Where to fly?

[Lotro]

Hey folks,

I did all my training at WWFC out of CYKF and was a renter there. I've now moved to Toronto and I'm looking for a more nearby place to rent and fly from. I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations, or maybe even some warnings, regarding where to rent and train from.

I figure Markham, Oshawa, Brampton and Burlington are all about 45 - 60 minutes away which makes them close enough. Buttonville and the Toronto Island are closer, but since Buttonville's closing it doesn't seem to make sense, and the island is expensive.

I'd like to fly someplace with as varied a fleet as possible, currently all my time is on a 172 S model and I have some J3 cub time (taildragging). I'd like to be able to get some constant speed time and some retractable gear time as well as I continue to build hours. I fly primarily for leisure and am not actively pursuing a career as a commercial pilot.

I'd appreciate any insights you can share,

Lotro

[FL_CH]

I think your best bet would be buying block time off someone. Flight schools don't have a whole lot of selection when it comes to aircraft types over here. I was in the same boat during CPL hour building (wanted to fly something other than a 172) and eventually gave up and accepted my fate.

As for training, it all depends much more on instructor you are assigned to rather than the company.

Brampton Flight Centre CNC3
http://www.bramptonflightcentre.com/
C172RG @ $156/hr

Island Air CYTZ
http://www.flyislandair.net
C182 @ $280/hr

Future Air CLA4
http://www.futureair.ca
Citabria advertised @ $139/hr

Spectrum Airways CZBA
http://www.spectrumairways.com
Piper Super Cub @ $130/hr

[Beefitarian]

That'll teach Island Air not to misstreat FL_CH.

[flyincanuck]

I used to rent a cherokee for 83 wet. Glad to see Mel's kept up with inflation.

Island Air has 172s and 150s no?

[FL_CH]

Yes but the OP wanted something more interesting than a 172. The Island's 182 is G1000, but still, damn!

[Meatservo]

I think if you are flying for leisure, you should go and take someone's float-flying course. If you like flying tailwheel aeroplanes, you'll REALLY enjoy learning float flying. Not only are the planes super-cool, but you get to go somewhere other than a frickin' airport, which, in my opinion, is one of the most mellow-harshing places you can be caught in. Float flying is the way to go for the recreational flyer.

[FL500]

I was wondering if anyone knows a place to get some good IFR flying done in the winter months? Preferably with some nice glass panel

[lilflyboy262]

+1 to FL500's comment...minus the glass cockpit...

[Justjohn]

Florida or some other suitably WARM spot !

Unless you are in a properly protected airplane, IFR above the freezing level is chancy at best, and very unhealthy at worst.

Icing conditions are defined by visible moisture at temps below +3*C. Every GFA has, in the comments box, ICING Nil to light above fzlvl. Light Icing is defined as something that is not a threat to a properly equipped A/C.

In an Unprotected A/C It is a Giant Problem.

Spend some time reading 'Fate is the Hunter'. Ernie Gann and the boys were scared Spitliss of ice and with good reason.

Safe Flying all and Happy Holidays !

john

[ch135146]

If you're on the west side of Toronto, Brantford is within your 60 min circle. I haven't flown for 20 years, so I can't add to this info I found on the Brantford Flying Club site:


Aircraft Type Solo Wet
Cessna 152 $120/Hr.
Cessna 172 (160hp) $130/Hr.
Cessna 172 (180hp) $135/Hr.
Cessna 172RG $140/Hr.
Piper Aztec $350/Hr.
PFC-1 Simulator $35/Hr.

All Flight Instruction $50/Hr.

5% Discount on Recreational Flights 1.3 hours or more.

NO FUEL SURCHARGES
NO INSURANCE SURCHARGES
NO HEADSET CHARGE
NO HIDDEN FEES

[Carrier]

As you already have some taildragger time why not contact some of the gliding clubs and see if you can do some towing? You can tow on a private licence. Way back in the last century I built up my time that way. I had to pay the annual membership but it worked out to be about $2.00 per hour of flying. I do not know where you can rent for that, plus you get great flying experience and some good social times. There are at least six glider operations within two hours drive of Toronto.

http://www.sac.ca/