Career Paths in Canada!
 

Hi folks -

I would be grateful if anyone out there could pass on any info they have regarding careers as a commercial pilot in Canada (eg. how the industry is doing etc. and who is looking for pilots, common salary example maybe? ..or anything special I need to bear in mind.)... prob. Toronto region - I'm interested in emmigrating there in the next few years.

I'll be completing my A-Levels this summer, and following which I'll apply to BA while starting my Uni course in Aero Eng. I would really like to end up flying in Canada and any info that springs to mind would be sincerely appreciated.

Thanks for your time :)

Andy.
Devon, UK.

If you apply and get the position in BA, don't leave... you won't get a job like that here that fast. Everyone here has to pay their dues to get in line for the airlines.

Good Luck

Check out "Canada increasing immigration numbers" Forum in the Canada section - some accurate stuff re Toronto. Weird pilot market here, my friend.

Thanks guys.

Another thing - what's your typical salary over there? Differ alot from the UK?

I think you would be better off to stay in the UK... The pilot market is highly saturated over here. It takes longer - than say, the States to reach the Majors. For example, I fly for a Tier III Connector (Beech 1900D Capt.) - they won't look at you for the right seat unless you have 2,000 hours total... Many of the Captains have 4,000 hours total! I flew in the "bush" (floats, skiis and gravel strips) for 5 years until I could get the right seat on a Beech 1900... I have no complaints - enjoyed every minute of the "climb" - however, it was difficult at times (i.e. lack of $). Current salary for right seat on a Beech 1900 is 25,000$ CAD (not enough to survive in Toronto - just barely enough to rent a room and eat Kraft Dinner for every meal) ... 43,000$ CAD for a Beech Capt. - enough to rent an apartment - impossible to buy a house in YYZ... Now - at 4,000 hours - just about to get a shot at something "big". Also: Air Canada hiring is slowing down - they're planning 0% growth this year, cutting routes and parking a few airplanes... This greatly affects the entire industry in Canada.