Seeking advice for an international student!
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Seeking advice for an international student!
Hi all! I'm new to this forum and hope you all are doing absolutely fantastic.
Allow me to give a self introduction first. I am from Hong Kong and a fresh graduate with a Bachelor Degree.
I have previously flown in Australia using a Diamond DA40 with 35hrs dual and 3hrs solo time logged in my log book.
I am currently looking for a flight school in Canada and I am aiming to become a flight instructor eventually.
Let's cut to the main point! I have searched quite a number of flight schools with the following criteria:
1. Offer CPL with ME and Instructor Rating courses
2. Fleet size >15 with Multi-Engine plane
3. A DLI which allows me to get the PGWP for working upon obtaining CPL
4. Offer pay-as-you-fly instead of a full package
5. Online ground school (not a must but preferable)
Then I came to Harv's Air which seems to fit all of my criteria and I saw the review on it from Reddit/Pprune/here are all quite good!
And therefore I would like to ask a few questions of it,
1. Shown in its website, an instructor with multi IFR course costs $63,326. Based on my previously flying experience, I would expect the eventual cost be 15-20% higher than that. Does that sound reasonable?
2. And again, it is shown that the course's duration is 12+ months and I am aiming to finish it within 1.5years. Any experience can be shared?
3. After finishing the job, I would like to accumulate up to 1,500hours. Of course the most straight-forward method is being an instructor. But would it be possible that I can become a bush pilot or chartered pilot or even regional airlines pilot after I accumulate certain hours as instructor? Or these jobs are just opened to Canadian but not foreginers?
4. I have searched online saying that there's a lack of flight instructor in Canada and therefore people may use it to get into the Express Entry for the PR. Is that really possible?
Thank you so much for your time! Hope you guys will have a nice day!
Allow me to give a self introduction first. I am from Hong Kong and a fresh graduate with a Bachelor Degree.
I have previously flown in Australia using a Diamond DA40 with 35hrs dual and 3hrs solo time logged in my log book.
I am currently looking for a flight school in Canada and I am aiming to become a flight instructor eventually.
Let's cut to the main point! I have searched quite a number of flight schools with the following criteria:
1. Offer CPL with ME and Instructor Rating courses
2. Fleet size >15 with Multi-Engine plane
3. A DLI which allows me to get the PGWP for working upon obtaining CPL
4. Offer pay-as-you-fly instead of a full package
5. Online ground school (not a must but preferable)
Then I came to Harv's Air which seems to fit all of my criteria and I saw the review on it from Reddit/Pprune/here are all quite good!
And therefore I would like to ask a few questions of it,
1. Shown in its website, an instructor with multi IFR course costs $63,326. Based on my previously flying experience, I would expect the eventual cost be 15-20% higher than that. Does that sound reasonable?
2. And again, it is shown that the course's duration is 12+ months and I am aiming to finish it within 1.5years. Any experience can be shared?
3. After finishing the job, I would like to accumulate up to 1,500hours. Of course the most straight-forward method is being an instructor. But would it be possible that I can become a bush pilot or chartered pilot or even regional airlines pilot after I accumulate certain hours as instructor? Or these jobs are just opened to Canadian but not foreginers?
4. I have searched online saying that there's a lack of flight instructor in Canada and therefore people may use it to get into the Express Entry for the PR. Is that really possible?
Thank you so much for your time! Hope you guys will have a nice day!
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Re: Seeking advice for an international student!
2. If you study for 1 year, then apply for work permit, you will get 1 year. If you can study 2 years or more, you will get 3 year work permit. The extra time can help immensely in giving you more options for permanent residence (like gaining more points for Provincial Nominee Program or Express Entry).
I recommend when you get your study permit, you request an amendment to work 'part-time off campus' (if it is not there already), this gives you a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This will make the transition from study permit to the PGWP instantaneous (you can start working, having only requested the PGWP, not required to wait on acceptance as you already have a SIN).
With the amendment, you can also work part-time and learn the flight schools operations to supplement your learning and help keep costs down.
3. Anything is possible. Flight instructor is the safest for Permanent Residence. More immigration options. Generally, no restrictions pilot jobs to those with valid work permit (select 705 Airline ops require PR).
I recommend when you get your study permit, you request an amendment to work 'part-time off campus' (if it is not there already), this gives you a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This will make the transition from study permit to the PGWP instantaneous (you can start working, having only requested the PGWP, not required to wait on acceptance as you already have a SIN).
With the amendment, you can also work part-time and learn the flight schools operations to supplement your learning and help keep costs down.
3. Anything is possible. Flight instructor is the safest for Permanent Residence. More immigration options. Generally, no restrictions pilot jobs to those with valid work permit (select 705 Airline ops require PR).
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Re: Seeking advice for an international student!
Thank you so much for your reply!!
2. Yeah I am looking at the PNP too and it will significantly increase the CRS score which I will definitely get it a try.
