Are you new to the world of flying? The world of aviation may seem very complicated and overwhelming, with many acronyms and requirements. We hope this reference guide makes getting started easier.
First Steps
Step 1: The Introductory Flight
An introductory flight at The Ottawa Flying Club is the perfect way to experience what it’s like to fly an airplane!
Whether you are wondering if you would like to get a pilots license, see the world from a new perspective, or learn a little bit more about flying, an introductory flight is a great experience.
Under the supervision of one of our experienced and professional instructors, you will be taken up in one of our aircraft and given the opportunity to take the controls to perform basic movements and maneuvers. This flight will last roughly 40-45 minutes.
Step 2: Aviation Medical
After your discovery flight, you will have to determine what your flight training will be.
All pilots are required to complete an aviation medical on a regular basis. The appointment frequency and category of medical will depends on the license or permit the student is training for. For those pursuing aviation as a career, a Category 1 medical will be required. For those flying as a hobby, a Category 3 medical will be required.
It is highly recommended that you complete your medical for the license you desire PRIOR to beginning your training. We recommend this to ensure you are not surprised down the road after sinking some serious time and money into your training only to find out that you may be ineligible to hold the required medical.
Step 3: Ground School
Ground school consists of classroom instruction covering the theory of flight and regulations required of a pilot. Ground school may be completed prior to or concurrently along with your Flight Training. We do recommend the Private Pilot Ground School be started early on in your flight training as many of the topics overlap with your in-flight lessons.
The main topics include; theory of flight, meteorology, engines and systems, navigation and air law. Upon completion, students will have the background knowledge to successfully pass the Transport Canada written exam.
In addition to our in-house courses, we recommend The Wise Pilot (www.thewisepilot.com) to compliment your ground school training if your schedule is more flexible and you need some accommodations for your schedule.
OFC Students who use The Wise Pilot on-line ground school can save 20% by using our code “OFC2025”.
Flight School Operations
Your flight lessons will include various sessions consisting preparatory ground instruction, pre-flight planning, in-flight instruction, and post-flight debriefs.
What is Preparatory Ground Instruction?
Before learning and practicing each maneuver in the airplane, students will complete an in classroom session with their flight instructor covering the needed knowledge on theory and procedures.
These sessions are usually one-on-one with your instructor and are approximately 30 mins long. They are completed prior to the in-flight session and ensure the required knowledge is present prior to completing the lesson in the airplane.
Pre-Flight Briefings
The pre-flight briefings are required for every training flight and ensure there is a clear understanding between the instructor and student of what the primary objective is for that day. The pre-flight breifing will also review the students preparation for the flight, including items such as:
- Weight and Balance Calculations
- Weather Planning
- NOTAM Review
- Aircraft Preparation
- Navigation
In-Flight Instruction
This is the practical training where students get the opportunity to fly the airplane.
Dual Flight Training – The flight instructor will show and explain each flight exercise then under their close supervision, you will have the opportunity to practice and perfect those exercises.
Solo Flight Training – Upon demonstrating a safe standard, your instructor will authorize solo flights where you will gain experience flying as the sole occupant of the airplane.
Post Flight Briefings
The post-flight briefings take place after all training flights. The instructor will review what took place during that particular session, highlighting the areas to focus on for next time, and make a plan for the next booking.
What is Modular Training?
Each school will have a different program and curriculum to help you obtain your goal.
Some will offer an accelerated or direct program, targeting the individuals who are on a path for the airliners. These programs are fast paced, but often hold very competitive admission requirements. Other schools will apply a modular training structure. The modular structure allows each student to go at their own pace, completing each course individually as time and finances permit before moving on to the next one.
The Ottawa Flying Club uses a Modular Training Program. All students will start with the same Private Pilot Curriculum, regardless of whether they would like to fly big jets, or on the weekend for fun. Once completed, the student is able to progress to the next course.
- Private Pilots License
- Night Rating
- Multi Engine Rating
- Instrument Rating (Group I or III)
- Commercial Pilots License
- Instructor Rating
How do bookings work?
Most training sessions are 2 to 3 hours long and consist of in-flight instruction, preparatory ground instruction, pre-flight and post-flight briefings.
Students are required to arrive at the school at least 30 minutes prior to the start of their booking to ensure there’s enough time to complete any pre-fight planning and pre-flight inspection of the airplane. These items will be covered in detail with your instructor in the beginning stages of flight training.
Once the bookings time starts, the student and instructor are able to complete the pre-flight briefing for the flight and the preparatory ground instruction for any new exercises. When all preparations are completed the instructor and student will begin the in-flight instruction. Students are given as much opportunity to fly the airplane as is safely able.
New exercises will first be demonstrated and explained by the instructor before the student takes the controls. In just a few short flights the student will be doing most of the flying under the close supervision of their instructor.
After the flight, the student and instructor will de-brief (post-flight briefing) about the flight and make a study plan for the next booking.
How many bookings are required per week?
The frequency of bookings is at the discretion of the student. We recommend three (3) bookings per week to maximize efficiency, and decrease knowledge loss between sessions.
Due to weather restrictions, approximately 25-30% of bookings will likely be cancelled for weather outside of training limitations.
Students may elect to make more than 3 bookings per week, provided they keep up with the associated homework and readings. Students making less than 1-2 bookings per week are at greater risk of forgetting previous lessons, and repeating past exercised.
Did you say homework?!
Yes! Obtaining a pilots license requires a moderate amount of homework. Each lesson is paired with the required readings in the Flight Training Manual, and From the Ground Up Textbook. A student can expect 30 to 60 minutes of homework per lesson.