From what I understand, YEG IFR courses are canceled for this year and the next one is May 2014, but holdovers from the last assessment will also be competing for spots in this course. Puts current IFR hopefuls such as myself in a bit of a jam because I wouldn't think I'm near the top of the pool.

IFR and VFR are equally appealing to me, so what should I do? Hope for a call for the Sept VFR course?

Accept a VFR posting, qualify in the VFR unit and after 3 years you can bid to an IFR position.

What HeadingAltitudeSpeed said. Go VFR and then jump over to IFR (if you still want it).

Thanks, I'll switch my preference to VFR.

The other bonus is that you will save some cash. I believe the IFR course still has a higher price tag than the IFR course.

The IFR generic runs a little longer than the VFR generic course. The difference is that upon completing the VFR you will get posted to a location and start getting paid. Under the IFR training you will complete the Generic training then start the specialty specific training. That route could have you spending up to an additional year without a pay check.

Thanks, I'm aware of that. I've been placed in the IFR stream though... I would imagine that means I'm not considered for IFR regardless of my selected preference.

HeadingAltitudeSpeed wrote:The other bonus is that you will save some cash. I believe the IFR course still has a higher price tag than the IFR course.

The IFR generic runs a little longer than the VFR generic course. The difference is that upon completing the VFR you will get posted to a location and start getting paid. Under the IFR training you will complete the Generic training then start the specialty specific training. That route could have you spending up to an additional year without a pay check.

But if you qualify IFR you will make more money. Except if you go to a major tower but the course will be just as long as IFR anyways.... My opinion, take what they offer it might not happen twice

Call your recruiter! I was on the phone with Joanne this week and she has been super helpful. I am on the next VFR course starting in September, who knows there may be room left. You can always apply for IFR internally.

I doubt anyone from my assessment is on that September course as we just finished 2nd round interviews. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to let them know I'd take a seat in either course.

you never know...my second interview was barely over one month before my course start date

I had three months between the 2nd interview and the start of training. So no, by no means you're out of the September training.

3 weeks after the interview I had the green light.
2 days later, the package was at my front door.
2 months to study the intro course
Now set to start the IFR course in 2 weeks in YUL

Can't wait.

Made the jump from IFR to VFR and was offered the March course...

Congrats evilgravy I know just how exciting getting that offer is. I was wait listed for this spring, and am going to the fall course. You will have lots of time to get the study work done and get ready for those months with no pay. Congrats again!

ahhh... I'm still a little torn, but I know that this was the right decision. I really did want IFR, but seeing the posts here definitely make me feel better about my choice.

MikeandHike & evilgravy...

Whicked, news for both of you! As they always say, they will call you the day they least expect it. May 10th, they called me and offered me a VFR position as well after being initially placed in IFR, wasn't a big deal for me. I was offered September and March, call me crazy but I took the March course.

Bzubot - same for me... I picked March as well, so I'll be seein ya!

Does anyone know if the September and March courses are full at this point? I'm moving to Alberta, and I'm thinking about transferring over into the Alberta pool (from BC, VFR stream).