FAQs are exactly that, ‘Frequently Asked Questions’. Each week, we will spend 4 hours or so, answering these exact questions on the telephone. I have been as comprehensive as I can in compiling and responding to them, here. Please take the short time necessary to peruse them all and, if you still have something we can help you with, which I have not addressed, please do call and ask. Next time I revise this page, your question might be on it for the next person.
Contents
General Info
Medical Information
Introductory Flights
Private License
Groundschool
Finance & Cost
Exams
Training at CFC
Can anyone learn to fly?
I would love to answer ‘yes’ to this but the truth is flying does require good health, good hand eye coordination, adequate command of the English language (at least to train in North America), a basic understanding of mathematics, and good study habits. So, the true answer is ‘no’, not everyone can or for that matter, should learn to fly, but the odds are certainly in your favour. Of the many people who desire to learn to fly, most are able to complete the training without any major problem.
How old do I have to be to begin Flight Training?
This question really requires several answers:
The age at which I can begin flight training – any age, but younger that 14 is probably impractical, because…
age at which I am able to fly solo - 14
age at which I can get a Recreational Pilot Permit - 16
age at which I can get a Private Pilot Licence - 17
age at which I can get a Commercial Pilot Licence - 18
Do I need to get a medical exam and can my family Doctor perform it?
Yes, you do and no, he/she likely cannot. There are only about 20 Doctors in the Calgary area and to find a list of them, click here, and scroll to the bottom.
What does the medical exam involve?
The very best answer for this is given by Dr. Brendan Adams and can be found at this link: Aviation Medical Exam Info
How much does the medical cost?
It varies depending on the category of exam and the practice of the Doctor but somewhere between $75-$100.
When should I get the medical done?
You need to have the medical processed and returned before we are able to let you fly solo. Since the medical paperwork process generally takes several weeks and you could be ready to solo in as few as, say, 15 hours of flight training, the best answer is just get it done as soon as possible. Another very valid reason for this is, should you happen to discover that you have a medical issue which could prevent you from ever getting a Pilot Licence, you should probably know it before you spend a significant amount of money on training which may be leading nowhere.
Do you offer Introductory Flights?
Yes, we do. Essentially, it will be an abbreviated version of a flying lesson. Click here for more details.
What does an Introductory Flight cost?
Click here for current rates.
Can I fly for a full hour for twice the price?
Unfortunately, no. The ½ hour Introductory flight is offered at a small financial loss to us. We provide this for the purpose of getting people interested in flying so, hopefully, they will come and take lessons. If you want to fly for longer, it will be at the regular rate of $179 / hour for the aircraft with an Instructor.
Can I buy an Introductory Flight for a friend?
Yes. It can be paid for at the time they fly or in advance in the form of a Gift Certificate. Perfect for putting in a birthday card or a Christmas stocking.
If I buy one for a friend, can I go along for the ride?
Yes. And bring a camera. No additional cost.
If I buy one for me, can I bring a friend?
Same answer.
Okay, how about if I buy one for someone who isn’t a particularly good friend, can they bring a friend or can I bring someone I don’t even like?
Stop it.
How long in advance do I need to make bookings?
That depends on what day and what time of day you need to fly. If you can fly any time on any day, probably one or two days notice is adequate. If you are limited to weekend afternoons, say, it could be a couple of weeks, so, the sooner you phone, the sooner you fly. This would apply to all flight training as well as Introductory Flights.
How long does it take to get a Private Pilot Licence?
This is a tough one. As far as the legal requirement goes, student pilots need a minimum of 40 hours of groundschool and 45 hours of flight training, of which, at least 17 hours must be with an Instructor (dual) and at least 12 hours must be by yourself (solo). Confusing? You bet. 17 + 12 = 29. So what about the other 16 hours to get to 45? Well, realistically, it doesn’t even matter and here’s why… The national average is more like 65 hours with our own statistics just a little under that at around 60. So, it is very probable that a person will take more than 17 hours dual, more than 12 hours solo and more than 45 hours total. How much more will depend on several factors:
Natural ability – everyone is different.
Personal study habits – almost every flight lesson will begin with a ground briefing. If you have done the prescribed reading and studying in advance, you will be out in the aircraft in no time and making full and effective use of the flight lesson, advancing quickly. On the other hand, if you show up for your booking, your Instructor asks you what you studied and you haven’t done your homework, you’ll waste time and money in the briefing room, cut deeply into your available flying time, and advance through your training at a frustratingly slow pace. Your choice, your money.
Pace – if you can only flight train, say, once a week or so, it’s going to take you a year to 16 months, or even longer. Retention rate drops off significantly in a day or two so if you don’t come back for a week, you will spend the first ¼ of each lesson reminding yourself of what you did your last lesson. Fly 4 or 5 times per week, conversely, and you’ll likely be done in 3-4 months. This one factor is what can make your flight training quick, affordable and enjoyable or long, tedious and quite expensive. Consistency and continuity will be a great benefit to your training.
Keep in mind, also, that on average, 1 in 6 bookings will likely be scrubbed due to a variety of possible factors; weather, the last student late returning with aircraft, etc.
