Advice?! Brantford Flying Club vs WWFC?!

[iflyforpie]

Seems to me that for any lesson you can either drive your way out of the city and back at 50kts on a crooked highway and have nothing to show for it, or you can fly direct both ways at 105kts and log the time.

I know which I'd rather do.

105 knots costing you hundreds of dollars an hour--even when on the ground--vs 50 knots that costs you pocket change in fuel and a bit of extra time. You might not have anything to show for the driving but you are sure going to have a lot more to show for the flying beyond bare hours in a logbook.

[photofly]

I'm not sure it's "a bit of extra time". For me to get to an airfield outside of the city is usually an hour to 90 minutes each way. That's three hours added, per flying lesson.

But yes, I guess if you value your time at peanuts per hour, then ...

[imac0960]

As it is in class C airspace, you will get exposed to heavier traffic more often and ATC

and you'll spend a lot more money getting your PPL.

Would the exposure to heavier traffic not be worth the additional funds?

I wouldn't think waiting 5 min to get your clearance and ground instructions is worth it. Also, being number 4 in line for takeoff isn't worth it either. Go visit the busy airports. I'm not really one to talk though as I flew out of CYOW for my PPL. In my experience pilots in the beginning stages have a harder time flying at an uncontrolled airport because they don't have someone telling them what to do.

If you want the experience of flying into busy airspace just go visit it. In Ottawa it can take up to 30min from engine on to get to the practice area. That's pretty significant if you ask me.

[Colonel Sanders]

I'm not sure I buy the idea that someone needs
exposure to busy ATC from hour zero.

We don't teach people to fly when the wind is
howling across the runway, do we? Or when
the clouds and vis are low. Etc.

I suppose if money was no factor, we could
do ab initio training in cabin-class twins
certified for known icing. Don't laugh, I've
done it.

The learning factor of Relationship tells us to
start with the simple, then the complex.

A few years (ok, decades) ago, the RCAF actually
tried doing ab initio training in Tudors. I am not
making this up. Skip the props, start with a jet.
Didn't work out very well. I actually like to get
a pre-PPL student some time in a jet if I can
arrange it. You can't expect much, but it's good
exposure for them. I wish more pilots flew more
types.

PS This is not as silly an idea as it first seems.
The difference in cost between training at a quiet
airport with a nearby practice area, and a busy
airport with a distance practice area, will easily
cover the cost of a flight in an ex-military jet.

[photofly]

RAF used Jet Provosts:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JXujulQGBWk --10:34 minutes

[Rookie50]

Both uncontrolled and controlled are postive. I did my PPL uncontrolled, IFR at a class D controlled field.

[Big Pistons Forever]

RAF used Jet Provosts:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JXujulQGBWk --10:34 minutes

Another fine example of the FISR method of instruction.

"It's the throttle not an armrest !"

[Colonel Sanders]

FISR method of instruction

Yeah, I was a victim of that, too. Big difference:
military flight instructors couldn't care less if the
student is enjoying the experience. In fact, they
would be pretty surprised if they were!

[Ybwinstructor]

Go talk to Bob Malchow in brantford, he is the CFI there and is a great instructor. I did a lot of my training with him in hamilton and then I flew in brantford with him a few times. He is patient, knowledgable, and an all around nice guy.

[callsign15]

I did my training at WWFC through Conestoga College.

School wise, all my ground schools were all really well done.
the facility just got remodeled, couple new planes added as well. pretty large fleet.
They have great Senior instructors who like people said are usually booked solid with Multi and IFR students.

They do cater to Conestoga college and Waterloo University students and Cadets in the summer as well.

It is very tough to schedule planes and instructors the deeper into training you go.

They have 2 sims, one is a crappy old one and one is full 180 view, 6 screens, full instruments and panels.

The Airport itself, isn't that busy for a Class C. your never 5th in line waiting to take off or anything like that. your more likely to get stuck behind another trainer then any West Jet or Air Sprint. Runways are great, IFR procedures aren't complicated, and your right on the edge of YYZ airspace, so it gives you really good practice talking to center, and getting accustom with other air spaces.

there are two practice areas, both to the north, and about 10NM away from CYKF over elora and fergus, the second one is by Conestoga Lake.

You are very close to the brantford airport, stratford airport and hamilton. London, Hanover, collingwood etc are all fairly close.



Living in Toronto why dont you you try Brampton Flying Club? north of Toronto, small airport. good club. Rob Carney is the CFI. Great guy.

You have a ton of options available all over southern Ontario.

Also, to fly Corporate your gonna need more then a PPL and a "few ratings".


Good Luck

[rapid602]

Remeber this .... it is your money ... and you are hiring someone to teach you fly ... I would personally go to each of the schools you are interested in .. set up an appointment to meet with someone who will show you around ... meet some instructors ... check out the planes .... and see which one makes you warm and fuzzy. You will get a vibe good or bad from the school the planes and or the people. Do not be scared to ask ... Why Should I train Here. Personally I finished an IFR renewal at the WWFC two years ago and Kyle and the staff were great ... I would refer them and I would go again ... I have not been to Burlington where my buddy rents or any of the school in Toronto but Brampton is a place where you will learn to fly in traffic and short runways .... not a bad thing. Good Luck with your choice. Hope this helps.

[rapid602]

Remeber this .... it is your money ... and you are hiring someone to teach you fly ... I would personally go to each of the schools you are interested in .. set up an appointment to meet with someone who will show you around ... meet some instructors ... check out the planes .... and see which one makes you warm and fuzzy. You will get a vibe good or bad from the school the planes and or the people. Do not be scared to ask ... Why Should I train Here. Personally I finished an IFR renewal at the WWFC two years ago and Kyle and the staff were great ... I would refer them and I would go again ... I have not been to Burlington where my buddy rents or any of the school in Toronto but Brampton is a place where you will learn to fly in traffic and short runways .... not a bad thing. Good Luck with your choice. Hope this helps.