DHESC-FS Flight Training

Flight Training FAQ

Q1. How do I apply for Flight Instruction ?
Each year (usually in mid to late August), a notice is posted on bulletin boards around the de Havilland plant announcing the opportunity to apply for flight training, and the date & time for a Special Meeting of the Flying Section. The notice appears for at least 4 weeks, and explains how to apply (by internal mail, e-mail, or in person at the meeting). The Flying Section accepts applications for Flight Training during the period that the notice is posted, up until the time of the Special Meeting. More information is available from the document which describes our Flight Training System.

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Q2. How much does it cost to learn to fly ?
The cost varies from person to person with the amount of time required to develop the skills necessary to qualify for a license or permit. The minimum specified by Transport Canada to achieve a Private Pilot License is 45 flight hours (dual & solo), but typically 60-70 hours are required to meet the standards. For the Recreational Pilot Permit, the minumum flight time is 25 hours, but it will typically take 40-60 hours to complete. At our club, with the current aircraft rental and instructor rates, one can expect the typical cost to be $7,000-$9,000 for the PPL and $5,000-$8,000 for the RPP.

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Q3. How long does it take to learn to fly ?
The amount of time it takes to learn to fly varies with the individual student. Transport Canada specifies miniumum standards for experience (see Q2), but the time it takes for the student to meet the standards depends upon many factors. Some of these include the weather, availability of the aircraft and the instructor, free time of the student, and (probably most importantly) the student's financial situation. All things considered, the student should be able to complete his/her training within 12 months.

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Q4. How soon will I be able to start flight training ?
The Flying Section maintains a waiting list for flight training which is determined by lottery during the Special Meeting which is held annually when applications are accepted (see Q1). The Flying Section has limited resources for flight training, so understand that patience is required while waiting for one's name to rise to the top of the waiting list. It is not unusual for an applicant to wait several years before this happens. During this time some people decide to earn their PPL/RPP at a local flight training school, or their interest wanes (perhaps due to a change in their financial status), so names can move up the queue in the waiting list relatively quickly.

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Q5. Can I get a night / ott / instrument rating with the Flying Club ?
The primary purpose of the Flying Section is to provide ab initio flight training towards a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or a Recreation Pilot Permit (RPP). Advanced training towards a rating (night/ott), Commercial Pilot License, etc. can be provided depending upon the instructing resources that are available.

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Q6. Does the Flying Section offer Ground School ?
Due to the limited resources of the Flying Section, the club has found that the instruction time of our instructors is best focused on flight training, in other words, practical experience in an aircraft. Ground school can be obtained from many TC certified PPL courses offerd by local flight schools or from online courses.

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Q7. What are the requirements for eligibility for flight training ?
Any person who is eligible to be a member of the DHESC many join the Flying Section and learn to fly with our club. To obtain a Student Pilot Permit, Transport Canada requires (among others) that the applicant be over 14 years of age and demonstrate medical fitness. To obtain a license or a permit, the applicant must be over 16 years of age.

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Q8. I already have a pilot license. Can I fly with the club ?
The Flying Section welcomes licensed pilots who would like to fly with our club. Details on becoming a Flying Section member is available from the membership information page and the Club Information link.

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Q9. Where can I get more information not answered by this FAQ ?
Information on flight training in general is available from the Transport Canada web site.
More information about the Flying Section is available by following theClub Information link.
You can also contact one of the Executive Committe Members for more information.

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