in possibly a little time less (7-8 mnths). Let me know your thoughts. Your input is appreciated and valued!
Joined: Oct 2007
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,027
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From: Wherever I go, there I am
There is an old saying in aviation: Don't be an a$$ as your FO today could very well be your Chief Pilot tomorrow.
If your desire is to work here in Canada when you are done, then one pro of doing your training in Canada is the contacts that you will make. Your flight instructors, your fellow students, other local or transiting pilots that you get to know, your future students when you become an instructor: all are a source of job prospects in the future. You lose all of that if you do your training in the US and then come home. Sure, you could build those relationships up when you get back, but all it takes is a recession for the doors to slam the hiring shut. In those times the only way you get a job is by knowing someone or knowing someone who knows someone, and those people you know will help those they've known for longer.
Another pro is that many flight schools in Canada now have pathway programs to the likes of Jazz, Encore, or Porter. The kind of program where if you finish with the school, the company agrees to provide you the opportunity to interview ahead of others. That wouldn't exist by going to a school in the US (unless you went through a cadet program like what Jazz or Flair offer, but be weary of those and read the T&Cs EXTREMELY carefully).
The last pro that I'll write is about exposure. You have to learn how to fly in all conditions if you desire a job in Canada. Sure, Florida is great for flying and it certainly has more VFR flying days than many parts of Canada. But as you progress to your CPL and certainly into your instrument rating, you're going to have to learn how to fly when it's not VFR. Or how to fly when it's -20C outside and the precautions that come with that. Sure, you'll learn about runway contamination and icing and cold weather corrections in Florida, but they mean nothing until you experience it. The ability to say "no" to flying is also something you learn on those marginal weather days, so don't discount a bad weather day in Ontario as being a negative. There is lots to learn from taking things a little slower.
With all that said, there are a lot of positives of doing your training in Florida too, but I'll let others chime in.
If your desire is to work here in Canada when you are done, then one pro of doing your training in Canada is the contacts that you will make. Your flight instructors, your fellow students, other local or transiting pilots that you get to know, your future students when you become an instructor: all are a source of job prospects in the future. You lose all of that if you do your training in the US and then come home. Sure, you could build those relationships up when you get back, but all it takes is a recession for the doors to slam the hiring shut. In those times the only way you get a job is by knowing someone or knowing someone who knows someone, and those people you know will help those they've known for longer.
Another pro is that many flight schools in Canada now have pathway programs to the likes of Jazz, Encore, or Porter. The kind of program where if you finish with the school, the company agrees to provide you the opportunity to interview ahead of others. That wouldn't exist by going to a school in the US (unless you went through a cadet program like what Jazz or Flair offer, but be weary of those and read the T&Cs EXTREMELY carefully).
The last pro that I'll write is about exposure. You have to learn how to fly in all conditions if you desire a job in Canada. Sure, Florida is great for flying and it certainly has more VFR flying days than many parts of Canada. But as you progress to your CPL and certainly into your instrument rating, you're going to have to learn how to fly when it's not VFR. Or how to fly when it's -20C outside and the precautions that come with that. Sure, you'll learn about runway contamination and icing and cold weather corrections in Florida, but they mean nothing until you experience it. The ability to say "no" to flying is also something you learn on those marginal weather days, so don't discount a bad weather day in Ontario as being a negative. There is lots to learn from taking things a little slower.
With all that said, there are a lot of positives of doing your training in Florida too, but I'll let others chime in.
Fleet Manager
Joined: Aug 2006
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
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From: Ontario, Canada
An important pro for undertaking your training in Canada, in addition to the important points above, is to support the Canadian training industry, rather than the American industry. Those contacts you make in Canada will not only be contact in their own sake, but also colleagues in the economy. You support their business, they're a lot more likely to think favourably of you when you're looking for a job!
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 3
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From: Ontario
Points well expressed.
Thank you +TSRA! "one pro of doing your training in Canada is the contacts that you will make. Your flight instructors, your fellow students, other local or transiting pilots that you get to know" You're absolutely right, and this is particularly true in the airline industry, which is known for being a tight-knit community where networking and personal connections can play a vital role in advancing your career. Building strong relationships with your flight instructors, fellow students, and other local or visiting pilots can lead to numerous opportunities, especially when you're starting out. In Canada, our aviation community is smaller compared to larger markets like the U.S., and the relationships you cultivate during your training can be instrumental when you're looking for jobs, references, or even just advice on navigating the industry. Many pilots find their first jobs through recommendations from instructors or fellow students, and being connected with the right people can open doors to regional carriers or corporate aviation positions that might not even be publicly advertised. Additionally, airlines often value candidates who come with strong references from within the industry, as it reassures them about a pilot’s competency and work ethic. The connections you build during your training can also provide insight into the best paths to follow for career advancement, as well as mentorship from more experienced pilots. In an industry where who you know can be just as important as what you know, these contacts are more than just a convenience—they’re a key resource for career growth.
Thank you Pilot DAR! "in addition to the important points above, is to support the Canadian training industry, rather than the American industry." What a strong point.
Your point about supporting the Canadian training industry is especially timely, considering the current contract negotiations with Air Canada pilots. These negotiations are crucial in addressing the issues of wage parity and working conditions, which could help retain more qualified Canadian pilots within the country. Right now, one of the major reasons Canadian pilots are migrating to the U.S. is because of better pay and job conditions. The U.S. offers more competitive salaries, especially with regional airlines facing severe pilot shortages, which creates an attractive pull for Canadian pilots. As a result, many Canadian-trained pilots are leaving to work for U.S. carriers, exacerbating the shortage at home. By supporting the Canadian aviation training industry, we can help slow this migration. If Canadian airlines, such as Air Canada, improve wages and working conditions through successful contract negotiations, they can better retain Canadian-trained pilots and ensure the long-term health of the industry. Strengthening our local aviation community by training, paying, and treating pilots competitively will not only retain talent but also ensure that the investment in Canadian pilot training stays within the country. Elevating pilot pay and improving contract terms in Canada will create a more level playing field between the U.S. and Canada, and help keep Canadian-trained pilots from seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Thank you Pilot DAR! "in addition to the important points above, is to support the Canadian training industry, rather than the American industry." What a strong point.
Your point about supporting the Canadian training industry is especially timely, considering the current contract negotiations with Air Canada pilots. These negotiations are crucial in addressing the issues of wage parity and working conditions, which could help retain more qualified Canadian pilots within the country. Right now, one of the major reasons Canadian pilots are migrating to the U.S. is because of better pay and job conditions. The U.S. offers more competitive salaries, especially with regional airlines facing severe pilot shortages, which creates an attractive pull for Canadian pilots. As a result, many Canadian-trained pilots are leaving to work for U.S. carriers, exacerbating the shortage at home. By supporting the Canadian aviation training industry, we can help slow this migration. If Canadian airlines, such as Air Canada, improve wages and working conditions through successful contract negotiations, they can better retain Canadian-trained pilots and ensure the long-term health of the industry. Strengthening our local aviation community by training, paying, and treating pilots competitively will not only retain talent but also ensure that the investment in Canadian pilot training stays within the country. Elevating pilot pay and improving contract terms in Canada will create a more level playing field between the U.S. and Canada, and help keep Canadian-trained pilots from seeking opportunities elsewhere.
