Canada: Training & Employment prospects
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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/
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/
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Work Permits in Canada?
Hi
Is there anyone on the forum who has been through the process of obtaining a temporary work permit to Canada? Not through a Canadian company but a personal process.
I have read the immigration website and the procedure is listed, but I am wondering if there are many delays, or if there are procedures to expedite the issue... etcetera. Or if the procedure was more or less painless.
I do not wish to go to Canada permanently, just to do some occasional seismic-drill work when my normal job is slowed down.
I have a company that will sponsor me, but that means I am tied to them. I do not want this as this is a limitation for looking for the best available pay.
Thank you for any advice.
TR
Is there anyone on the forum who has been through the process of obtaining a temporary work permit to Canada? Not through a Canadian company but a personal process.
I have read the immigration website and the procedure is listed, but I am wondering if there are many delays, or if there are procedures to expedite the issue... etcetera. Or if the procedure was more or less painless.
I do not wish to go to Canada permanently, just to do some occasional seismic-drill work when my normal job is slowed down.
I have a company that will sponsor me, but that means I am tied to them. I do not want this as this is a limitation for looking for the best available pay.
Thank you for any advice.
TR
Unfortunately you will be tied to one company.
I have had work permits with three different companies in Canada, and the immigration people seem to be very up front and helpful, and there is none of the nonsense you have in the states as with regards to attorneys and so on.
It took 5 weeks from applying to receiving my first work permit. I was in Norway at the time and had to apply to the Canadian High Commission in London. Subsequently it has usually taken from 3 to 8 weeks, depending upon the time of year I have applied. My current work permit is valid for 3 years, and I will be applying for permanent residency unless I find a job in europe soon.
Hope this helps
Cheers
W.
I have had work permits with three different companies in Canada, and the immigration people seem to be very up front and helpful, and there is none of the nonsense you have in the states as with regards to attorneys and so on.
It took 5 weeks from applying to receiving my first work permit. I was in Norway at the time and had to apply to the Canadian High Commission in London. Subsequently it has usually taken from 3 to 8 weeks, depending upon the time of year I have applied. My current work permit is valid for 3 years, and I will be applying for permanent residency unless I find a job in europe soon.
Hope this helps
Cheers
W.
Join Date: Jun 2006
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Mountain & FAA to CAA CPL Transition Training in British Columbia
Dear Friends,
1. Is an FAA 2000 hr 206 & 407 pilot with less than 10 mountain hrs. employable in British Columbia this 2007 season ? if I take "an approved BCFS Mountain Flying Course?" I'm already briefed on the FAA to CAA CPL transition (tough written test and not so tough checkride).
2.Which British Columbia Mountain Course is the best/most respected, CHC or Chinook. The CHC School has got to be the gold standard up there, right ?
3.Does anyone out there know the cost of the CHC Standard Mountain Flying Course I "for pilots current in 206B, basic and advanced mountain flying procedures, 4 days ground school & 22 flight hours, 15-21 days" (it's Saturday and there's no one there).
Thanx, Rick
California
[email protected]
1. Is an FAA 2000 hr 206 & 407 pilot with less than 10 mountain hrs. employable in British Columbia this 2007 season ? if I take "an approved BCFS Mountain Flying Course?" I'm already briefed on the FAA to CAA CPL transition (tough written test and not so tough checkride).
2.Which British Columbia Mountain Course is the best/most respected, CHC or Chinook. The CHC School has got to be the gold standard up there, right ?
3.Does anyone out there know the cost of the CHC Standard Mountain Flying Course I "for pilots current in 206B, basic and advanced mountain flying procedures, 4 days ground school & 22 flight hours, 15-21 days" (it's Saturday and there's no one there).
Thanx, Rick
California
[email protected]
#1. I would make an educated guess of Yes. 300 hour pilots are picking and chosing who they want to work for, you have 2000.
#2. If you want to fly in BC, the Chinook course is as good as any, probably better than most. They do mountain/recurrency training for a lot of commercial operators that found out the hard way that they should leave training to professionals. They also train Transport Canada inspectors. Plus they can convert your FAA license to Canadian.
