How much will it cost to become a pilot ? TOP

This is a crucial question for lots of people who consider becoming a pilot. The average cost of getting the intial pilot licence—the Private Pilot Licence—is between $10,000 and $15,000. To become a fully qualified Commercial Pilot (fully qualified in terms of being able to fly an airline-equivalent aircraft, requiring the Multi-engine and Instrument Ratings), the costs of training will increase to about $38,000 and there will be additional time-building costs. As a rule, ground training is hardwork but inexpensive, while air training is easy and fun but expensive.

The problem in predicting the costs of pilot training is that people vary with respect to physical skill and knowledge capablities—we are all different. Also, training costs vary with the frequency of training—if you flight train frequently, say five training flights per week, your costs of training will be far less than if you complete one training flight per week—students who train less frequency typically require extra review of exercises learned in previous flights.

While frequency of training is important, be sure you carefully plan out a training budget and then stick to it. Be sure you plan your financing so as to avoid running out of money during your training—it isn't that the training will have to be repeated when it is resumed as only a review will be likely required, but there is an element of currency in learning to fly as pilot skills are built up over time—interrupted training will disrupt this learning process. If your flight training is interrupted for one reason or another, it is better if the break occurs after your first solo flight.

Know that flight training takes two forms: dual and solo. The first part of training—leading up to the first solo flight—is all dual flight training, which is when you fly with a Flight Instructor. The Flight Instructor shows you a maneuver in the aircraft, and then you practice the same maneuver with the Instructor sitting next next to you, monitoring your control inputs and intervenening if required. As you can appreciate, practically all pilot skills are learned in this pre-solo period of training, which is all dual instruction. After the first solo flight, about every second flight is solo flight training where you fly the aircraft by yourself, practicing the flight exercises you have been taught.

Dual Instruction is expensive as you are paying the Instructor his or her fee, as well as the costs of the operating the aircraft (fuel, maintenance, insurance, etc.) —each minute of flying will cost about $3.33. Solo flying is somewhat less expensive, but it is still up there—about $2.42 per minute. In both cases, students only pay for the time when the aircraft engine is running, but you can see it is expensive. I think the best advise to reduce the costs is to be well prepared before you start the aircraft engine - every flight will entail preparatory study, reading up in the training manuals on the next planned exercises, and be sure you spend sufficient time doing this (which doesn't cost a thing!).

Know that you can claim the education benefits for the purpose of taxation, but you cannot claim the costs of your Private Pilot Training until to begin your Commercial Pilot Training.

Government Student Loans are available for the Commercial Pilot Program, the Instrument and Multi-engine Rating, and the Instructor ratings. Student receive loan benefits for a maximum of 13 weeks. Private financing is generally available from most commercial banks.

For more information about financing, loans, grants, etc. please contact Riley Ogren, CLAA Admin Officer. rogren@aviationacademy.net  

How much will it cost to become a pilot ? TOP

The Private Pilot Licence can be completed in as little as four weeks—but know that this is rare thing to accomplish mostly because of the students inability to train on a consistent basis. To complete the training in this short period of time, a student should be well read before he or she start training. They must be able to fly every day, and this assumes minimal weather delays (the students who complete in this period usually do so between April and October).

Most full-time students complete their Private Pilot Licences in four to eight weeks. The training schedule is rigorous, and they must attend at the School on a daily basis, with half the day dedicated to air training, and the other half dedicted to ground studies one on one with an instructor.

Part-time students—students who fly twice or three times per week—take about ten to fourteen months to complete their training—these are people to typically work during the day, and complete training flights and ground studies in the evenings and weekends.

The completion of the Professional Pilot Program, which includes the Private Pilot Licence, the Commercial Pilot Licence, Multi-engine Class Rating, and Group 1 (Multi-engine) Instrument Rating, requires between six and eight months. To complete in this time-frame requires keeping up with the programs—writing three qualifying Transport Canada exams and completing four qualifying flight tests within the specified time periods.

The Commercial Pilot Licence (excluding the advanced Multi-engine and Instrument ratings) can be completed in as little as a four to six weeks, but this assumes that students have acquired before hand approximately 130 hours flying experience as Pilot-in-command.

The Multi-engine Class Rating can be accomplished in as little as four to seven days; the Instrument Rating can be completed in as little as four weeks, while the minimum time to complete the Instructor Rating is approximately two months.

Do I have to attend classes? TOP

Classes are provided to student pilots--referred to as "groundschool"--to prepare them for the goverment qualifying examinations. Cooking Lake course manuals are also designed for self-study, and while this is an option for all students, it is rarely pursued, except by those students with extremely busy schedules.

The classes for part-time studies are provided in the evenings and meet on Wednesday nights for three hours (6pm to 9pm).

There are usually between 12 and 20 students in each class, and the school's Flight Instructors teach on a rotational basis such subjects as Personnel Licencing, Engines and Airframes, Flight Operations, Air Law, Navigation, Weather and Weather Information, Human Factors and Pilot Decision-making, Radio Navigation, and Flight Instruments.

