frequently asked questions

What is different about your club compared to some of the other schools?

We are a non-profit flying club with arguably the lowest rates in Canada. We have a relaxed atmosphere without compromising safety or professionalism. We don’t wear uniforms. We believe in having our students make decisions early and taking charge of their own training. We have our students and members service the aircraft (fueling, refilling oil, cleaning, etc.) - not only it is good experience but it helps keep your costs down.

AND, we’re the only school in Edmonton to teach Aerobatics and Tailwheel!

I want to be a pilot. What is the first step?

The first step is to book a discovery flight to experience flying first hand. If you enjoyed the flight then you should book an appointment with a Civil Aviation Medical Examiner to make sure you can fly. You’ll need a Class 3 medical for private and recreational licenses, or a Class 1 medical if you’ll be flying professionally. Once that’s done, go ahead and book an appointment to join our club.

Of course, you could start your training before the medical is completed - but if Transport Canada gets hung up on aspects of your medical history, you might have to stop training for a few months before that’s sorted out.

What do I have to do to join your club? How much does it cost?

Please book an appointment with us for a club orientation. It takes about an hour and you can book by phone or email. You will have to fill an application form and do an open book exam about the club regulations and procedures. To become a member/owner you must purchase a $150 share which the club will buy back from you if you decide to leave. Also, there is a $60 annual membership fee which is not refundable. If you’re signing up as a student, there is a $50 fee to administer all the exams you’ll need for your license.

How much does it cost to get a Private Pilot License?

Please budget $15,000 for the Private Pilot Course. While very few people can obtain the license with just the 45 hour minimum Transport Canada requirements, most of us mortals take an average of 65 hours flight time. Some students take upwards of 100 hours.

What can I do to get my license as soon as possible and as cheaply as possible?

Come prepared for each lesson. Take notes in the pre/post flight briefings, and in your ground school classes. Study hard. Ask questions. Schedule flights as regularly as possible. Aim for at least three flights per week - many of your flights will be cancelled due to weather.

What is the most efficient way to go from zero experience to a job-ready professional?

Get your PPL. Aim to write your PPL exam well before your flight test.
Write your CPL exam at 100 hours total time.
Take your CPL flight test at 150 hours total time.
Write your instrument exam (INRAT) before starting Multi-IFR training.
Get your Multi and Multi-IFR ratings after taking your CPL flight test.
If everything went well, you will have all the requirements for your CPL except the 200hr total time requirement. With 20-30 hrs to go before the 200hr requirement, you could get a Tailwheel Checkout or an Aerobatics rating!! At this point, any time in an airplane counts towards your 200hr total time requirement.

**Remember, there are two parts to obtaining a license. Ground school and flight training. We cannot send you for your flight test until you have completed your written exam. DO NOT forget to keep up on your studies, even if you just want to fly. We have seen many students train until they are flight test ready - only to have to take an extended break from flying to study and write their exam. By the time they come back, they can be rusty and require costly retraining to the flight test standard.**

How long will it take and much does it really cost to go from zero hours to a point where I can be hired as a professional pilot?

If you work hard, study, come prepared, take notes, and fly at least 3 times a week, you could have your PPL + CPL + Multi + Group 1 IFR in less than a year. Total cost will depend on your ability and how often you fly but could cost as little as $50,000. A more realistic estimate for those keeping their day job during training would be $60,000 to $80,000 over 1-3 years.

Where do I go to get my medical?

Please use this link to find the nearest current Civil Aviation Medical Examiners.

Can I pay as I go?

Of course, we actually prefer it. We ask for payment after each flight. We take cash, cheque, credit, and debit.

Do I qualify for student loans?

If you are registered in any of the following four courses, you can qualify for student loans. You may get up to $15,000 in loans for each item, for a total of up to $60,000.

Commercial Pilot License
Multi-Engine Rating
Instrument Rating
Instructor Rating

——> Apply here. <——-

Can I claim my Private Pilot License costs as tuition on my taxes?

Yes - once you have enrolled in the commercial pilot course you can claim the cost of your PPL on your taxes.

I am not a Canadian resident or citizen, can you train me?

Unfortunately we are not set up to issue or approve student visas. We can provide training to legal residents of Canada only. Please visit Immigration Canada for more information.

Do I need to have a degree in engineering to be a pilot?

Not at all. There is no educational prerequisite. You don’t even have to be good at math, though it would help. Thankfully we have calculators for that! If you did fine in physics in high school, you’ll be more than ready for the academic demands of a student pilot. The most helpful qualities that will help you succeed are strong work ethic, an aptitude for good decision making under pressure, and the patience to learn all the applicable aviation regulations.

Can I buy block time for a discount?

No, we already provide the best rates in Canada.

Do you rent your twin engine airplane for solo flights?

No, but there are some exceptions for long term club members with extensive multi and IFR experience.

After I graduate, am I guaranteed a job with the airlines?

No, the future is uncertain. The only guarantee is that we will provide you with the best and most affordable training possible. That being said, we do have several alumni who are now airline pilots. There is at least one alumni who now flies the F-18 Hornet for the Canadian Air Force.