Hello guys,
I'm from europe with an EASA PPL and I want to continue my CPL/IR/ME training in Canada. I have already obtained my TC medical certificate, I will soon convert my ppl but I am still hesitating on the location of my training.
My goal is to first fly in the bush, get as much float and mountain flight time as possible and then try to get a job as an aerial firefighting pilot in several years.
That being said, I wonder about the relevance of training in the Yukon, especially at alkan air flight academy (it's the only DLI there for international student). On the one hand, the training in the north is more challenging , allows me to confront with more varied weather conditions and allows me to acquire a good base of experience in mountain flying. Being in Whithorse would also allow me to develop connections with people in the "bush industry", perhaps helping toward creating opportunities after the completion of my training (Alkan air flight academy has its own compagny).
On the other hand, the price. For comparison with another school in south of Alberta, training costs are about 20% mor expensive in the North and I'm also aware that cost of living in Whitehorse is also higher (I'm budgeting an extra $400 a month than in Alberta).I've put some money aside so I'll have to contract a loan for a small part of the training but to cover all my daily expenses during the training + I'll be able to work 20h/week according to my student visa.
All in all, is the price of training in the North worth the experience I will get from it? Would it be a plus to advance to a bush pilot job, does flying experience in the Yukon on the market have any value?
Thanks for your insight !
Is training in the north worth it
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Re: Is training in the north worth it
I'd go for it. Granted, I'm a bit biased having worked in flying schools in more northern locales. You're training will take less time as you're not waiting forever for takeoff and getting circuits cancelled. You're also more likely to get varied experience such as actual grass/short strips.
Re: Is training in the north worth it
I'll second that, assuming you have the right to work in Canada afterward.Bede wrote: ↑Mon Apr 24, 2023 6:27 am I'd go for it. Granted, I'm a bit biased having worked in flying schools in more northern locales. You're training will take less time as you're not waiting forever for takeoff and getting circuits cancelled. You're also more likely to get varied experience such as actual grass/short strips.
Re: Is training in the north worth it
Ok thank you for your opinion, I will try to get in touch with students there then. Next biggest challenge will be housing in whitehorse !
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TailwheelPilot
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Re: Is training in the north worth it
I would be surprised if their training is much different than anywhere else. The few times I have been to Whitehorse, I only heard their 172s in the training areas (bounded by mountains, but largely farm fields, forest, river, and lake below) and following the main valleys when they were doing cross countries. I suppose they likely do some mountain training, but I have yet to hear their planes in the mountains.
Weather wise, I imagine you will not really see much no matter where you go, as FTUs are generally risk adverse and require good weather and forecasts before sending anyone on cross countries. Perhaps they are less strict than some places, though. The main difference you would see is cold weather (which you could also see somewhere southern in the prairies).
Alkan does flight training for the university - you may want to look into how scheduling will work alongside that (ie are they the priority always, during the week, never, etc).
I imagine Alkan hires into the right seat of their King Airs and Dorniers, so not really a float/bush start. Contacts may be useful to get a job at another operator, though. The Yukon operators used to hire pilots with experience (Alkan at one point was 750 hours IIRC - to be hired to the ramp before getting in a plane). Alpine has three 206s, but they also were looking for prior float experience in the past. I am not sure how it is now. Tintina has/had a 206, but otherwise Caravans and Navajos. There are a couple other operators with 206/7s in Haines Junction I think, but I do not know much about them. I imagine they all would prefer to hire someone already living in Whitehorse/Yukon. Contacts in Whitehorse may help you with a job elsewhere as well.
If you want to fly floats, I would guess training in the south and using the difference in price (of training and potentially housing) to finance more float flying would probably be more useful to help you get a first float job. It seemed like there were more float jobs posted this year looking for someone to fly a 180/185/206 with 50 hours than normal.
Talking to some people in Whitehorse, it did sound like getting a job while you study would not be difficult.
Weather wise, I imagine you will not really see much no matter where you go, as FTUs are generally risk adverse and require good weather and forecasts before sending anyone on cross countries. Perhaps they are less strict than some places, though. The main difference you would see is cold weather (which you could also see somewhere southern in the prairies).
Alkan does flight training for the university - you may want to look into how scheduling will work alongside that (ie are they the priority always, during the week, never, etc).
I imagine Alkan hires into the right seat of their King Airs and Dorniers, so not really a float/bush start. Contacts may be useful to get a job at another operator, though. The Yukon operators used to hire pilots with experience (Alkan at one point was 750 hours IIRC - to be hired to the ramp before getting in a plane). Alpine has three 206s, but they also were looking for prior float experience in the past. I am not sure how it is now. Tintina has/had a 206, but otherwise Caravans and Navajos. There are a couple other operators with 206/7s in Haines Junction I think, but I do not know much about them. I imagine they all would prefer to hire someone already living in Whitehorse/Yukon. Contacts in Whitehorse may help you with a job elsewhere as well.
If you want to fly floats, I would guess training in the south and using the difference in price (of training and potentially housing) to finance more float flying would probably be more useful to help you get a first float job. It seemed like there were more float jobs posted this year looking for someone to fly a 180/185/206 with 50 hours than normal.
Talking to some people in Whitehorse, it did sound like getting a job while you study would not be difficult.
