Minimum Training Times

Transport Canada sets the minimum standards for flight training, simulator training, ground school instruction and all exams. Over the years, Transport Canada has increased the required contents of the training programs, but has not changed the minimum required flight times. This means that while it is still possible to meet flight test standards within the minimum requirements, the average student takes more time than what is listed due to differences in skill development, training consistency and other items beyond control.

Price Estimates

With the exception of the Commercial Diploma Program, our pricing estimates are based on the minimum Transport Canada requirements. The Commercial Diploma Program includes multiple licences, ratings, and some build-up time, so pricing for that program is an estimated average.

All training in aviation is completely skill-based, requiring dedication and good study habits. Students must be recommended for flight and written tests by their instructor and the flight school before they are permitted to attempt them. For flight tests, students must demonstrate they meet flight test standards on more than one flight, and for written tests they must meet our minimum grades on our practice exams. As such, flight schools can not guarantee completion within the Transport Canada minimum requirements. Based on average Canada-wide completion times, we suggest students budget for 10% to 20% over the minimum pricing quoted.

Training Timeframes

Aviation is affected by many outside influences and factors, including weather and aircraft maintenance. We must ensure the weather is within our safety guidelines prior to any flight, and as we have not been able to figure out how to control the weather (yet), we do experience training delays once in awhile. We also take the maintenance of our aircraft very seriously and you will occasionally experience a training delay while we make sure our equipment is maintained above the minimum Transport Canada standards.

Payment

Our programs require minimal financial commitment upfront. Typically you pay for your ground school and books upfront, then all you have to do is have a valid credit card on file that we can bill after each training session.

The Commercial Aviation Diploma program is the exception, requiring lump-sum course fees to be paid to Okanagan College based on a schedule issued by the College.

Please contact Southern Interior Flight Centre for current pricing for any program or ratings.