3. I am just a bit worried that ,let's say, if I cannot accumulate those 1500hrs before my PGWP expires. It is because I know that for a working permit then it will require LIMA in order to hire a foreigner which the employers may not be willing to get that. Then at that moment I have no option but to leave Canada if I cant find such a job. Therefore I would like to find ways to accumulate as many hours as possible and also as soon as possible.
2. Yeah I am looking at the PNP too and it will significantly increase the CRS score which I will definitely get it a try.
3. I am just a bit worried that ,let's say, if I cannot accumulate those 1500hrs before my PGWP expires. It is because I know that for a working permit then it will require LIMA in order to hire a foreigner which the employers may not be willing to get that. Then at that moment I have no option but to leave Canada if I cant find such a job. Therefore I would like to find ways to accumulate as many hours as possible and also as soon as possible.
throwaway23 wrote: ↑Fri May 29, 2020 9:24 am 2. If you study for 1 year, then apply for work permit, you will get 1 year. If you can study 2 years or more, you will get 3 year work permit. The extra time can help immensely in giving you more options for permanent residence (like gaining more points for Provincial Nominee Program or Express Entry).
I recommend when you get your study permit, you request an amendment to work 'part-time off campus' (if it is not there already), this gives you a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This will make the transition from study permit to the PGWP instantaneous (you can start working, having only requested the PGWP, not required to wait on acceptance as you already have a SIN).
With the amendment, you can also work part-time and learn the flight schools operations to supplement your learning and help keep costs down.
3. Anything is possible. Flight instructor is the safest for Permanent Residence. More immigration options. Generally, no restrictions pilot jobs to those with valid work permit (select 705 Airline ops require PR).
Re: Seeking advice for an international student!
The 1500 hours has no effect on your immigration plans whatsoever. You only need it to get an ATPL. There are plenty of jobs you can do without an ATPL. If any jobs are available depends on the whole Corona thing of course.pilotfromhk wrote: ↑Fri May 29, 2020 10:01 am Thank you so much for your reply!!
2. Yeah I am looking at the PNP too and it will significantly increase the CRS score which I will definitely get it a try.
3. I am just a bit worried that ,let's say, if I cannot accumulate those 1500hrs before my PGWP expires. It is because I know that for a working permit then it will require LIMA in order to hire a foreigner which the employers may not be willing to get that. Then at that moment I have no option but to leave Canada if I cant find such a job. Therefore I would like to find ways to accumulate as many hours as possible and also as soon as possible.
throwaway23 wrote: ↑Fri May 29, 2020 9:24 am 2. If you study for 1 year, then apply for work permit, you will get 1 year. If you can study 2 years or more, you will get 3 year work permit. The extra time can help immensely in giving you more options for permanent residence (like gaining more points for Provincial Nominee Program or Express Entry).
I recommend when you get your study permit, you request an amendment to work 'part-time off campus' (if it is not there already), this gives you a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This will make the transition from study permit to the PGWP instantaneous (you can start working, having only requested the PGWP, not required to wait on acceptance as you already have a SIN).
With the amendment, you can also work part-time and learn the flight schools operations to supplement your learning and help keep costs down.
3. Anything is possible. Flight instructor is the safest for Permanent Residence. More immigration options. Generally, no restrictions pilot jobs to those with valid work permit (select 705 Airline ops require PR).
As an AvCanada discussion grows longer:
-the probability of 'entitlement' being mentioned, approaches 1
-one will be accused of using bad airmanship
-the probability of 'entitlement' being mentioned, approaches 1
-one will be accused of using bad airmanship
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Re: Seeking advice for an international student!
Yeah I am aware of that too. My target is getting the ATPL ultimately so the PR would just be a bonus. Guess the concern would be whether I can get those hours within the PGWP validity and how I can get a Working Visa if I need to stay longer.digits_ wrote: ↑Fri May 29, 2020 10:52 amThe 1500 hours has no effect on your immigration plans whatsoever. You only need it to get an ATPL. There are plenty of jobs you can do without an ATPL. If any jobs are available depends on the whole Corona thing of course.pilotfromhk wrote: ↑Fri May 29, 2020 10:01 am Thank you so much for your reply!!
2. Yeah I am looking at the PNP too and it will significantly increase the CRS score which I will definitely get it a try.
3. I am just a bit worried that ,let's say, if I cannot accumulate those 1500hrs before my PGWP expires. It is because I know that for a working permit then it will require LIMA in order to hire a foreigner which the employers may not be willing to get that. Then at that moment I have no option but to leave Canada if I cant find such a job. Therefore I would like to find ways to accumulate as many hours as possible and also as soon as possible.
throwaway23 wrote: ↑Fri May 29, 2020 9:24 am 2. If you study for 1 year, then apply for work permit, you will get 1 year. If you can study 2 years or more, you will get 3 year work permit. The extra time can help immensely in giving you more options for permanent residence (like gaining more points for Provincial Nominee Program or Express Entry).
