Calgary / Alberta modern twin private hire
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 69
Likes: 1
From: The bush and back
Calgary / Alberta modern twin private hire
Hi all,
Looking for advice on where to find modern, aircraft for private hire around Calgary, preferably a twin (e.g. DA42) or single turbine.
Am soon to move there but unfamiliar with the area and flight schools etc so trying to get some lead in advance (beyond the basic googling and website browsing which I've already done).
Also interested in reputable (non-sausage factory) schools that could assist with a CPL(A) conversion (from an FAA licence).
Many thanks
Looking for advice on where to find modern, aircraft for private hire around Calgary, preferably a twin (e.g. DA42) or single turbine.
Am soon to move there but unfamiliar with the area and flight schools etc so trying to get some lead in advance (beyond the basic googling and website browsing which I've already done).
Also interested in reputable (non-sausage factory) schools that could assist with a CPL(A) conversion (from an FAA licence).
Many thanks
Joined: Jun 2002
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 7,176
Likes: 295
From: Nanaimo (CAC8)
Senecas are the most modern twins available but I doubt they are available for solo hire. They are probably too busy turning out sausages. 
As to SE Turbines, scarce as hen's teeth.
The schools are all busy but any of them could easily handle your licence conversion.
Calgary Flying Club and Air Training College at Springbank and Kanata Aviation at High River. I have no knowledge of Kanata, but the advantage of High River is that it is uncontrolled. At Springbank, you can waste a lot of dollars on the taxiway - ask me how I know!
As to SE Turbines, scarce as hen's teeth.
The schools are all busy but any of them could easily handle your licence conversion.
Calgary Flying Club and Air Training College at Springbank and Kanata Aviation at High River. I have no knowledge of Kanata, but the advantage of High River is that it is uncontrolled. At Springbank, you can waste a lot of dollars on the taxiway - ask me how I know!
Joined: Oct 2007
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 120
From: Wherever I go, there I am
Going north of Calgary, there used to be a flight club up in Olds/Didsbury that had a twin, but I no longer see it listed on their website. It might be worth a call in case they only rent it to experienced pilots and they’re just trying to avoid the newly minted from raising their insurance rates, which is something I’ve heard through the grapevine happens, although I’m not suggesting that’s what’s going on here - more than likely it’s gone . If memory serves, Sky Wings up in Red Deer also has a Seneca I for rental.
I agree with India_Four_Two that you’ll be somewhat limited in your choice of twin, and you’d likely have an easier time finding the Holy Grail than you would a SE Turbine for rent at any flight school around here.
I agree with India_Four_Two that you’ll be somewhat limited in your choice of twin, and you’d likely have an easier time finding the Holy Grail than you would a SE Turbine for rent at any flight school around here.
Joined: Apr 2016
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
You don't need a school to convert your FAA certificate.
Your first step is getting your Cat 1 medical. That alone can take up to Six month, as unlike with the FAA, the CAME (doctor) has to submit your initial application for a CAMO (equivalent of FAA surgeon) approval.
After you get that done, you to need to write your FAACA (and FAAIA if you want your instrument converted). After that, you fill the application, pay the many fees, submit your FAA certificate for verification (TC will do it directly with the FAA), along with your logbook.
If you also convert your instrument rating, you will need an IPC signed by a CFII from the previous 24 months (your DPE can also sign it, if it's from the last 24 months). If you want to get a group 1 IFR, you will need an FAA CMEL, otherwise a CSEL will be converted to a group 3.
When you're done - you will need to get a radio operator from Industry Canada, and very recommended to get your ICAO language test done (the FAA certificate has a built in level 5 proficiency good for 4 years).
Being there, than that. Good luck!
Your first step is getting your Cat 1 medical. That alone can take up to Six month, as unlike with the FAA, the CAME (doctor) has to submit your initial application for a CAMO (equivalent of FAA surgeon) approval.
After you get that done, you to need to write your FAACA (and FAAIA if you want your instrument converted). After that, you fill the application, pay the many fees, submit your FAA certificate for verification (TC will do it directly with the FAA), along with your logbook.
If you also convert your instrument rating, you will need an IPC signed by a CFII from the previous 24 months (your DPE can also sign it, if it's from the last 24 months). If you want to get a group 1 IFR, you will need an FAA CMEL, otherwise a CSEL will be converted to a group 3.
When you're done - you will need to get a radio operator from Industry Canada, and very recommended to get your ICAO language test done (the FAA certificate has a built in level 5 proficiency good for 4 years).
Being there, than that. Good luck!
