Does anyone know how much the new exam centres are charging for a PPL? I heard over $300 in some areas?

WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????????????!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!!?!??!!??!!??!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!??!!?!?!?!????????????????!!!!

Are you talking about the ones that are approved by Transport, but run by flight schools? If so, I believe they are entitled to charge whatever they like. I know that OFF Training in Kingston is just getting their exam centre up and running, but they aren't going to be charging anywhere near $300! I think they'll be charging much closer to what Transport charges.

Where abouts was this place anyway???

C-KEEP wrote:Are you talking about the ones that are approved by Transport, but run by flight schools? If so, I believe they are entitled to charge whatever they like.

This is correct.

Transport Canada will charge them to issue the exam, and they will charge a fee on top of that to cover their overhead (computers, Authorized Exam Invigilator, space, etc).

There is no guidance from Transport Canada.

Please note that many Regional Offices and TCC's are not conducting any recreational exams as of April 1st, 2006-- but some still are, due to the fact that there is no Authorized Exam Invigilators within a reasonable distance of the RHQ/TCC. You can phone TC for details for your area. I believe there should be a list posted on the web very soon.

Hope this helps.

-Guy

So to be an invigilator one need not know jack sh.t about the subjects in the exams but are there any other qualifications for the position?

Cat Driver wrote:So to be an invigilator one need not know jack sh.t about the subjects in the exams but are there any other qualifications for the position?

Pretty much, Cat.

You have to go through a security clearance procedure (finger prints, background check) for "enhanced reliability" level.

You have to have the proper equipment (computer), the proper facilities (an area that can be dedicated, proper monitoring ability).

Obviously there are guidlines that you must follow, but it isn't "rocket science".

-Guy

I know in terms of fees, at the school I am at the charge is close to transport though if you want to write outside of buisness hours there is an extra fee. On the other hand if you want to write sunday evening at 9pm you can get that time, it might cost you but you can do it.

Graham Strang wrote:I know in terms of fees, at the school I am at the charge is close to transport though if you want to write outside of buisness hours there is an extra fee. On the other hand if you want to write sunday evening at 9pm you can get that time, it might cost you but you can do it.

That is what is called "value added". In more remote areas, many people will not have to travel long distances-- and there may be a cost attached with that. Supply and demand.

If you feel a cost is unreasonable, talk to the operator. They want your business.

I think it is a great concept.

-Guy

Oh do not get me wrong I would have been happy to pay an extra 10 or 20 bucks to write my last written on the weekend. Instead I had to do it during buisness hours which means I had to take half a day of work which cost me a heck of alot more than any exam fee.

Graham Strang wrote:Oh do not get me wrong I would have been happy to pay an extra 10 or 20 bucks to write my last written on the weekend. Instead I had to do it during buisness hours which means I had to take half a day of work which cost me a heck of alot more than any exam fee.

And that is exactly the argument for the change.

It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few weeks/months. Please post your experiences here-- I will try and get that information back to those that need to know.

-Guy