I recommend when you get your study permit, you request an amendment to work 'part-time off campus' (if it is not there already), this gives you a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This will make the transition from study permit to the PGWP instantaneous (you can start working, having only requested the PGWP, not required to wait on acceptance as you already have a SIN).
With the amendment, you can also work part-time and learn the flight schools operations to supplement your learning and help keep costs down.
3. Anything is possible. Flight instructor is the safest for Permanent Residence. More immigration options. Generally, no restrictions pilot jobs to those with valid work permit (select 705 Airline ops require PR).
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Re: Seeking advice for an international student!
Digits_ is correct, there is no advantage in having an ATPL for PR.
If I understand, you want to do your training and get your ATPL signed off in Canada, then leave to presumably convert the Canadian ATPL in Hong Kong?
If so, PR is not in your best interest. Study for 2 years, and get 3 year PGWP. This should be enough time to get your ATPL provided you get a flying job when you finished your training. Do not waste your time with LIMA, you will find it very difficult to find an employer to sponsor you.
If I understand, you want to do your training and get your ATPL signed off in Canada, then leave to presumably convert the Canadian ATPL in Hong Kong?
If so, PR is not in your best interest. Study for 2 years, and get 3 year PGWP. This should be enough time to get your ATPL provided you get a flying job when you finished your training. Do not waste your time with LIMA, you will find it very difficult to find an employer to sponsor you.
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Re: Seeking advice for an international student!
Hello I am from Hong Kong too currently working on my PPL CPL in Vancouver currently flying with pro
Re: Seeking advice for an international student!
Hey folks ,
I pretty much have the same questions .
The only difference is that I am from India .
Planning to get my cpl done from BC . I wanted to know if the situation has improved ( Feb 2021 ) .
I wanted to know about options other than flight instruction like banner towing or maybe a spray pilot ?
Are these low time jobs actually available ?
I want to keep instructions as my last option .
Kindly reply , as your reply is very important to me .
Thankyou .
I pretty much have the same questions .
The only difference is that I am from India .
Planning to get my cpl done from BC . I wanted to know if the situation has improved ( Feb 2021 ) .
I wanted to know about options other than flight instruction like banner towing or maybe a spray pilot ?
Are these low time jobs actually available ?
I want to keep instructions as my last option .
Kindly reply , as your reply is very important to me .
Thankyou .
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Re: Seeking advice for an international student!
My (albeit limited) understanding of being a spray pilot is that they prefer people with some sort of an agricultural background - that way you don't dose the potatoes with glyphosate vs the wheat..
I'm sure that banner towing is a good start - I just woudn't expect a lot of hours..
I'm sure that banner towing is a good start - I just woudn't expect a lot of hours..
Say, what's that mountain goat doing up here in the mist?
Happiness is V1 at Thompson!
Ass, Licence, Job. In that order.
Happiness is V1 at Thompson!
Ass, Licence, Job. In that order.
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Re: Seeking advice for an international student!
Spraying isn’t an entry level job, I once thought it was and now realize how dumb I was.
There are some survey companies that take fresh CPLs, but with lack of movement it’s hard to get in.
Skydive and banner towing don’t give you a lot of hours.
Cold hard truth: most instructors didn’t want to be instructors, they had no choice
There are some survey companies that take fresh CPLs, but with lack of movement it’s hard to get in.
Skydive and banner towing don’t give you a lot of hours.
Cold hard truth: most instructors didn’t want to be instructors, they had no choice
Re: Seeking advice for an international student!
Also almost zero instructor jobs out there right now as they are being filled with ex instructors to airline pilots back to instructors after being laid off from the airlines.
Re: Seeking advice for an international student!
Hey folks ,
By the time I would complete my flight training it would be 2023 approx .
I am sure that the situation would ease out by then and those laid off pilots would get thier airline jobs back and freshers like me could get some sort of entry level jobs .
Could anyway explain to me , the kind of jobs would be available to me after 2 and half years . I know you cant predict the future but still an idea would help . ( Kind of jobs that would be available after the situation eases out )
Thankyou very much for your time .
By the time I would complete my flight training it would be 2023 approx .
I am sure that the situation would ease out by then and those laid off pilots would get thier airline jobs back and freshers like me could get some sort of entry level jobs .
Could anyway explain to me , the kind of jobs would be available to me after 2 and half years . I know you cant predict the future but still an idea would help . ( Kind of jobs that would be available after the situation eases out )
Thankyou very much for your time .
Re: Seeking advice for an international student!
With mergers (ac and Transat) and possibly a few other Canadian airlines coming out smaller or possibly not at all I doubt the job market in 2023 will not be full of surplus experienced pilots. 2025 will probably be the next time the shortage starts to hit but even still plan on spending time working a ramp up north in 2023