If you are training as a Commerical Pilot and you have completed your Private Pilot Licence you can attend a Commerical Pilot Ground School course, this course is a rigorous two night per week commitment. Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6pm to 9pm. In addition to what was taught in the Private Pilot Ground School you will be learning about GPS and GPS Navigation, Radio Navigation, Turbine Engines, Human Factors, Basic IFR concepts, Flight Operations (703 Ops).

How is Pilot Training Organized? TOP

Pilot training is divided into two distinct but related process--groundschool and air instruction. Groundschool prepares students for the Transport Canada qualification examinations, while air instruction prepares students for the Transport Canada qualfication flight tests.

The groundschool side is inexpensive, fun, but a considerable amount of work, while the air instruction side is expensive, fun, but comparitively easy.

Groundschool is conducted normally in a classroom setting, while air instruction is conducted in--you guessed it--the aircraft.

Groundschool provides approximatley 90 hours of class time, while the flight training portion provides between 45 and 80 hours of aircraft flight training.

Groundschool is composed of a series of sections, each of which focuses on a particular subject related to flying and each of which concludes with an in-class quiz; air instruction focuses on a series of prescribed air exercises--generally, the Flight Instructor demonstrates and explains the application of the exercise, then the student learns and practices the same.

Approximately 75% of air instruction entails flight with an Instructor, will 25% of air training involves student practice (solo training flights). Students can only fly solo after they receive their Student Pilot Permits (see the Private Pilot Course Outline for information regarding the Student Pilot Permit).

A student's Flight Instructor becomes that student's primary mentor and teacher throughout a students training. This relationship is one-on-one, and the Flight Instructor is responsible to ensure that their student is progressing properly and efficiently through their student's program of study. The responsibility of Groundschool instructors is limited to the classroom.

The delivery of air instruction is similar to piano lessons in that students book their instructor and an aircraft for a two-hour "booking." Part-time student book at their own pace, while full-time students normally have one booking (flight lesson) per day, five days per week (full-time students must keep pace with other full-time students in their class in order to keep with the program time-line).

At the end of each Groundschool section (based on subject), students must write a qualifying section quiz; when they have finished all of qualifying quizes, they qualify to write the course's final examination, which is delivered in class (see the Course Outlines for a detailed description of groundschool). The final exam for the course is designed to simulate the Transport Canada's qualifying examination. When they successfully write the final examination, they are provided with a Letter of Recommendation, which qualifies them to write the Transport Canada examination. The Transport Canada examinations are normally composed of 100 multiple choice questions, which must be written in 3 hours. The passing mark is 60%, which must be achieved in each of the four sections which make up the exam.

On contrast, air instruction is generally divided into two parts--pre-solo flight training and post-solo flight training. The first part consists of between 10 and 20 hours of air instruction (each flight lesson is approximately 1-hour long). In this first part, the student basically learns all there is to know about controlling an aircraft in flight--climbs, descents, turns, speed variations, slow flight, stalls, spins, spirals, slipping, and landings and takeoffs (a detailed description of the exercises appear in the Course Outlines); this part ends when the student does their first solo takeoff and landing (without the instructor on board the aircraft).

In the second part of training, the student learns to apply all their learned skills to cross-country flying (navigation), and they complete a series of planned trips to other airports such as Nanaimo, Powell River, Hope, or Chilliwack. In the second part students also learn how to fly on instruments (without seeing the ground), and they practice and prepare for their flight test. When the Flight Instructor feels that the student will have a reasonable chance at sucessfully completing the flight test, the student receives another Letter of Recommendation. To be successful in the flight test, students must fly in accordance with the standards established in Transport Canada document called the Flight Test Guide. The Flight Test is composed to two sections--ground and air. The ground section examines the students knowledge, while the air section examines the student's skills flying a series of exercises.

A successful flght test is valid for one year, so the student must complete the written examination during this time to receive their pilot licence; in contrast, a successful written exam is valid for two years, and the student must complete their flight test within this time to receive their pilot licence.

How do I know if Aviation Academy is right for me? TOP

You won't know until you come and visit us, see our facilities, and meet our Flight Instructors and students. If you can, you should complete a "familiarization flight" with us, which is the first lesson in the Private Pilot curriculum.

Over the years, the Flight Instructors at Cooking Lake have created an informal yet professional learning environment where students are assigned "pilot responsibility" as early as is safely possible in their training. Flight Instructors expect students to work hard and be the best they can be. They know that students make mistakes, but they expect students to learn from their mistakes--this is the "learning process."

How do I continue to enjoy flying after I complete my Private Pilot Licence? TOP

After you receive your Private Pilot Licence you can continue to rent aircraft from any flying school or flying club in Canada, and indeed throughout the world (the Private Pilot Licence is an international pilot liceince that meets ICAO standards. Most towns and cities in Canada have a local flying school or club. Many pilot like to rent aircraft because they don't get tied into issues of aircraft ownership, but rented aircraft are expensive owing to higher standards of maintenance (rented aircraft are commercial aircraft) and the need, of course, for the operator to make a profit.

