I am 25 years old and I am just about done my private pilot licence rating. I was curious how hard is it to get into Confederation College or other ones that are supported from the government? What sort of grades would I need to get into Confederation? This route would save me tons of money, although you do more ground school stuff and other work areas in math / English that is alright with me.

At 25, I believe you would qualify as a mature student. If you have any other post-secondary they will look at those marks and if you don't they will most likely have a look at your highschool marks. As far as getting accepted into the government programs, it is not to difficult if you did half decent in high school. It does take some work to stay in the programs though once you are in them. I'm not sure of the exact percentage mark to get into confed, however I know the entrance marks amongst all the subsidized schools vary somewhat depending on applicant #'s.

It's easy as pie to get in. Staying in can be a toughy

When I was there it was 70 percent average in all flying courses(ground schools, PDM, Human Factors) and 60 percent in all other courses. Also fail a course in any semester it was good-bye. Sometimes a case could be made, but not very often. Not sure if its the same or not but helps you abit. If you did well in Highschool you should have no problem, just try and stay ahead and on the ball if not it can be sometimes hard to get back on!

Just my 2 cents

Currently in my final year in the program, and things are still as GZMT says. Staying in takes a bit of work, but you shouldn't have too much trouble getting in. Good luck and hopefully we'll seeya soon!

Ahhhhh, 5 years since I graduated from con college and all i can say is damn i miss my college days, i would do it 4 times over and then another 3 times if i could. Great times to be had.

Wouldn't we all, from YQT to KF5 (sheb) for those of you that don't know. Great instructors, great machines, and a hell of a great time!

Ditto. Wouldn't trade those 18 months for anything. Miss it everyday!

AUGER9 wrote:Ditto. Wouldn't trade those 18 months for anything. Miss it everyday!

I'm a bit confused as to the length of this program. Is it two years with a summer semester at the end? or is it 2 academic years, with the summer semester in the middle?

It's 5 straight semesters. Summer semester is in the middle so it works out to just over 18 months. Sept 08 to April 2010 for me.

The first two semesters you end up doing all your PPL ground school, math, physics, english and all those other fun subjects. Then after the first year come may/june you start to do some bush ground school and crosscountry planning. The summer months you end up doing your float rating as well as all your commercial cross countires. Then come fall back into the commerical training and more of those fun subjects!

What if you already have your PPL? I'd imagine they do some flying to see where you're at in terms of procedures and stuff like that but will they start CPL with you after that or do you have to wait?

Only a few students go there with PPL in hand. They still fly the first 2 semesters, but not nearly as much. You will have to do the college PPL flight test (same as TC but requires a higher mark). You'll likely do that early 2nd semester, then begin you're CPL training/time building.

Yeah, going to confed with a PPL in hand isn't the best thing but not the worst. Just try not to be cocky, if you are they will find out and make life dificult for you. Just mind your manners and listen to what they have to say. Remembering that all of your teachers and instructors have been around for awhile and for sure know more then you! Just my two cents once again. Hmm should start saving those, make a pension with em. Your flying hours at the college will be lower then other students but you still get a good chunk of time.