Is there a maximum time over which I can spread my training?
Not really, but it would likely be detrimental to spread it out at all, if you can avoid it. As stated earlier, the more consistent your pace, the better, for several reasons. The only time constraints would be at the time of both the flight test and written exam. If you do the written first, then you have a maximum of two years to perform the flight test and process the licencing paperwork. If you do the flight test first, you have only one year to write the exam and get the paperwork processed. Ideally, you should be getting it all done in far less than that, anyway. More about the examination process, later.
Do I have to do the Groundschool first, before I start my flight training?
No. The flight training and Groundschool should run concurrently and compliment each other. A slide presentation of how an airfoil generates lift based on its shape can be understood better if you have seen a wing close-up and experienced how its shape can be changed with control inputs to alter its lift. Similarly, in the aircraft when your Instructor requests the application of Carburetor Heat, it’s easier to understand its purpose, if you have seen the slide show describing its function.
How long does the groundschool take?
The Private groundschool is held Monday & Thursday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. It runs for 17 night and then starts again on the next Monday or Thursday. For the start date of the next one, check our events section regularly.
We offer an alternative through the University of Calgary as well, which is more convenient for some students. Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. It also runs for 17 nights, but only twice per year, once in the spring and again in the fall. Again, for the start date of the next one, check our website.
What if I have to miss a class or classes?
You will have to make it up in one manner or another. Your Pilot Training Record or PTR must show that you have attended all the classes and received schooling on all applicable subjects at some point. The curriculum is very consistent so making up a class, either one-on-one with your Instructor or during the next round is not a problem. Wait, it gets better… even if you attend all the classes, you are welcome to re-attend the groundschool for up to a year at no additional cost. Some components are quite complex; meteorology, for example. You may find it quite beneficial to run through some classes twice and we welcome you to do so. You’ve got a year to do it. Remember, it’s at no additional cost. 1 year. Nice, huh?
I work evenings. Can I take the Groundschool during the day, or at least at some other time(s)?
Yes. You do have the option of taking some or all of the groundschool one-on-one with an Instructor at a rate of around $55/hr. We also hope to be able to offer a ‘self-paced home study program’ very soon.
How much does it cost to get a Private Pilot Licence?
I have to give a nearly identical answer as for the “How long does it take…” question. The length of time and the number of hours you spend is directly proportional to the amount of money you will spend.
Do I have to pay the total amount up front?
No, absolutely not. Most people pay at the end of each flight lesson, or aircraft rental. Another option is that you can put a sum of money down on your account and then simply fly it off a piece at a time. We do not, however, give credit, allowing our students or renters to go into the red. The only things for which we require payment in advance, are groundschools and supplies. If you intend to fly our aircraft, either for training or as a rental, you must also purchase a membership to the Club.
What do groundschools and supplies cost?
All the costs for practically everything we offer should be listed in the ‘rates’ link on our home page, but here are the first few you will need to consider:
Private Groundschool - $400 + GST
Groundschool kit (contains practically everything but the airplane) - $250 + GST
Commercial Groundschool - $450 + GST
What does a membership cost?
Memberships are valid for a calendar year, meaning, they expire December 31 of each year. 2008 memberships are now available for renewal for existing members only and a full year membership is $100. And will be available to prospective new members as of December 1. Beginning July 1, 2008, half-year memberships will be available for $55 and will also expire December 31. The only exception, will be for people who are going to be here for a very limited time and can purchase a ‘temporary’ membership for $40 good for 2 months from the date of purchase.
If I decide to quit training or have to move away or something, do I get back any of my unused money from my account?
Yes, every penny.
What method of payments does the Calgary Flying Club accept?
Cash, cheques, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and debit cards.
What about student loans or other financing?
We do not offer any financial assistance nor do we arrange financing for you. We do, however, offer you some options. Please see our student finacing section for details.
What exams are required?
At the conclusion of your training, you must perform both a flight test and complete a written exam.
Are they difficult?
Certainly, but they should be. That’s what the training is all about, after all. Logically, the flight training prepares you for the flight test and the groundschool prepares you for the written exam. The flying school’s reputation is on the line with every student’s performance so, before you can attempt either, we will have required you to write several practice sample exams during the course of your training and also demonstrate your ability to consistently perform all of the requisite flying exercises to flight test standards. Once we are satisfied that you will do well on the exams and will represent the Calgary Flying Club and your Instructors favorably, we will prepare the necessary paperwork to allow you to attempt both exams.
Are these exams done right at the school?
Yes. For the flight test, we solicit the services of an independent examiner to come to the school and, using the aircraft with which you are already familiar, flying out of the same place you’ve been flying, you will perform and be evaluated on all of the exercises for which you have been trained. The written exam is administered at the school also.
How long do the tests take?
The written exam is 100 multiple choice questions. You have three hours.
The flight test will be 1-1½ hours of pre-flight test briefing with the Examiner, a 1½-2 hour flight test in the aircraft and a post-flight debriefing of ½-1 hour. It will take a half day or so.
What if I fail?
We certainly do not anticipate that occurring, but it could go several ways…
The written exam is 100 multiple choice questions. You have three hours.