If you plan to only fly a limited number of hours per year, then it is typically more economical to rent aircraft, rather than own, but there are many pleasure associated with owning an aircraft that can't be duplicated by renting--you can access your aircaft when you want, you don't have to undergo the "check flights" required when renting, you get familiar and comfortable with your own aircraft, and you get to experience the many tasks and responsibilities aircraft owership--performing elementary maintenance tasks, cleaning, washing, etc. Also, while Private Pilots can own what are referred to as "homebuilt" aircraft, commercial rental operators must use only factory-built, certified aircraft--some of the most beautiful aircraft at Cooking Lake are homebuilts--usually fast with exotic design features.

Unless you have lots of money to invest in an aircraft (aircraft always appreciate in value), most pilots purchase a "share" in an aircraft and own their aircraft collectively as partners. These partnerships are commonly formed among fellow student-pilot "classmates". The purchase price for a two-seat aircraft is between $18,000 and $40,000, while a four-seat aircraft typically sells for between $40,000 and $80,000. To get a feel for what is available out there for partnered ownership, check out the local avaition publication, or stop by your local airpot--shared ownership opportunities are used posted or advertised.

Can I flight train in my own aircraft? TOP

Yes, you can flight train in your own aircraft, but there are some restrictions that will apply. First, you must be a registered owner of the aircraft, and your name must therefore appear on the aircraft's Certificate of Registration. Secondly, you must be insured for the purpose of flight training, and the insurance document must specify that the Flight Instructor is insured for the purpose of flight training. Thirdly, during the period of training, all maintenance tasks (including elementary maintenance tasks) done on the aircraft must be conducted by a qualified Aeronautical Maintenance Engineer (AME), and the work must be entered and certified by the AME in the Journey Log.

Is flying safe? TOP

This is a question that is common for people contemplating flying. Experienced pilots commonly regard flying as safer than driving a car. When you drive in traffic, you are only a few feet away from other drivers, and their level of proficiency and alertness is unknown. When you fly, you are normally never in close proximity to other aircraft, but when you are in conjested airspace, it is the pilot responsibility to continually search for other vicinity aircraft. When you drive a car, you are often exposed to "blind spots"--times when you can't see around corners, when you can't see other vehicles approaching an intersection, etc. In flying, these blind spots don't normally exist, so the flying environment is less dangerous and more predictable. In areas where air traffic is conjested, Air Traffic Services (controllers) provide a second level of safety by ensuring aircraft separation.

Has Cooking Lake ever hand any accidents? TOP

This is a question that is common for people contemplating flying. Experienced pilots commonly regard flying as safer than driving a car. When you drive in traffic, you are only a few feet away from other drivers, and their level of proficiency and alertness is unknown. When you fly, you are normally never in close proximity to other aircraft, but when you are in conjested airspace, it is the pilot responsibility to continually search for other vicinity aircraft. When you drive a car, you are often exposed to "blind spots"--times when you can't see around corners, when you can't see other vehicles approaching an intersection, etc. In flying, these blind spots don't normally exist, so the flying environment is less dangerous and more predictable. In areas where air traffic is conjested, Air Traffic Services (controllers) provide a second level of safety by ensuring aircraft separation.

After I become a student, can I do casual work at the School and be paid? TOP

Yes. There is alway a shortage of aircraft washers and waxers. The job pays $15per hour, and the money earned can be paid directly, or placed on your account. Ask the Chief Flying Instructor. Interested students should first watch the movie Karate Kid first though!

Must I be proficient in English Language? TOP

Yes. All student pilots must take the Language Proficiency Test, which is designed to assess students' listening comprehension, speaking ability, and responses to different verbal scenarios. The cost of examination varies between $75 and $100 per student, depending on the individual examiner (appointed by Transport Canada), and whether the examination is admininstered to individual students, or a group of students.

The examination takes about 20 minutes and you will be assessed one of three levels: expert, operational, or below-operational. Those who are assessed below-operational will not qualify for a Canadian pilot licence; those assessed operational must be re-tested every 5 years, and those assessed expert require no further testing.

You can arrange for your English Language Proficiency Test by calling our dispatch department at 780-922-2802.

When will I be ready for my First Solo Flight? TOP

You will be ready for your First Solo Flight when you can demonstrate to your Flight Instructor that manage in-flight emergencies as per the Pilot Operating Handbook--you can conduct a forced landing from any position in the circuit, and you can complete the emergency checklist items for critical events such as rough-running engine, electrical fire, and engine fire. Once this is accomplished, it is generally simply a matter of demonstrating competency and skill in landing the aircraft. The measuring stick is three consistent and consecutive landings without physical or verbal assistance from the Flight Instructor.

