Getting Started

FIRST STEP

Once you have decided to start your flight training, now’s the time to sign up for the next Private Pilot Ground School class and begin your flight training sessions with an instructor. You will be paired up with a flight instructor who will work with you through all your flight training sessions and help you advance through all the stages of your flight training.

Most people choose to begin their flight training with a Private Pilot Licence because of the many options it offers after completion. Whether you are flying for recreation or for a career this is the place to start.

AVIATION MEDICAL

All pilots are required to complete an aviation medical on a regular basis. The frequency and category of medical depends on the licence or permit the student is training for.

When to Complete the Aviation Medical

Your flight training can be started prior to completing the aviation medical however; it is important to complete the aviation medical early on in your training. The processing of the initial aviation medical may take a number of weeks and your flight training may be delayed if the medical is not completed early during training.

Finding a Aviation Medical Examiner

UNDERSTANDING YOUR FLIGHT TRAINING

Your flight training will include various sessions consisting of ground school, preparatory ground instruction, pre-flight and post-flight briefings and in-flight instruction.

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 concurrently with the in-flight instruction and are always completed prior to learning the particular exercise in the airplane.

Pre-Flight and Post 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 post-flight briefings take place after all training flights. The instructor will review what took place during that particular session and make a plan for the next booking.

In-Flight Instruction

This is the practical training where students get the opportunity to fly the airplane.

Dual Flight Training – your 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 – once you reach a safe standard your instructor will authorize solo flights where you will gain experience flying as the sole occupant of the airplane.

Ground School

Classroom instruction covering the theory and regulations required of a pilot. This is different than the above training sessions as it takes place in a group setting usually taught by a different instructor. Although it is not necessary, we do recommend the Private Pilot Ground School be started prior to or early on in your flight training as many of the topics complement 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.

Our Private Pilot Ground School classes run twice a year. Classes are held in the evenings once a week for 18 weeks.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR FLIGHT BOOKINGS

Most training sessions are 2 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 which consists of weight and balance calculations, checking weather and NOTAMS, navigation planning, and completing the 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 plan for the next booking.

Contact Dispatch to start your flight training today!