TESTIMONIALS

MaartenAirCanada

"After completing my Commercial Aviation Diploma at the Okanagan College School of Business, I was employed by Southern Interior Flight Center as a flight instructor. One year later I found employment at Carson Air flying freight for FedEx Canada on a turbo prop. Having worked for Carson Air for two years, I was promoted to Captain, Training Captain and Base Manager. Now I’m working for Canada’s largest leading Airline, Air Canada. Air Canada has always been my ultimate goal airline to end up with and I find myself very fortunate to be here in such a short time.

I believe that this progression would not be possible without the support of staff members

at Southern Interior Flight Centre and Carson Air. Okanagan College helped with my career progression as the college offers a comprehensive and well structured program that enables a solid foundation. Okanagan College has given me the fundamental tools needed to become successful in aviation. Unlike other college locations, the Okanagan Valley offers a unique flight training MaartenJoosten
environment unrivalled in Canada. With the help of friendly and knowledgeable staff members, and the many supporting representatives from various airlines, I have received the confidence needed to break out into the workforce. I feel that the Flight School Director takes serious interest in the success of his students. When students show hard work and dedication, further progression within the flight school becomes possible. I owe a lot of my success to the Okanagan College Aviation Diploma Program!"

- Maarten Joosten, First Officer, Air Canada

 

My experience at Southern Interior began in 2006 when, over the course of the summer, l obtained my private pilot licence. Through this positive experience I not only knew l wanted to persue a career in aviation but complete all my training at SIFC. I enrolled in the highly reputable Commercial Aviation Business Diploma program offered at Southern Interior which is completed in cooperation with Okanagan College. It was during this time I discovered why Southern Interior has such strong recognition within the flying Danny Holsten
community. Instructors are highly knowledgeable and skilled, which made for a smooth transition from a school environment to a working environment.
Upon completing the program, I was given the opportunity to become a flight instructor. It was during my time as an instructor l was able to start building my experience as a commercial pilot. This helped me land a job flying a King Air for a Medevac company located in Peace River, Alberta.
Recently l received a call from a fellow classmate, who luck have it, helped me obtain a job flying a DC-3T. That just goes to show you that contacts you will make throughout your aviation career will help you advance down the road.
All in all looking back on my what l have accomplished in my flying career, l cannot imagine myself to be where l am today if it was not for all the instructors and fellow classmates at Southern Interior.

- Best of Luck in your Career! Danny Holsten

 

DeanCRJ After I completed my Commercial Aviation Diploma at the Okanagan School of Business I had the opportunity to work for Southern Interior Flight Centre s a flight instructor. I decided to attend Okanagan College because of the opportunities it offered post graduation. I had noticed a trend that seemingly all the top graduates from the Aviation Diploma Program
had been offered instructing jobs which eventually led into the charter division of Carson Air Ltd; or potentially many other entry level jobs that had been taken by Okanagan College Almumni and needed replacement by new graduates. Having the opportunity for job placement and multiple connections, post graduation is one of the most important parts of anyone's aviation career. In June 2007 I was hired as a first officer for Carson Air Ltd, and became a Captain by April 2008. In April 2009, my education and experience in the airline industry presented me with an opportunity to work for Air Canada Jazz as a first officer.

I chose the Okanagan College Aviation Diploma Program because it provided me with a chance to get my foot in the door and build strong relationships within the airline industry. I feel that Okanagan School of Business gave me the confidence and determination to make it in a competitive industry. The Aviation Diploma Program gave me the skills and tools needed to succeed throughout my evolving career.

- Dean Ticehurst, First Officer, Air Canada Jazz

 

"Looking back on my training at Southern Interior Flight Center is a place I would return in a heart beat. I remember starting off with cadets going for my first flight ever in a private airplane; it was amazing. The inspiring pilot let me take the controls my first time being up in the cockpit of an airplane. Right from that moment I knew this was for me! As I grew old enough I returned to Southern Interior to challenge myself in a difficult and rewarding accomplishment. I proceeded to undergo my commercial training which was aAdam_Buray
Adam Buray milestone in my life! Sounds like quite the success story, but really I have to take my hat off to the flight school. To myself I believe SIFC has outstanding staff that will do what ever it takes to help anyone learn and grow into this small family called Aviation. I can't stress enough how much this school has done for me when I was struggling through my own training. It was as if the instructors took you under their own wings and treated you as part of a big family. Now a
graduate of the Commercial Aviation Diploma, I look back and remember all the great times I had, wishing I could repay SIFC for what they have done for me.I have been out working for about 4 years now and have already made a name for my former flight school. The quality training helped me through the bush environment, making sound and cost effective decisions which led me to a Chief Pilot position. Even after a few years of flying low level bush and survey single pilot, I have recently taken a First Officer position for the Air Ambulance Program in Alberta. This is much different working with another pilot on board but the straight forward training from Marc Vanderegean and his staff bring you up to speed on how to work effectively in a "team" environment. If you're looking to learn and work hard, Southern Interior Flight Centre will help you rise to the industry standard in many different fields of aviation.

I can say that if you're looking into a career in aviation or just recreationally, make a point to drop in at SIFC. Fly  Safe"

- Adam Buray, Adam Buray, First Officer; Super King Air 200

 

Taylor Shaw I began my aviation career as an instructor at Southern Interior Flight Centre. Having completed most of my training at other flight schools on the coast I can honestly say that the Commercial Aviation Diploma is top of the line training that exceeds the standard. The industry experienced Flight School Director provides a real world learning atmosphere that prepares students for today's industry. The education experience at SIFC stretches far past just the basic licences. I
have seen first hand how quickly program graduates have gained entry level jobs and progressed up the ranks of the aviation industry. After a brief tenure at SIFC I was hired on to the cargo operation flying a Metro for FedEx, and was recently upgraded to Captain. I would recommend the Commercial Aviation Diploma program at SIFC to anyone who is looking to fast track their career to the airlines.