What will happen if I have to temporarily discontinue my flight training? TOP

With respect to Groundschool, students can withdraw and attend the next scheduled Groundschool session at no additional charge--if you cannot attend the next subsequent session, you will unfortunately have to pay the full Groundschool fee for subsequent sessions. If you have special circumstances, see the Chief Flying Instructor to discuss the matter. With respect to air instruction, student who have not flown for a while simple have to get their skills current (up to the previous standards), and this is accomplished in a series of review flights--the number of review flights required will vary student by student. Interrupted training should be avoided if possible during the pre-solo phase, as the learning curve is steep here, whereas interruptions during later phases are less significant as flying tends to be like ridding a bicycle--you never forget. Your flight times during training for the purpose of licence qualification do not lapse and are good for life. Nevertheless, plan ahead for your training and try to avoid potential interruptions.

I'm having problems with air sickness--what can I do? TOP

First of all, don't panic. Air sickness among student pilots is common, especially when doing the upper air exercises like spins and spirals. With experience, we become familiar with the sensations of unusual aircraft attitudes such as spins and spirals, and our bodies become familiar with those sensations. Everyone has a limit as to how many spins or spiral manoeuvres they can do before they feel nauseous, especially if you haven't done them for some time. The important think to do if you feel sick during training is to communicate early with your Flight Instructor--this is important because, if you keep doing aggressive aircraft manoeuvres after you start to feel nauseous, it will only get worse. Also, stay on the control as long as possible. Chewing gum sometimes helps, as does opening the cockpit vent window. Flight Instructors always carry sick sacs in their clipboards and they are also in the aircraft pockets, so have no worries about embarrassment. Overall, be patient as you will "grow" through the phase, and talk about the subject with your Flight Instructor. Some people have tried seabands (used when encountering sea sickness) with good results, available at most local drug stores. Unfortunately you will not be able to take over the counter motion sickness drugs (dramamine, etc.) as these could cause drowsiness, consult an aviation medical doctor for more information.

What happens after my First Solo Flight? TOP

Interestingly enough, when you finish your First Solo Flight, you have learned all there is to know about aircraft control. The one area that you haven't been trained in is instrument flying, and you will receive five hours of instrument training leading up to your Flight Test (the "ride"). With regard to your pilot skills, you will begin a series of practice solo training flight where you will develop your pilot skills to flight test standards. Importantly, this is the time to really know the Flight Test Guide--know what the targets are, and know how your performance will be judged. Also, after your First Solo, the emphasis will be placed on applying your skills to going places--pilot navigation. Before we send you out on your own, however, we want you to know how to do a Forced Landings away from airports, and we also want you to be skilled at doing a Precautionary Landing--a procedure for landing the aircraft in a field or at an unfamiliar airport so as to avoid a possible critical flight situation (bad weather, fuel shortage, etc.). Then on to pilot navigation, and here you will begin by learning how to do improvised navigation--called "diversions"—where, with only a map and a pencil, you learn to apply an organized and efficient way of flying a route without pre-flight preparation. After you learn this, you start formal navigation (pre-flight preparation for a trip), and here is where all that hard work in groundschool comes to play--the key issue, of course, is ensuring you plan for necessary fuel consumption (you would think initially this not to be an issue, but remember the fuel weight issues that pilots have). The navigation portion of the training basically entails your Instructor taking you on a trip to a distant airport, and then you flying the same trip by yourself. You have to acquire three hours of dual training for the Private Pilot Licence, as well as five hours solo. As you approach the final end of the training, your Instructor will focus on preparing you for flight test performance--you will be regularly asked to demonstrate a series of flight exercises, for example, and nothing will be said while you perform and demonstrate--the emphasis will be on critiquing your performance after your demonstration, with the intent of fine-tuning your skills. This final phase of your training will happen fast, so hang on to your hat; but, most importantly, start being a pilot, and not a student.

Will I be able to get a job flying when I complete my Commerial Pilot Licence? TOP

Graduates should go to the market place with their Group 1 (Multi-engine) Instrument Ratings, and with their IATRA examinations successfully completed. This combination will make them employable as First Officers on any aircraft (non-IATRA Commercial Pilots are restricted to flying non-high performance, single-pilot aircraft). Preparation for the IATRA written exam is done by participating in a week-end speciality training seminar, and the leading company that does this in Canada is Aerocourse. www.aerocourse.com

What should I do if I want to get a university degree and want to be a professional pilot? TOP

Get a univeristy degree in anything but aviation. It is important for pilots to have "fall back" plans as a medical illness could interupt, or even end, their professonal flying. If you have a business avation degree, your options outside of flying are limited--such a narrow degree cannot compete again a "stand-alone" degree in business, science, social science degree, or professional degree. Don't throw all your eggs into the aviation business basket, and make plans for a second back-up career.

If you can, complete your pilot qualifications while you are going to university or college--if you complete your commercial pilot licence, you can get an Instructor Rating and teach flying at a private school full-time in the summer and part-time during when you are back at your own studies. Private flying schools have a major demand for part-time and summer Flight Instructors.

Cooking Lake Aviation Academy would like to thank David L. Parry of the Langley Flying School for his assitance in developing this FAQ.

