Programs
Private Licence
Program Overview
As a student in our Flight Training Program, you can expect unparalleled instruction from some of the most experienced instructors in the aviation industry. Our Chief Flight Instructor, Grant Ross, has been flying for almost 25 years, and instructing for over 20 years. Grant also holds the title of Chief Pilot to bring real-world techniques to all of his instructing relationships. With experience in a wide variety of operational environments, from long line, to forest fire suppression to float operations, all of our instructors pass on their experiences to the students. Our Instructors are Transport Canada authorized, and as such maintain the highest standards of professional flying and instructional ability.
Our ground school and flight training are designed to provide graduates with the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to operate helicopters efficiently and safely under various flight conditions and in remote geographic locations. The licencing part of the program is weather contingent. The more Mother Nature lets us fly, the more hours for our students, the sooner they can graduate, in theory.
Our Transport Canada program is offered year-round and covers the minimum requirements to obtain a private helicopter licence. The program provides students with all the basic skills to be a successful pilot and is ideal for students who require flexibility during their training or require a specific timeframe to complete the program.
You will start with ground school and then do flights in between to put what you learn into practice. We work with the availability of you and our flight instructors for scheduling flights in the duration of your training. There will be one on one tutoring, tests, assignments and homework to keep you proficient on the ground and in the air, but the majority of the content is encouraged to be self-study.
Transport Canada Program
| Program Content | 45 hours of flight time and 40 hours of ground |
| Program Length | 6 months *approximately |
| Start Date | May |
| End Date | The program length may vary between students in order to meet all the Transport Canada requirements for completion – remember this program is contingent on the weather! |
Fixed Tuition Fees
| Flight Training Ground School ~ 40 Hours Transport Canada minimum requirements are 40 hours Extra ground school hours are available One-on-one or in-class time for $90.00 per hour | $3,600.00 |
| Ground School Kit Includes flight bag, all books, flight computer, maps and manuals | $900.00 |
| Transport Canada Licensing Fees Costs are approximate and not included in the tuition fees Set by and paid directly to Transport Canada, subject to change | $800.00 |
| Simulator Instruction Time 5 hours maximum in certified simulator with an instructor Simulator hours – dual – $90.00 per hour | $450.00 |
| Flight Time – 45 Hours Costs based on the helicopter type(s) chosen to train on | included in flight costs – see following section |
Flight Training Program Costs
Robinson r44 – piston Helicopter
$895.00 per hour
45 hours minimum on a Robinson RH44
45 Hours Flight Time: $40,275.00+HST
Bell 206 jet ranger – turbine helicopter
$1,260.00 per hour
45 hours minimum on a Bell BH06
45 Hours Flight Time: $56,700.00+HST
All tuitions quoted are based on Transport Canada’s Minimum mandatory hours to obtain a Private Helicopter Licence. More hours than quoted may be required.
If you are unable to attain your licence within the hours required in the Transport Canada guidelines and require extra flight training and/or ground school, you are financially responsible. The program is very individual – our instructors strive to complete the course within the minimum time allotted.
Additional Costs
- Additional specialty training courses – see Operational Course Program Guide or talk to your Student Coordinator for more information
- Category 3 Aviation Medical Exam fee for initial appointment with a Canadian Aviation Medical Examiner (CAME) – paid directly to the CAME of your choice – See more information under “Admission Requirements”
- For Health and Safety reasons, a headset is a mandatory requirement. Prices can vary based on the supplier and designs available. We can place an order on the students’ behalf
- Students are also given the opportunity to acquire a flight suit. This is not a mandatory requirement but is highly recommended for flying in all weather conditions and is something student’s will have for the rest of their life. We can place an order on the students’ behalf
- For ground school classes, students are encouraged to print off any manuals and learning resources. This can be done at a local commercial printing company of their choice
- Additional training is available after course completion – this includes:
- Night Rating
- Time Building
- Type Endorsements
- Short Line and Long Line Training