The flight test will be 1-1½ hours of pre-flight test briefing with the Examiner, a 1½-2 hour flight test in the aircraft and a post-flight debriefing of ½-1 hour. It will take a half day or so.
The written exam consists of questions on four different aviation related topics. If you fail any one of them, you must come back and write a partial exam on that specific topic. If you fail more than one, you must re-write the entire exam.
Each flight test exercise is evaluated from 0-5. Your cumulative total for all exercises must exceed a certain overall number. If you fall below that number, you must perform the entire flight test again. Also, even if your overall score is acceptable but on any one exercise you score very poorly, you must go up again and perform only that specific exercise to a satisfactory standard. If you score poorly on more than one exercise, regardless of your overall score, you must perform the entire flight test again.
I am a foreign student and I want to train at the Calgary Flying Club.
Try looking at our international students section.
If I want to fly for a living, is it easy to find employment?
Not particularly. Aviation, like almost every other career pursuit and maybe more than most, can be a difficult field in which to get started but, as with almost everything, if you want to work and have realistic expectations, you will find a job. By the completion of your training, you will have spent a lot of money and will likely have to work hard to find that first job but it is out there. It may be less than you were hoping, also. Some people get an Instructor Rating and their first real flying job will be instructing other people to fly. You know, making other pilots. Generally speaking, the more hours you fly and the more varied the experience (different aircraft, different locations), the better your employment opportunities. Just remember that your first job or two will likely not pay particularly well and the job may be a difficult one, but like most things, you pay your dues, you will find reward. Generally speaking, the people who look back on their life and are glad they chose aviation as a career path, are those who got into it because they felt a passion for flying. If you are thinking of getting into it because you have stars in your eyes, imagining yourself striding through an airport terminal in a Captain’s uniform, you are likely going to be disappointed. I would compare it to someone who loves hockey as a youth. The odds are you will probably not ever play for the NHL, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a rewarding career as a minor league player, coach, referee, scout, analyst, Zamboni driver, etc. You get the idea. It’s still hockey and flying is still flying. If it’s what you love to do, well then…
Is money I spend on flight training tax deductible?
That depends. Generally, it is considered legitimate to claim deductions for flight training, if and only if you train in pursuit of aviation as a career. That said, if you get a Private Pilot Licence and then continue on to work on acquiring your Commercial Pilot Licence within a prescribed period of time (Revenue Canada is a better source for specifics), then you can claim most of what you have spent. Upon request, we will prepare the necessary forms for your tax return.
Does the Calgary Flying Club provide ‘photo flights’?
Not as such. We can provide sightseeing flights and you can take a camera. Then, generally speaking, if the pictures are for personal use, yes. If they are for professional purposes, no.
Do you teach Helicopter flying?
No. Fixed wing, only.
Do you teach Glider Flying?
Again, fixed wing, that’s airplanes, only. That’s all we do here, but we do a lot of it.
How about Ultralights or Hot Air Balloons?
No.
Why should I choose the Calgary Flying Club over another school?
A few reasons, but first, let me state that it’s important that you be comfortable at whichever school you choose. For that reason, I advise you to speak to a representative from every school which might be appropriate for you. Be cautious, though, and don’t fall victim to false promises of low cost flight training. It is expensive. We have no reason to mislead you. I would rather tell you the truth before, than tell you, “Oh sure, you can get a Pilot Licence for $6000.” and then have you hit the $7000 mark, realize you still have more training ahead, and know that we mislead you. It isn’t ‘strictly business’ for us because we are a Club as much as a business. Now, some reasons…
The Calgary Flying Club has been in existence since 1927.
Our aircraft rates are the best around.
We have very qualified Instructors.
Online Bookings. Calgary Flying Club offers a new uber high tech online booking system for aircraft rentals.
We fly out of Springbank airport, an excellent training environment where there is a nearby practice area and where there are no landing fees.
We have our own fueling station and full time Ramp Personnel so you won’t waste time and money taxiing around just to ‘gas up’.
We teach every Licence and Rating, and can take you from zero to a Commercial Multi-IFR with an Instructor Rating, but if that is not your goal…
We specialize in Private Pilot training.
We regularly host alternative groundschools and seminars for our members and guests. Recently, a Safety Seminar by Transport Canada, a G-Force lecture by Dr. B. Adams, a Flightrex flight planning demonstration and promotion by the program’s creators, just to name a few. New ideas are always in the works.
We have a state-of-the-art facility with a classroom capable of holding over 100 people, five briefing rooms, a multi-station flight planning area and a relaxation area known as the ‘Prop Strike Lounge’ which has leather furniture, a pool table, a dart board, a massive aviation reference library and a very, very well equipped entertainment center.
Several times per year, we have strictly social events such as a Stampede Breakfast, a Corn Roast, a Chili Cook-off, a Christmas Open House, Movie Nights and other Club type events.
We have the Springbank Airport’s only Restaurant, and it’s licenced.
Our hangar houses ten or more aircraft so, even on chilly days, your airplane will be warm in the ‘barn’ when you want to go flying.