How much will it cost to become a pilot ? TOP

This is a crucial question for lots of people who consider becoming a pilot. The average cost of getting the intial pilot licence—the Private Pilot Licence—is between $10,000 and $15,000. To become a fully qualified Commercial Pilot (fully qualified in terms of being able to fly an airline-equivalent aircraft, requiring the Multi-engine and Instrument Ratings), the costs of training will increase to about $38,000 and there will be additional time-building costs. As a rule, ground training is hardwork but inexpensive, while air training is easy and fun but expensive.

The problem in predicting the costs of pilot training is that people vary with respect to physical skill and knowledge capablities—we are all different. Also, training costs vary with the frequency of training—if you flight train frequently, say five training flights per week, your costs of training will be far less than if you complete one training flight per week—students who train less frequency typically require extra review of exercises learned in previous flights.

While frequency of training is important, be sure you carefully plan out a training budget and then stick to it. Be sure you plan your financing so as to avoid running out of money during your training—it isn't that the training will have to be repeated when it is resumed as only a review will be likely required, but there is an element of currency in learning to fly as pilot skills are built up over time—interrupted training will disrupt this learning process. If your flight training is interrupted for one reason or another, it is better if the break occurs after your first solo flight.

Know that flight training takes two forms: dual and solo. The first part of training—leading up to the first solo flight—is all dual flight training, which is when you fly with a Flight Instructor. The Flight Instructor shows you a maneuver in the aircraft, and then you practice the same maneuver with the Instructor sitting next next to you, monitoring your control inputs and intervenening if required. As you can appreciate, practically all pilot skills are learned in this pre-solo period of training, which is all dual instruction. After the first solo flight, about every second flight is solo flight training where you fly the aircraft by yourself, practicing the flight exercises you have been taught.

Dual Instruction is expensive as you are paying the Instructor his or her fee, as well as the costs of the operating the aircraft (fuel, maintenance, insurance, etc.) —each minute of flying will cost about $3.33. Solo flying is somewhat less expensive, but it is still up there—about $2.42 per minute. In both cases, students only pay for the time when the aircraft engine is running, but you can see it is expensive. I think the best advise to reduce the costs is to be well prepared before you start the aircraft engine - every flight will entail preparatory study, reading up in the training manuals on the next planned exercises, and be sure you spend sufficient time doing this (which doesn't cost a thing!).

Know that you can claim the education benefits for the purpose of taxation, but you cannot claim the costs of your Private Pilot Training until to begin your Commercial Pilot Training.

Government Student Loans are available for the Commercial Pilot Program, the Instrument and Multi-engine Rating, and the Instructor ratings. Student receive loan benefits for a maximum of 13 weeks. Private financing is generally available from most commercial banks.

For more information about financing, loans, grants, etc. please contact Riley Ogren, CLAA Admin Officer. rogren@aviationacademy.net  

How much will it cost to become a pilot ? TOP

The Private Pilot Licence can be completed in as little as four weeks—but know that this is rare thing to accomplish mostly because of the students inability to train on a consistent basis. To complete the training in this short period of time, a student should be well read before he or she start training. They must be able to fly every day, and this assumes minimal weather delays (the students who complete in this period usually do so between April and October).

Most full-time students complete their Private Pilot Licences in four to eight weeks. The training schedule is rigorous, and they must attend at the School on a daily basis, with half the day dedicated to air training, and the other half dedicted to ground studies one on one with an instructor.

Part-time students—students who fly twice or three times per week—take about ten to fourteen months to complete their training—these are people to typically work during the day, and complete training flights and ground studies in the evenings and weekends.

The completion of the Professional Pilot Program, which includes the Private Pilot Licence, the Commercial Pilot Licence, Multi-engine Class Rating, and Group 1 (Multi-engine) Instrument Rating, requires between six and eight months. To complete in this time-frame requires keeping up with the programs—writing three qualifying Transport Canada exams and completing four qualifying flight tests within the specified time periods.

The Commercial Pilot Licence (excluding the advanced Multi-engine and Instrument ratings) can be completed in as little as a four to six weeks, but this assumes that students have acquired before hand approximately 130 hours flying experience as Pilot-in-command.

The Multi-engine Class Rating can be accomplished in as little as four to seven days; the Instrument Rating can be completed in as little as four weeks, while the minimum time to complete the Instructor Rating is approximately two months.

Do I have to attend classes? TOP

Classes are provided to student pilots--referred to as "groundschool"--to prepare them for the goverment qualifying examinations. Cooking Lake course manuals are also designed for self-study, and while this is an option for all students, it is rarely pursued, except by those students with extremely busy schedules.

The classes for part-time studies are provided in the evenings and meet on Wednesday nights for three hours (6pm to 9pm).

There are usually between 12 and 20 students in each class, and the school's Flight Instructors teach on a rotational basis such subjects as Personnel Licencing, Engines and Airframes, Flight Operations, Air Law, Navigation, Weather and Weather Information, Human Factors and Pilot Decision-making, Radio Navigation, and Flight Instruments.