There is no CHC school. CHC only has one helicopter in Canada - a 332L1 in Halifax. You must be thinking of Canadian Helicopters in Penticton. They have good credibility internationally, but are only considered average for the BC market, and some operators even feel their training isn't rooted in the real world (after your eighth "dumbell" turn around a landing sight, your passenger will have decided to contract someone else next time). They are also expensive, which doesn't matter if some government is paying for it but we presume this is coming out of your own pocket.
#3 Maybe somebody will post the price of the Canadian Helicopters course and the Chinook course (I'm offshore right now). Both will probably seem cheap compared to what they gouge you in Europe. Used to be 25% cheaper than the US, but the exchange has gone up.
malabo
#2. If you want to fly in BC, the Chinook course is as good as any, probably better than most. They do mountain/recurrency training for a lot of commercial operators that found out the hard way that they should leave training to professionals. They also train Transport Canada inspectors. Plus they can convert your FAA license to Canadian.
There is no CHC school. CHC only has one helicopter in Canada - a 332L1 in Halifax. You must be thinking of Canadian Helicopters in Penticton. They have good credibility internationally, but are only considered average for the BC market, and some operators even feel their training isn't rooted in the real world (after your eighth "dumbell" turn around a landing sight, your passenger will have decided to contract someone else next time). They are also expensive, which doesn't matter if some government is paying for it but we presume this is coming out of your own pocket.
#3 Maybe somebody will post the price of the Canadian Helicopters course and the Chinook course (I'm offshore right now). Both will probably seem cheap compared to what they gouge you in Europe. Used to be 25% cheaper than the US, but the exchange has gone up.
malabo
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Just curious but is this a serious statement or tongue in cheek?
Would a FAA CPL/IR(H) with 350 hours total with 50hours B206 stand a chance of getting work in Canada this year?
How difficult is it for a Brit to work in Canada, Visas,work permits etc.
Regards Chester
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Can someone explain me why a pilot need in Canada this mountain course? Is it a question of insurance, better job chances or is it prohibited to fly in mountains not holding such a course?
In Switzerland a pilot is not allowed to land in mountains above round about 3500ft don't having such a mountain course. 200 approaches at least 20h, really expensive.
Does someone know if the swiss course is convertible to canadian rules? Could not find in the CARs such a point "foreign mountain licences".
In Switzerland a pilot is not allowed to land in mountains above round about 3500ft don't having such a mountain course. 200 approaches at least 20h, really expensive.
Does someone know if the swiss course is convertible to canadian rules? Could not find in the CARs such a point "foreign mountain licences".
Last edited by Quichotte; 14th Jan 2007 at 10:09.
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A "suitable" mountain course is required by the various forestry companies, particularly BC and Alberta, who keep a log of pilots so qualified. Transport Canada do not require a course to fly in mountains as such, although they do designate Mountainous areas with rules about how to operate in them. There is no laid down syllabus, but a suggested length of course is 21 hours, containing the usual stuff. There are various schools who carry out training to varying degrees of quality, and, as I said in a previous thread, there is more to mountain flying than just landing in esoteric spots, and you need to ensure that your school gives you a proper armoury of tools to work with, rather than just saying "that's what we teach here".
If you can demonstrate proper experience, such as flying for several years in Austria, or a military course plus other experience (in my own case, flying a Beaver in the Rockies, plus my AAC training) it will usually be accepted without question. Your Swiss experience would most likely be acceptable, although this is finally down to the Forestry people. There's no harm in going to a school like Chinook to do your conversion to the Canadian licence and getting a quick topup at the end.
It's just another one of those hurdles that appear just after you thought you'd finished!
phil
If you can demonstrate proper experience, such as flying for several years in Austria, or a military course plus other experience (in my own case, flying a Beaver in the Rockies, plus my AAC training) it will usually be accepted without question. Your Swiss experience would most likely be acceptable, although this is finally down to the Forestry people. There's no harm in going to a school like Chinook to do your conversion to the Canadian licence and getting a quick topup at the end.