- Taylor Shaw, Captain, Carson Air

 

Burke There is an old saying in the aviation industry that it's not what you know but whom you know. In some cases it is very true. At Southern Interior Flight Centre, you don't just get excellent training; you also get a team of well-respected instructors who work within the aviation industry. Over the many years SIFC has been able to build a solid reputation that attracts some of the youngest and brightest instructors as well as seasoned industry experts. After graduating with a commercial aviation diploma in 2009 I knew I didn't want to jump into the industry through the instructor route. I decided to earn my stripes by going up north to Yellowknife, NT and working my way into a plane. With the guidance of the instructors at Southern Interior, they showed me that there are many ways to break into this sometimes difficult industry. With the skills I learned
at the flight school as well through Okanagan College I was able to join Air Tindi as a flight coordinator. I have no doubt that the reason I have a job within the aviation industry today is because of the expertise of the team at SIFC and the help they were willing to provide me. I developed a relationship with all my instructors at SIFC that I know will help me throughout my career. I can't thank them enough for all the help and training I've already received and I know I will continue to receive.

- James Burke, Commercial Aviation Diploma Graduate, Air Tindi

 

I began my aviation career like many people, looking for answers to questions I didn't even know to ask. The Staff at Southern Interior not only helped me ask the questions but gave me the answers and provided me with the building blocks of a successful aviation career. The people and colleagues I got to know during my years at Southern Interior enrolled in the Aviation Diploma program have become not only a resource to help further my aviation career but some of my closest friends. The staff provided a professional and challenging learning environment which taught the skills necessary to ensure a long and successful aviation career. Thanks, SIFC! Joel Rodda

- Joel Rodda, Swearingen Metro Pilot


"The training I received at SIFC prepared me with the knowledge and skills I needed to find employment in the Aviation industry. I graduated from the Commercial Aviation Diploma program in 2006 at the top of my class and was employed at SIFC as a Flight Instructor. I soon found employment with Alberta Central Airways flying medevac and charter flights on King Airs, where I upgraded quickly to Captain. The CAD program taught me what I needed to know to make it through the selection process at Air Canada Jazz, where I currently fly a Dash 8. I highly recommend training at SIFC to get a solid start on a professional career in aviation."

 - Cameron Hanson, Pilot, Air Canada Jazz

 

"Bottom line, if you are looking for a great learning experience without breaking the bank, SIFC is the place to do it. With an experienced staff, a standardized fleet, and one of the best locations for flight training, they have it all. They even prepare you for your first job in the airlines, and they do it exceedingly well. Not only was I well prepared for my interview, once I got the job, I was easily able to apply the lessons learned at SIFC onto my current job. My personal thanks to Brandon
everyone at SIFC for a phenomenal job well done!"

- Brandon Simunac, Flight Dispatcher, Central Mountain Air


"In High School I went on a job shadow at Southern Interior Flight Centre as part of the Career and Personal Planning program. I spent the afternoon touring the facility and was able to go on a Discovery Flight with one of the instructor pilots. At the end of the day I knew I wanted to become a Commercial Pilot and I knew this was the place to do it.
The training I received over the next 2 years while I was enrolled in the Commercial Aviation Diploma Program was taught by a knowledgeable staff of instructor pilots and industry professionals. This proved to be absolutely instrumental in my development as Commercial Pilot and I would not be where I am today without their help.
I highly recommend Southern Interior Flight Centre to anyone who is even remotely interested in obtaining a Private Pilot License or Commercial Pilot License."

- Brad Henderson, Alberta Health Services Medevac Pilot, First Officer - Super King Air 200

 

"During highschool, I heard about a flight school where I could obtain my private pilot's license. Situated in the heart of the Okanagan, training at SIFC was certainly a memorable experience and one that I will never forget. As a part-time student, they provided me with flexible flying hours and convenient plane bookings that can be done online. Many instructors there taught me not only flying skills, but professionalism and most importantly, work merit. Many of these instructors I personally know have later worked for major airlines due to their proficiency in flying. I thoroughly enjoyed my fundamental training in aviation at SIFC, which is critical to any other licencing I wish to pursue in the future. The work merit I have developed here has taught me not only how to become a good pilot, but is a skill I can apply to all aspects of my life."

- Hon Yan Ng

 

"I can look back to a very interesting three months in Kelowna. I have really enjoyed my stay at SIFC. You have a great bunch of people which made my stay very amusing. Woody did a great job! It was fun flying with him (even in heavy turbulence…)."

- Markus Willisch, Private Pilot, Switzerland

 

"All instructors at SIFC are knowledgable, friendly and helpful.  The Flight School Director was resourceful for finding financial assistance.  Good weather and well maintained aircraft provide a great experience overall."

- Geza Kende, Private Pilot, Commercial Student

 

  "One of the many things I like about SIFC was the welcoming atmosphere from all the instructors. I believe that it helped me work towards my goal.  After completing my instructor rating I got a job in Grande Prairie, Alberta"

- Ryan Croteau, Instructor, Adventure Aviation Inc.

 

  "Besides very knowledgeable staff with real world experience, S.I.F.C provides another great training environment with its location.  With good year round weather, mountain flying experience, lack of congestion from other training schools you are able to focus primarily on training.  The airport is an added benefit with good tower staff, a large runway and enough commercial traffic to get a feel of what larger airports are like."

- Charles Lamb, Commercial Aviation Diploma / Instructor Graduate