FAQ.
Please have a look at our "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) page. These questions are generally the most asked questions that we encounter. If you have a specific question that is not posted on here please Contact Us!
What age can I begin flight training towards a PPL?
There is no legal age to begin flight training, however you need to be a minimum age of 14 years old to hold a student pilot permit and must be 17 years old to hold the Private Pilot License.
What are the perquisites to be put on the waitlist?
For Intro/Discovery Flight, there are no pre requisites. Simply call the flight school and ask to be put on the waitlist provided that there is space available on the waitlist.
For Private Pilot Training, you must currently hold a valid Transport Canada Medical, a Category 3 or 1.
For IFR training, you must have a valid and completed the INRAT within the past 2 years.
For the Multi-Engine Rating, Night Rating, and Check-Outs please contact training.flo@flyislandair.ca
How do I obtain my Transport Canada medical?
Please go to our Student Resources tab and click “CAME” (Civil Aviation Medical Examiner). Simlpy input your information and you will be able to locate a Transport Canada Medical Examiner. Each CAME price may vary. Please be aware that the process to receive you medical in the mail can range from 1-3 months and possibly longer.
What is the enrollment process?
Once a vacancy has opened in the waitlist, our Pathway Coordinator will contact you to arrange the details of your instructor. Upon your first flight all that is need is a valid Passport & your Transport Canada Medical in order to create a file for you.
In addition a Flight Schedule Pro (Island Air’s Booking and Scheduling Software) account will be created for you to arrange your future bookings.
Do I have to be a Canadian Citizen?
No, you do not need be a Canadian citizen to pursue flight training at Island Air. You must be legally able to step foot in Canada and hold a valid Passport from any country. Private Pilot Flight Training is not considered educational as it is considered a recreational hobby.
Does Island Air offer Commercial Pilot Training & Instructor Ratings?
Unfortunately, at this time Island Air does not offer CPL or Instructor Ratings
Does Island Air provide any accommodation or housing during training?
Unfortunately we do not provide any assistance to these services at the moment.
How much will it cost?
The prices under each training page are based on Transport Canada minimums in a C-150. Unfortunately we cannot quote the exact cost as everyone progresses at a different pace.
How does the flight training structure go?
For PPL flight training, we go in order of the lessons outlined in the Transport Canada’s Flight Training Manual. Each flight is around 1-1.5 hours depending on the lesson with a 12 minute pre and post flight briefing. Furthermore a PGI (Prepatory Ground Instruction Briefing) is required for all new lessons and this ground brief time can vary depending on the lesson and student ability.
How fast can I get my license?
This all depends on how much flying you are able to get completed in a week. If you fly 1-2 times a week you could see yourself finishing in 6 months to 1 year or more. If you fly 3-5 times a week it is possible to complete your license in 6 months or less. Each student progresses differently results may vary. The average total hours we observe people completing their license is around 60-70 hours. Weather, aircraft availability, and your personal availability all are contributing factors to how fast you can complete your license.
Do I have to take ground school first before flying?
No you do not have to take ground school before flying. Ground school is a requirement to hold the Private Pilot License & to be able to write the PPAER (PPL Exam). You can take it any time in your flight training journey at Island Air or any approved flight training unit by Transport Canada. Please keep in mind if you do take ground school at Island Air you will have higher priority on the waitlist.
How often does Island Air run ground school?
Island Air runs ground schools based off demand, at minimum we will have 2 grounds schools per season one “Accelerated” and one “Regular”. Registration is done completely online and each class is capped at 18 students on a first come first serve basis.
Can you fly at different flight schools?
No you cannot fly at multiple flight schools at the same time while you are actively pursuing your license. Each flight school operates with a different set of standard operating procedures and flight standards which will be impacting your active learning as pilot.