Experience of BCIT Airlines and Flight Operations Program

[mmmike]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone was ever in the BCIT Airline and Flight Operations Program. Would you recommend it and can you give me a general description of the program how it operates and was entrance in the program difficult. I just want to know if I should consider the program and what to expect from entrance and the program. Also was wondering which month does it start and end in?
Thank you for your time

[McKinley]

I haven’t been...

It seems like the program is reputable and the majority of students gets jobs directly out of school.

[flying4dollars]

I was in the very first class since it's inception in 2002. At the time there were a lot of kinks to iron out being the very first program in the lower mainland, but overall it was a well put together course. One of the big downsides was how ill-prepared we were to face the actual environment for low time pilots in the country. I wish they had better prepped us for what to expect and how to succeed in the real world but a good portion of the class eventually figured it out. I'm sure 18 years later, they are a very well established program. BCIT is a generally a good institute. If you're from the lower mainland, I'd recommend attending their program.

[mmmike]

I was in the very first class since it's inception in 2002. At the time there were a lot of kinks to iron out being the very first program in the lower mainland, but overall it was a well put together course. One of the big downsides was how ill-prepared we were to face the actual environment for low time pilots in the country. I wish they had better prepped us for what to expect and how to succeed in the real world but a good portion of the class eventually figured it out. I'm sure 18 years later, they are a very well established program. BCIT is a generally a good institute. If you're from the lower mainland, I'd recommend attending their program.

Thanks for your response, how was the entrance and application process for you and what month did the program start and end for you. Cheers

[flying4dollars]

I was in the very first class since it's inception in 2002. At the time there were a lot of kinks to iron out being the very first program in the lower mainland, but overall it was a well put together course. One of the big downsides was how ill-prepared we were to face the actual environment for low time pilots in the country. I wish they had better prepped us for what to expect and how to succeed in the real world but a good portion of the class eventually figured it out. I'm sure 18 years later, they are a very well established program. BCIT is a generally a good institute. If you're from the lower mainland, I'd recommend attending their program.

Thanks for your response, how was the entrance and application process for you and what month did the program start and end for you. Cheers

Started in September 2002, finished in the Spring of 2004 I believe. After applying, I did an entrance exam which consisted of computer based English and math proficiency. Then we did an abstract reasoning test. We were also required to do a medical, including vision and hearing and then finally interviews with the program directors (including the flight training unit - pacific flying club). Then you sit and wait to see if you made it into admissions.

Keep in mind, this was the process for the very first year of the program. Things could very well have changed since then so maybe someone who came from a more recent class can chime in. I'm a BCIT dinosaur now

[mmmike]

I was in the very first class since it's inception in 2002. At the time there were a lot of kinks to iron out being the very first program in the lower mainland, but overall it was a well put together course. One of the big downsides was how ill-prepared we were to face the actual environment for low time pilots in the country. I wish they had better prepped us for what to expect and how to succeed in the real world but a good portion of the class eventually figured it out. I'm sure 18 years later, they are a very well established program. BCIT is a generally a good institute. If you're from the lower mainland, I'd recommend attending their program.

Thanks for your response, how was the entrance and application process for you and what month did the program start and end for you. Cheers

Started in September 2002, finished in the Spring of 2004 I believe. After applying, I did an entrance exam which consisted of computer based English and math proficiency. Then we did an abstract reasoning test. We were also required to do a medical, including vision and hearing and then finally interviews with the program directors (including the flight training unit - pacific flying club). Then you sit and wait to see if you made it into admissions.

Keep in mind, this was the process for the very first year of the program. Things could very well have changed since then so maybe someone who came from a more recent class can chime in. I'm a BCIT dinosaur now

Thanks for your response I will definitely thanks that into note.
Thank you for your time

[flyhigh008]

I did not enjoy. It is a lot to absorb for a low time pilot and at the time it was too much for me to take in being completely new to Aviation. I decided not to complete the program and just do my training at a Private flight school at ZBB. The courses are a lot, usually about 5-8 courses per term plus flying and ground school. I didn't find the admin at PFC or BCIT very pleasant to deal with and they seemed to care more about the money than your success. I think if you are a fast learner and want to get your CPL ASAP then do it. But if you want to enjoy your time at flight school and take in the experience with a friendlier environment, check out one of the other flight schools around ZBB. I now fly for one of the largest airlines in Canada and am very happy with my decision looking back.

[Qlattimer]

I had an excellent experience at BCIT. I graduated from class 12 and was lucky enough to find a flying job within the first 6 months of graduation, although as a warning this isnt the case for all graduates. From my experience, its great to go knock on doors and make phone calls inquiring about direct entry flying positions but more likely than not youll find it easier to get in with a company working as dispatch/ramp position until something becomes available. For me, BCIT was a great fit as I enjoyed the structure of each term and milestone set out in the program. Of course you can save some money and do it privately but you lack the classroom structure, deadlines as well as that nice shiny diploma at the end of it. The non flying related courses aren't as demanding as the flying portion so I personally believe the payout of applying yourself for 18months and graduating with a diploma and all of your licenses/ratings is well worth it.