If you are training as a Commerical Pilot and you have completed your Private Pilot Licence you can attend a Commerical Pilot Ground School course, this course is a rigorous two night per week commitment. Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6pm to 9pm. In addition to what was taught in the Private Pilot Ground School you will be learning about GPS and GPS Navigation, Radio Navigation, Turbine Engines, Human Factors, Basic IFR concepts, Flight Operations (703 Ops).

How is Pilot Training Organized? TOP

Pilot training is divided into two distinct but related process--groundschool and air instruction. Groundschool prepares students for the Transport Canada qualification examinations, while air instruction prepares students for the Transport Canada qualfication flight tests.

The groundschool side is inexpensive, fun, but a considerable amount of work, while the air instruction side is expensive, fun, but comparitively easy.

Groundschool is conducted normally in a classroom setting, while air instruction is conducted in--you guessed it--the aircraft.

Groundschool provides approximatley 90 hours of class time, while the flight training portion provides between 45 and 80 hours of aircraft flight training.

Groundschool is composed of a series of sections, each of which focuses on a particular subject related to flying and each of which concludes with an in-class quiz; air instruction focuses on a series of prescribed air exercises--generally, the Flight Instructor demonstrates and explains the application of the exercise, then the student learns and practices the same.

Approximately 75% of air instruction entails flight with an Instructor, will 25% of air training involves student practice (solo training flights). Students can only fly solo after they receive their Student Pilot Permits (see the Private Pilot Course Outline for information regarding the Student Pilot Permit).

A student's Flight Instructor becomes that student's primary mentor and teacher throughout a students training. This relationship is one-on-one, and the Flight Instructor is responsible to ensure that their student is progressing properly and efficiently through their student's program of study. The responsibility of Groundschool instructors is limited to the classroom.

The delivery of air instruction is similar to piano lessons in that students book their instructor and an aircraft for a two-hour "booking." Part-time student book at their own pace, while full-time students normally have one booking (flight lesson) per day, five days per week (full-time students must keep pace with other full-time students in their class in order to keep with the program time-line).

At the end of each Groundschool section (based on subject), students must write a qualifying section quiz; when they have finished all of qualifying quizes, they qualify to write the course's final examination, which is delivered in class (see the Course Outlines for a detailed description of groundschool). The final exam for the course is designed to simulate the Transport Canada's qualifying examination. When they successfully write the final examination, they are provided with a Letter of Recommendation, which qualifies them to write the Transport Canada examination. The Transport Canada examinations are normally composed of 100 multiple choice questions, which must be written in 3 hours. The passing mark is 60%, which must be achieved in each of the four sections which make up the exam.

On contrast, air instruction is generally divided into two parts--pre-solo flight training and post-solo flight training. The first part consists of between 10 and 20 hours of air instruction (each flight lesson is approximately 1-hour long). In this first part, the student basically learns all there is to know about controlling an aircraft in flight--climbs, descents, turns, speed variations, slow flight, stalls, spins, spirals, slipping, and landings and takeoffs (a detailed description of the exercises appear in the Course Outlines); this part ends when the student does their first solo takeoff and landing (without the instructor on board the aircraft).

In the second part of training, the student learns to apply all their learned skills to cross-country flying (navigation), and they complete a series of planned trips to other airports such as Nanaimo, Powell River, Hope, or Chilliwack. In the second part students also learn how to fly on instruments (without seeing the ground), and they practice and prepare for their flight test. When the Flight Instructor feels that the student will have a reasonable chance at sucessfully completing the flight test, the student receives another Letter of Recommendation. To be successful in the flight test, students must fly in accordance with the standards established in Transport Canada document called the Flight Test Guide. The Flight Test is composed to two sections--ground and air. The ground section examines the students knowledge, while the air section examines the student's skills flying a series of exercises.

A successful flght test is valid for one year, so the student must complete the written examination during this time to receive their pilot licence; in contrast, a successful written exam is valid for two years, and the student must complete their flight test within this time to receive their pilot licence.

How do I know if Aviation Academy is right for me? TOP

You won't know until you come and visit us, see our facilities, and meet our Flight Instructors and students. If you can, you should complete a "familiarization flight" with us, which is the first lesson in the Private Pilot curriculum.

Over the years, the Flight Instructors at Cooking Lake have created an informal yet professional learning environment where students are assigned "pilot responsibility" as early as is safely possible in their training. Flight Instructors expect students to work hard and be the best they can be. They know that students make mistakes, but they expect students to learn from their mistakes--this is the "learning process."

How do I continue to enjoy flying after I complete my Private Pilot Licence? TOP

After you receive your Private Pilot Licence you can continue to rent aircraft from any flying school or flying club in Canada, and indeed throughout the world (the Private Pilot Licence is an international pilot liceince that meets ICAO standards. Most towns and cities in Canada have a local flying school or club. Many pilot like to rent aircraft because they don't get tied into issues of aircraft ownership, but rented aircraft are expensive owing to higher standards of maintenance (rented aircraft are commercial aircraft) and the need, of course, for the operator to make a profit.