It's just another one of those hurdles that appear just after you thought you'd finished!
phil
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2007 British Columbia Season, Mountain Training & Experience
Mr. Malabo, thanx for the clarification about the advanced flight school in Penticton (Canadian Helicopters is not the same as CHC, got it) and your comments about Chinook, I'm calling them and BC Helicopters tomorrow. I email applied to seven BC (or Alberta) companies yesterday from Abitibi to VIH.
Paco, thanx for the excellent comments about mountain time and the importance of training but they bring up another question for you or anyone:
To fly (US) Forestry/Department of the Interior jobs in the US you must have the OAS card as we all know, which requires 200 hrs mountain/rough terrain time (which I don't have, I'm a Gulf of Mexico pilot). Is there any similar hour-based experience requirement in Canada ? You imply there isn't when you stated "Transport Canada does not require a course to fly in mountains as such..." ie. does Transport Canada or typical British Columbia (forestry) customers require any hour-based mountain or rough terrain pilot experience ?
Thanx
Paco, thanx for the excellent comments about mountain time and the importance of training but they bring up another question for you or anyone:
To fly (US) Forestry/Department of the Interior jobs in the US you must have the OAS card as we all know, which requires 200 hrs mountain/rough terrain time (which I don't have, I'm a Gulf of Mexico pilot). Is there any similar hour-based experience requirement in Canada ? You imply there isn't when you stated "Transport Canada does not require a course to fly in mountains as such..." ie. does Transport Canada or typical British Columbia (forestry) customers require any hour-based mountain or rough terrain pilot experience ?
Thanx
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Not as far as I know, but my last season there was 2003 - it may have changed. As far as I am aware, a suitable mountain course is all that's required, and your company will forward your details to the forestry people.
Phil
Phil
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#1. I would make an educated guess of Yes. 300 hour pilots are picking and chosing who they want to work for, you have 2000.
#2. If you want to fly in BC, the Chinook course is as good as any, probably better than most. They do mountain/recurrency training for a lot of commercial operators that found out the hard way that they should leave training to professionals. They also train Transport Canada inspectors. Plus they can convert your FAA license to Canadian.
There is no CHC school. CHC only has one helicopter in Canada - a 332L1 in Halifax. You must be thinking of Canadian Helicopters in Penticton. They have good credibility internationally, but are only considered average for the BC market, and some operators even feel their training isn't rooted in the real world (after your eighth "dumbell" turn around a landing sight, your passenger will have decided to contract someone else next time). They are also expensive, which doesn't matter if some government is paying for it but we presume this is coming out of your own pocket.
#3 Maybe somebody will post the price of the Canadian Helicopters course and the Chinook course (I'm offshore right now). Both will probably seem cheap compared to what they gouge you in Europe. Used to be 25% cheaper than the US, but the exchange has gone up.
malabo
#2. If you want to fly in BC, the Chinook course is as good as any, probably better than most. They do mountain/recurrency training for a lot of commercial operators that found out the hard way that they should leave training to professionals. They also train Transport Canada inspectors. Plus they can convert your FAA license to Canadian.
There is no CHC school. CHC only has one helicopter in Canada - a 332L1 in Halifax. You must be thinking of Canadian Helicopters in Penticton. They have good credibility internationally, but are only considered average for the BC market, and some operators even feel their training isn't rooted in the real world (after your eighth "dumbell" turn around a landing sight, your passenger will have decided to contract someone else next time). They are also expensive, which doesn't matter if some government is paying for it but we presume this is coming out of your own pocket.
#3 Maybe somebody will post the price of the Canadian Helicopters course and the Chinook course (I'm offshore right now). Both will probably seem cheap compared to what they gouge you in Europe. Used to be 25% cheaper than the US, but the exchange has gone up.
malabo
Are you there?
I mean in Obiang's country...
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Ground job in Canada wanted
It’s been my ambition for some time to work in Canada, I would like to work in the helicopter industry in Western/Northern Canada. My work background is with both helicopter, A109’s, B206, As350/355’s, R22/R44’s, setting up temporary heliports ect. and executive fixwing, on the ramp and within an FBO/flight planning roll.
