kitchener-waterloo flight school

[bluenote]

What do people think about the wwfc in Kitchener? Is it a good school to train or get your instructor rating there.

Is it busy?

Pros and cons?

thanks

[Grey_Wolf]

I did all of my training there from 2004-2006. From all my dealings, most of them were positive.

It's fairly busy due to the fact that they have both students from the College and University Programs in town; so booking a plane may be an issue. They've also since gone from paper bookings to an online system, from what I hear has it's quirks but has made it more streamlined.

As for a training airport, it's fairly busy between the commercial operators there (WestJet, Bearskin Sunwing, Mesaba, etc ...), plus the corporate machines, as well as some medevac. So it's possible that you may burn some money on taxi/holding as opposed to flying. As well the practice area is about 15 minutes out near Elora/Fergus. The summer gets super busy with the Air Cadet program. I've been in the circuit with 6 other aircraft.

It does have ILS, LOC/BC, VOR/DME, NDB, RNAV approaches so there's a variety for your IFR Training. Plus Toronto, Hamilton, and London are all nearby if it gets busy.

As for getting a Flight Instructor Rating, I did mine there as well. The Class 1 that I did it with was superb. Learnt lots! He has since moved on, and is now with a school in London (last I heard). The present Class 1 at WWFC, if he's still there, was crazy busy when I was there. He was doing FIRs, Muli-IFRs, as well as Assitant CFI duties, so booking him was difficult at times.

As for employment afterwards, if there's room in the Instructor pool, you're in. Some of my classmates went this route. However, you'll have to sell yourself at the door to get students (if it hasn't changed).

Hope that helps!

P.S. Go in and visit; talk to the students; talk to the staff; ask to see the Online Booking System; ask to see the planes!

[bose]

hi...here is link to same question you ask over a year ago.....
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=24247&p=236561&hili ... oo#p236561

[Hedley]

[xlent]

WWFC was a great place but my experience with them was about 6 years ago. Another option to look into is Aviation International in Guelph. It's not as classy a place as Waterloo, but it has advantages.

* uncontrolled (read, no delays due traffic volume)
* 5 mins to practice area
* surrounded by controlled airspace
* and if your looking for an instructor rating, Scott Peters is one of the best class I instructors in southern Ontario

[pilotguyCANADA]

I am currently a student in the Conestoga Aviation program in 2nd year, so If you have any questions just ask, but Ill tell ya a bit about it. They are thinking of purchasing a brand new 172 with a glass cockpit, so that will be a great addition to the fleet. Ive had several instructors, and they are all very laid back, BUT maintain professionalism most of the time. The CFI can be difficult at times though.

There is generally a lot of work in the summer months, especially when Air Cadets fly; logging probably a couple hundred hours. There is already expansion being done on the maintenence hanger, which will be expanded for more classroom space,etc. I hope that kinda helps.

[bluenote]

pilotguy CANADA

Thanks for the info!!

what do you mean the CFI can be dificult, the last thing I need is a CFI that is difficult. Can you explain?

thanks

bluenote

[Hedley]

the last thing I need is a CFI that is difficult

I take it you are not a disciple of Nietzsche?

[skybaron]

I don't know how their ab-intio flight training is, but I can certainly vouch for their multi/ifr program. I completed my group 1 renewal there not too long ago, and I can say that the Class 1 - Akbar is pretty top notch. He takes a no-nonsense type approach, and doesn't waste your time with excess ground briefings (unless you need them) or ramp wait times while the engines are fired up. WWFC has got my recommend.

[pilotguyCANADA]

pilotguy CANADA

Thanks for the info!!

what do you mean the CFI can be dificult, the last thing I need is a CFI that is difficult. Can you explain?

thanks

bluenote

I shouldn't have said that...more of a biased students' perspective; she seems pretty laid back with instructors. Also, the fact that flight training at Waterloo is done at an international airport that's pretty good. 2 runways 4100x150 and 7000x150 feet. Westjet, Bearskin, Mesaba, Great Lakes Heli + tons of summer flights. Controllers at Waterloo tower are very accomodating for students and instructors. There's a decent restaurant at the flight centre, excellant maintenence staff too. I can't think of much else right now, but still ask other questions for sure!!

[Dakota]

Aviation International (Canada) at guelph BY FAR has the Best Class 1 Instructor. His name as mentioned above is SCOTT PETERS.

I have been in the industry for over 20 years and have worked at 4 schools with over 75 instructors in that time. Scott has forgotten more than most will probably ever remember. I challenge ANYONE to show me a more thourough, dedicated, informed, knowledgeable and discplined instructor/ CFI.

I have been with Aviation International for over 10 years and I have worked directly with Scott in that time. He also did my Instructor Rating.

If you want THEE BEST training I suggest and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND SCOTT PETERS.

info@aviationinternational.com