If you plan to only fly a limited number of hours per year, then it is typically more economical to rent aircraft, rather than own, but there are many pleasure associated with owning an aircraft that can't be duplicated by renting--you can access your aircaft when you want, you don't have to undergo the "check flights" required when renting, you get familiar and comfortable with your own aircraft, and you get to experience the many tasks and responsibilities aircraft owership--performing elementary maintenance tasks, cleaning, washing, etc. Also, while Private Pilots can own what are referred to as "homebuilt" aircraft, commercial rental operators must use only factory-built, certified aircraft--some of the most beautiful aircraft at Cooking Lake are homebuilts--usually fast with exotic design features.

Unless you have lots of money to invest in an aircraft (aircraft always appreciate in value), most pilots purchase a "share" in an aircraft and own their aircraft collectively as partners. These partnerships are commonly formed among fellow student-pilot "classmates". The purchase price for a two-seat aircraft is between $18,000 and $40,000, while a four-seat aircraft typically sells for between $40,000 and $80,000. To get a feel for what is available out there for partnered ownership, check out the local avaition publication, or stop by your local airpot--shared ownership opportunities are used posted or advertised.

Can I flight train in my own aircraft? TOP

Yes, you can flight train in your own aircraft, but there are some restrictions that will apply. First, you must be a registered owner of the aircraft, and your name must therefore appear on the aircraft's Certificate of Registration. Secondly, you must be insured for the purpose of flight training, and the insurance document must specify that the Flight Instructor is insured for the purpose of flight training. Thirdly, during the period of training, all maintenance tasks (including elementary maintenance tasks) done on the aircraft must be conducted by a qualified Aeronautical Maintenance Engineer (AME), and the work must be entered and certified by the AME in the Journey Log.

Is flying safe? TOP

This is a question that is common for people contemplating flying. Experienced pilots commonly regard flying as safer than driving a car. When you drive in traffic, you are only a few feet away from other drivers, and their level of proficiency and alertness is unknown. When you fly, you are normally never in close proximity to other aircraft, but when you are in conjested airspace, it is the pilot responsibility to continually search for other vicinity aircraft. When you drive a car, you are often exposed to "blind spots"--times when you can't see around corners, when you can't see other vehicles approaching an intersection, etc. In flying, these blind spots don't normally exist, so the flying environment is less dangerous and more predictable. In areas where air traffic is conjested, Air Traffic Services (controllers) provide a second level of safety by ensuring aircraft separation.

Has Cooking Lake ever hand any accidents? TOP

This is a question that is common for people contemplating flying. Experienced pilots commonly regard flying as safer than driving a car. When you drive in traffic, you are only a few feet away from other drivers, and their level of proficiency and alertness is unknown. When you fly, you are normally never in close proximity to other aircraft, but when you are in conjested airspace, it is the pilot responsibility to continually search for other vicinity aircraft. When you drive a car, you are often exposed to "blind spots"--times when you can't see around corners, when you can't see other vehicles approaching an intersection, etc. In flying, these blind spots don't normally exist, so the flying environment is less dangerous and more predictable. In areas where air traffic is conjested, Air Traffic Services (controllers) provide a second level of safety by ensuring aircraft separation.

After I become a student, can I do casual work at the School and be paid? TOP

Yes. There is alway a shortage of aircraft washers and waxers. The job pays $15per hour, and the money earned can be paid directly, or placed on your account. Ask the Chief Flying Instructor. Interested students should first watch the movie Karate Kid first though!

Must I be proficient in English Language? TOP

Yes. All student pilots must take the Language Proficiency Test, which is designed to assess students' listening comprehension, speaking ability, and responses to different verbal scenarios. The cost of examination varies between $75 and $100 per student, depending on the individual examiner (appointed by Transport Canada), and whether the examination is admininstered to individual students, or a group of students.

The examination takes about 20 minutes and you will be assessed one of three levels: expert, operational, or below-operational. Those who are assessed below-operational will not qualify for a Canadian pilot licence; those assessed operational must be re-tested every 5 years, and those assessed expert require no further testing.

You can arrange for your English Language Proficiency Test by calling our dispatch department at 780-922-2802.

When will I be ready for my First Solo Flight? TOP

You will be ready for your First Solo Flight when you can demonstrate to your Flight Instructor that manage in-flight emergencies as per the Pilot Operating Handbook--you can conduct a forced landing from any position in the circuit, and you can complete the emergency checklist items for critical events such as rough-running engine, electrical fire, and engine fire. Once this is accomplished, it is generally simply a matter of demonstrating competency and skill in landing the aircraft. The measuring stick is three consistent and consecutive landings without physical or verbal assistance from the Flight Instructor.