What are the job prospect like for anyone from the UK, where should I place my resume online where it will get seen and where should I look for the best place to find a vacancy; I already advertise myself on AeroAds, is this a good place?
Can anyone please advise me?
Many thanks
What are the job prospect like for anyone from the UK, where should I place my resume online where it will get seen and where should I look for the best place to find a vacancy; I already advertise myself on AeroAds, is this a good place?
Can anyone please advise me?
Many thanks
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usually the way someone gets hired in canada is with or after a face-to-face meeting. there are so many low-time pilots trying to get a foot in the door that competition is very stiff. operators generally don't pay any attention to resumes faxed or emailed for entry level positions.
however, it can't hurt. if you are so inclined i would send a resume to Helijet in vancouver. they run a scheduled airline service and operate 76's and a 61. ramp positions are sometimes available in vancouver and victoria.
perhaps some of the IFR operators on the east coast will have similar oppprtunities.
hopefully, this will help.
however, it can't hurt. if you are so inclined i would send a resume to Helijet in vancouver. they run a scheduled airline service and operate 76's and a 61. ramp positions are sometimes available in vancouver and victoria.
perhaps some of the IFR operators on the east coast will have similar oppprtunities.
hopefully, this will help.
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Thank you for the advice 'Fun Police', Helijet is on my list to contact also been looking at the RCMP but I need to be a Canadian citizen for that, this would not be a problem for me. I am planning to go to Canada this year to look around for a job.
I would not mind working in Big White area. My friend is heading there as I speak to meet up with his son who is working a bar there. So if you go into one of the bars and come across a young Brit it could be him, Nick Floyer.
Thanks again for your time and advice.
I would not mind working in Big White area. My friend is heading there as I speak to meet up with his son who is working a bar there. So if you go into one of the bars and come across a young Brit it could be him, Nick Floyer.
Thanks again for your time and advice.
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i used to live out west but no more. i am a little out of touch with the local operators in the okanagan, but i can tell you that it is a beautiful area with lots to do. you will enjoy it very much.
good luck.
good luck.
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Well, as a start, do you have the right to live and work in Canada?
Before looking for a job, that's the obvious question.
If not, why asking for jobs, no need of placing your resume anywhere...
Better ask/search, how can I legally work/immigrate to Canada
Before looking for a job, that's the obvious question.
If not, why asking for jobs, no need of placing your resume anywhere...
Better ask/search, how can I legally work/immigrate to Canada
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Yeah, making sure you have the ability to work there to start with is always a good idea. I know most people in the UK can get a work permit for a year, but you will find it very difficult to convince Canadian operrators to hire you for a year over hiring a Canadian. With the posibilities of getting work sponsorship, you would need to have worked there aleady or have a lot of experience under your belt. Most Canadian operators are partial to a bakground knowledge of working in the bush, and I will tell you now, you would never get sponsored to work there with anything less than 1000 hours time under your belt, unless you were blessed with magic horse shoes up your ass.
However, saying all this, work prospects are good in Canada these days, with there being such a demand for engineers and pilots, although the demand always quotes "experienced" of those.
Helijet is usually looking for pilots with IFR and ATPL, and of course you will have to have your Canadian licenses to work in an C-reg aircraft. Be aware though, that Helijet will not pay you much of anything at all, and you will have to live in Vancouver, which is no cheap place to live in by any means. The good part about getting on with Helijet, is that they are tied to CHC now, for their co-pilots. so once you get time on their 76's you can go work next door for CHC International if thats a route you wanna go.
Good luck with it all.
However, saying all this, work prospects are good in Canada these days, with there being such a demand for engineers and pilots, although the demand always quotes "experienced" of those.
Helijet is usually looking for pilots with IFR and ATPL, and of course you will have to have your Canadian licenses to work in an C-reg aircraft. Be aware though, that Helijet will not pay you much of anything at all, and you will have to live in Vancouver, which is no cheap place to live in by any means. The good part about getting on with Helijet, is that they are tied to CHC now, for their co-pilots. so once you get time on their 76's you can go work next door for CHC International if thats a route you wanna go.
Good luck with it all.
