AVCANADA

[Out of Control]

What is the story behind Avcanada? When did it start? Who started it? Why was it started?

[. ._]

I'm not sure, but it's so great, it must have been a virgin birth in a manger or something.

-istp

[No Conflict]

I believe the Creator is a God..... but don't tell him that.....

[FREEFALL]

I'm sure HAZ knows.

[No Conflict]

I'm sure HAZ knows.

I'm surprised he hasn't found this thread already!!

[FREEFALL]

I'm surprised he hasn't found this thread already!!

I can't wait to hear his story.

[hazatude]

Avcanada was created long before I arrived here.

It's all about the people folks. All about the people.

[split s]

That sounds like a NWO carrier's motto "all about the people"

[desksgo]

An infinite amount of monkeys, typing on an infinite number of computers, seeking an finite amount of airplane driver jobs. You do the math.

[Dust Devil]

I seem to remember back in the 90's finding avcanada on the harv's air website.

[avcanada]

What is the story behind Avcanada? When did it start? Who started it? Why was it started?

I don't believe many people know who I am since I rarely have given my name since I created this site. For those who don't know, my name is Joe MacDougall and I started AvCanada back in 1996 in Calgary Alberta. Between weather modification projects, I needed to find work and was having a hard time finding resources in Canada, that provided employment information. I joined an employment website based out of the states only to cancel my membership 3 days latter, after I realized that none of the jobs posted were relevant to work in Canada. If this company didn't charge my credit card twice after I had cancelled, AvCanada probably would not exist today. So I decided to create a free area for myself and others to find work. I learned HTML on my own and built the sight as a hobby.

The site was originally hosted on Syzygy's server http://www.syz.com/avcanada . Today AvCanada is run on its own dedicated server. I have always believed in providing a free resource. If the placement of resumes didn't eat up so much time, this would also be a free resouce. The resumes and banner ads on this site really pay for the cost in maintaining this website.

The message forum and job board have changed many times since 1996. I think I have upgraded this forum script 20-25 times since 1996, perhaps more.

For those who don't know me, yes I am Canadian. Born in Windsor Nova Scotia, and lived around 18 years in Calgary Alberta. I graduated from Mount Royal College in 1995 and continued my education at the University of North Dakota were I received a B.Sc. in Aeronautics. I flew for weather modification Inc. from 1996-2000 flying C340's, PA31T and a Lear 35A. I met my wife down in Argentina on a hail suppression project. When I first saw my wife I would have to say it was love at first site. She was the Doctor on duty at the airport at the time. We were married back in 1999 and have two boys who keep me busy.

I have my Canadian ATPL and FAA commercial multi-instrument and CFI, CFII, and MEI.

I instructed for a few months down at St. Louis University Parks College in between weather modification projects in 1998. If you saw the Storm Buster episode on Flight Path which was doing an episode on weather modification a few years back you probably saw me slam my head into the ceiling of the Cheyenne II. After working at weather modification I got back into instructing at Big Bend Community College.

I have been working down in Moses Lake, WA for the last 5 years and am currently the Division Chairman for the program. We have 23 aircraft and around 120 students. If I was to compare UND, Mount Royal, St. Louis University, Embry Riddle and CWU I would honestly say that Big Bend has the best program. This program really is a gem that few people have ever heard of. The faculty is great, the airport is huge with 5 runways one of which is 13500ft and the weather is usually severe clear. All this and you get your licences for far cheaper than the big schools.

My job is great in that I work Monday-Thursday and home every night. As a full time facutly member the time off during the summer, Christmas, Spring break... are great. I usually get back down to Argentina once or twice a year.

I work on updating this website usually once a day. I have many plans for AvCanada and am working on the addition of many new scripts. I would like to integrate a weather resource area, free area to upload and edit resumes, update the photo gallery and chat area, place a employment resource area to include an area on how to build a resume and cover letter, perhaps work with pilotcareercenter in linking our sites together to take advantage of their company and flight school database.

I am the owner and webmaster of AvCanada and have never had a partner. The mods on this site and the users are really what in my opinion make this site worth while. Now I really use this website to stay in touch with aviation in Canada and a way to give back to those starting out a career in aviation.

For me this website is your website. If you guys would like to have a new area on AvCanada please let me know and I will make it happen.

[Det]

Well on behalf of myself and all the other addicts, thank you for all your time and work! It really is an invaluable resource, not to mention a great place to pass around rumours, meet new people and catch up with old colleagues!

Cheers!

[wallypilot]

it's especially great when you're bored up in the arctic with 1/8 FG -RASN VV001 and trying to a survey project that requires VFR conditions!

seriously, though, thanks for all your efforts. it's a great resource and source of entertainment.

-wp

[SplitS]

Thanks Joe - not many gems like you out there!

[Raybanman]

If you saw the Storm Buster epsiode on Flight Path which was doing an episode on weather modification a few years back you probably saw me slam my head into the ceiling of the Cheyenne II.

I've seen that show Avcanada! Thanks again for your time and dedication to the site. I've gotten a couple jobs as a result of posting my resume on here and don't mind paying for that at all as long as it keeps the site up! Keep up the great work!

[Sasquash]

Joe;

Ditto for me as well, quite a remarkable site, really enjoy the format, and it's quite clear your dedication has made an excellent product. This is usually my first stop when I go surfing on the'Net and to keep me up to date. Keep up the good work.

[hazatude]

Joe is a first class guy doing a top knotch job. My hat goes off to him.

[lilfssister]

Ditto

[desksgo]

Praise to him Joe-Bob, he who keeps us here and finds us a job.

I really like your site, Mr. Joe. I thank you.

[canadadry]

Thanks very much for this website who helps a lot those who want to start in this industry and helps keeping in touch those who are already in !

I spend a lot of time seeking informations on this website and I enjoyed every minute..

Regards,

[bandaid]

As always, a classy post by a classy guy. Thanks Joe.
Bandaid.

[Apache64_]

Defitinetly the best site on the internet. Thanks for all the hard work and great format.


Cheers

Apache

[Out of Control]

Thanks for everything Joe, it all makes sense now.

[180]

Joe,

Your site got me my big break (in the hot employment tips section) which led me to where I am now, loving life, flying what I want to fly, where I want to fly.

Thank you very much!

[dune]

I too would like to extend my gratitude.. being a webmaster can be a pain in the butt!

Thanks again!