What will happen if I have to temporarily discontinue my flight training? TOP

With respect to Groundschool, students can withdraw and attend the next scheduled Groundschool session at no additional charge--if you cannot attend the next subsequent session, you will unfortunately have to pay the full Groundschool fee for subsequent sessions. If you have special circumstances, see the Chief Flying Instructor to discuss the matter. With respect to air instruction, student who have not flown for a while simple have to get their skills current (up to the previous standards), and this is accomplished in a series of review flights--the number of review flights required will vary student by student. Interrupted training should be avoided if possible during the pre-solo phase, as the learning curve is steep here, whereas interruptions during later phases are less significant as flying tends to be like ridding a bicycle--you never forget. Your flight times during training for the purpose of licence qualification do not lapse and are good for life. Nevertheless, plan ahead for your training and try to avoid potential interruptions.

I'm having problems with air sickness--what can I do? TOP

First of all, don't panic. Air sickness among student pilots is common, especially when doing the upper air exercises like spins and spirals. With experience, we become familiar with the sensations of unusual aircraft attitudes such as spins and spirals, and our bodies become familiar with those sensations. Everyone has a limit as to how many spins or spiral manoeuvres they can do before they feel nauseous, especially if you haven't done them for some time. The important think to do if you feel sick during training is to communicate early with your Flight Instructor--this is important because, if you keep doing aggressive aircraft manoeuvres after you start to feel nauseous, it will only get worse. Also, stay on the control as long as possible. Chewing gum sometimes helps, as does opening the cockpit vent window. Flight Instructors always carry sick sacs in their clipboards and they are also in the aircraft pockets, so have no worries about embarrassment. Overall, be patient as you will "grow" through the phase, and talk about the subject with your Flight Instructor. Some people have tried seabands (used when encountering sea sickness) with good results, available at most local drug stores. Unfortunately you will not be able to take over the counter motion sickness drugs (dramamine, etc.) as these could cause drowsiness, consult an aviation medical doctor for more information.

What happens after my First Solo Flight? TOP

Interestingly enough, when you finish your First Solo Flight, you have learned all there is to know about aircraft control. The one area that you haven't been trained in is instrument flying, and you will receive five hours of instrument training leading up to your Flight Test (the "ride"). With regard to your pilot skills, you will begin a series of practice solo training flight where you will develop your pilot skills to flight test standards. Importantly, this is the time to really know the Flight Test Guide--know what the targets are, and know how your performance will be judged. Also, after your First Solo, the emphasis will be placed on applying your skills to going places--pilot navigation. Before we send you out on your own, however, we want you to know how to do a Forced Landings away from airports, and we also want you to be skilled at doing a Precautionary Landing--a procedure for landing the aircraft in a field or at an unfamiliar airport so as to avoid a possible critical flight situation (bad weather, fuel shortage, etc.). Then on to pilot navigation, and here you will begin by learning how to do improvised navigation--called "diversions"—where, with only a map and a pencil, you learn to apply an organized and efficient way of flying a route without pre-flight preparation. After you learn this, you start formal navigation (pre-flight preparation for a trip), and here is where all that hard work in groundschool comes to play--the key issue, of course, is ensuring you plan for necessary fuel consumption (you would think initially this not to be an issue, but remember the fuel weight issues that pilots have). The navigation portion of the training basically entails your Instructor taking you on a trip to a distant airport, and then you flying the same trip by yourself. You have to acquire three hours of dual training for the Private Pilot Licence, as well as five hours solo. As you approach the final end of the training, your Instructor will focus on preparing you for flight test performance--you will be regularly asked to demonstrate a series of flight exercises, for example, and nothing will be said while you perform and demonstrate--the emphasis will be on critiquing your performance after your demonstration, with the intent of fine-tuning your skills. This final phase of your training will happen fast, so hang on to your hat; but, most importantly, start being a pilot, and not a student.

Will I be able to get a job flying when I complete my Commerial Pilot Licence? TOP

Graduates should go to the market place with their Group 1 (Multi-engine) Instrument Ratings, and with their IATRA examinations successfully completed. This combination will make them employable as First Officers on any aircraft (non-IATRA Commercial Pilots are restricted to flying non-high performance, single-pilot aircraft). Preparation for the IATRA written exam is done by participating in a week-end speciality training seminar, and the leading company that does this in Canada is Aerocourse. www.aerocourse.com

What should I do if I want to get a university degree and want to be a professional pilot? TOP

Get a univeristy degree in anything but aviation. It is important for pilots to have "fall back" plans as a medical illness could interupt, or even end, their professonal flying. If you have a business avation degree, your options outside of flying are limited--such a narrow degree cannot compete again a "stand-alone" degree in business, science, social science degree, or professional degree. Don't throw all your eggs into the aviation business basket, and make plans for a second back-up career.

If you can, complete your pilot qualifications while you are going to university or college--if you complete your commercial pilot licence, you can get an Instructor Rating and teach flying at a private school full-time in the summer and part-time during when you are back at your own studies. Private flying schools have a major demand for part-time and summer Flight Instructors.

Cooking Lake Aviation Academy would like to thank David L. Parry of the Langley Flying School for his assitance in developing this FAQ.