Canada: Training & Employment prospects

[notnoz]

Terror,

Yes, there are loads of jobs assuming you have the right crudentials and yes it is a great experience. Some of the best and most challenging flying you'll probably ever do.

Just remember that the work is 'seasonal', around six months in general getting down to only a few months right up north. You'll need atleast a couple of weeks to do a conversion and another couple of weeks to get your work visa (sponsorship) processed once you find a job. With airfares, accom, food, training, exams, etc you won't get much change out of 10,000 canadian before you have even started working. Given all that you should be getting over there about now or you'll miss the boat!

Realistically you really need to give it a couple of years to make it worthwhile. The first year you'll be doing all the paperwork, etc and finding your feet in a new environment while the second and beyond you'll find you can really get your teeth into something and then make some money. Don't think of it as a quick trip where you'll make loads of money and then come home smiling, it doesn't work like that! Some companies do also work thru the winters if you like freezing your arse off!

Best of luck!

[skidbiter123]

I went over for a look last year around this time, started to convert my licence, then was told that due to insurance requirements, I would need 1500 hours. I only had 180ish and a licence with wet ink, so I had a holiday in Hawaii and came home again!

The guys I talked to over there all had good things to say about flying there, and pay rates. I have now started the long, slow task of building hours, and fully intend to head back once I have some more.

Best of luck.

[terrorteen]

Thanks for the advise so far. I have over 2500hrs so far in various types of machines. I realise it is probably to late to head over now but will work towards the following season. It is one of those things that you have to give it a go at some time or you will end up kicking yourself in years to come.

Terror

[219joochiat]

infos about Canadian schools

Hi guys (and gals??)
I am not too much into choppers, but am looking for some flight schools informations in Canada for a relative.
I talked to a couple and found out Helicraft was not too bad. Could not find more infos using the search engine.
Any advice would be very much appreciated.

[ayaarr]

http://www.chinookhelicopters.com/

[paco]

Bighorn at Springbank

Phil

[Galapagos]

http://www.velocityhelicopters.com/

Best CFI you'll find. Ask for Gerard...

G

[Cyclic Hotline]

BC Helicopters, Abbotsford, BC.

Excellent school. Top quality instruction and always, brand new Schweizer 300CBi's to fly.

Abbotsford is an excellent location. Large airfield, relatively busy, with good on field training areas available as well as in the surrounding areas with great mountain flying in the immediate vicinity. Right on the US border and close to Vancouver, as well as all the other fabulous attractions of BC and Washington.

If they can teach someone like me to fly, then what better recommendation could possibly exist?

http://www.bchelicopters.com/

[dogsleigh]

One more in the delta

Premier Helicopter Training. On the 47 G4, the school to go for operational training , tell your friend to rent a car and go to the other two that are close by (Chinook and BC Heli) and make an informed decision

dogsleigh

[shadey]

New training option - flythesky.ca

Hi

I was reading the verticalmag news and they have a short article on www.flythesky.ca. These guys are offering to train you as a commercial pilot over the period of 2 years for CAN$5,350. They do not offer too much detail but it sounds too good to be true. If you factor in living expenses it still seems reasonable. I can't help thinking what is the catch?

Does anyone know anything about this outfit?

I must say it has the makings of a good idea, as it will enable people to enter the industry without selling their house and betting it on a slim chance they can get a job as a low-hours pilot.

I am doing my PPL(H) in the UK at the moment, but I hope to start my CPL(H) in Canada next year and go on to work and live in Canada so I am looking for the best way to do it, but being a bit of a cynical Brit I am a bit cautious about these sorts of offers.

[thecontroller]

beware flight school claims. in canada: no turbine time + no work visa = no job, unless you like sweeping floors for 2 years first

[shadey]

flythesky

I have applied to the skiled immigration program, I expect to hear from the Canadian goverment in 27 months or less (hopefully) then I can come and work.

Thanks for the tip on turbine time 'the controller' How many hours are we talking? I am quite handy with a broom, but I prefer using a cyclic

[Hughesy]

Canada Companies

Hi.
Just wondering if anybody knows of Helicopter companies in Canada's east coast that may be looking for full time pilot?
Cheers
Hughesy

[loachboy]

Flying in Canada / USA

Hello all,
This topic has been covered it seems like a thousand times. I know.

I hold an Australian CPLH, and am looking for some advice from any Aussies / Kiwis out there that have, gone to Canada / USA to work. Including License conversions, Exmas, Medicals, etc etc whatever is required and what needs to be done and how to do it. I'm a low time guy with under 500 hours, but I'm looking more at what to do when I get the time in the Log Book

Thanks to all in advance.

Constructive advice / experiences only.

Thanks in advance.

Loachster

[Fun Police]

i'm not sure about conversions etc. but i would suggest that you give bailey helicopters in ft. st. john, british columbia a call. i know that they have brought a few of you down under types on an will put you to work in the oil patch, forestry, general charter stuff. they have some r44's and some nice, recent b2's among other things.
doug parrish is the CP's name and he pretty much runs the operation as far as i am aware.

[DeltaNg]

HeliJet, Canada

Anybody got any views on the merits of this company?

[Super 61]

I worked for Helijet from 99 to 01. Great company. Excellent people, some of the best pilots and engineers I have met in the industry so far. Excellent IF experience, excellent training, a great place to build solid IF and night time. The aircraft are getting older, but are very well maintained, and the pay is not the best. However if you want a nice schedule, home every night you can't beat Helijet.

[DeltaNg]

Thanks Super61 !

[kjw57]

Good folks have known the ops manager for quite awhile, was interviewed and hired but didn't go as my financial requirements didn't match the pay offered. Too bad as there would have been loads of IMC conditions to fly in.

[shadey]

Interested in my experience

I have resolved to become a Commercial Pilot in Canada. I have just attained my JAR PPL(H) in the UK. Would anyone be interested in me making posts of my personal experience as I progress down what seems to be a difficult and expensive path?

I can tell the story so far and plans and then give updates as and when.

Just don't want to waste my typing stuff that nobody wants to read.

Cheers

Shadey