Canadian Flight Training in Florida

Hedley · Post by **Hedley** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 9:10 am

An idea just occurred to me ... you people that are looking for flight training in the winter (!!) - would you be interested in taking an airline flight down to Florida, and flying every day in your shirt sleeves in a C-registered C172 with a Canadian flight instructor?

The Canadian FTU would have to set up a satellite base in the USA, but I'm pretty sure last time I read through the NAFTA agreement, that's explicitly permitted.

The idea would be to zip down to Florida for a week (or two) and "finish off" your flight training, and come back with a recommendation for a flight test. Or you could go down for a longer period if you were starting your training from scratch.

Not quite sure how to structure written and flight tests down there, but I suppose it could be done if there was enough interest.

I'm kinda thinking out loud here. I'm sure there are paperwork hurdles (mostly for the FTU), but I find the idea fascinating ....

Cat Driver · Post by **Cat Driver** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 9:35 am

Vital Aviation has been doing it for years.

neilaroberts · Post by **neilaroberts** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 10:51 am

http://www.vitalaviation.ca/desert.htm

Thanks for the heads-up, Chucks. That seems like a really good and unique training experience. Any reviews on the operation? I had not heard of them.

Sure Shot · Post by **Sure Shot** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 11:34 am

at least theyre honest:

FLIGHT TRAINING COSTS
Recreational Permit: $4375
Private Pilot Licence $6475
Commercial Pilot Licence $9875

CAUTION - QUOTED PRICES CAN BE MEANINGLESS!

DO:
Shop carefully – visit as many flying schools as you can.

What we offer is no different from what other schools offer

I like their no BS approach.

trey kule · Post by **trey kule** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 1:05 pm

Hedley:

You might want to give thought to some place in the Caribbean.
I know they are looking for a flight school on certain islands, and a winter satellite school might be kind of cool.....Travel costs there are not much more than Florida and the costs of living operating comparible.

PM is you want the islands names and juridictions.

Cat Driver · Post by **Cat Driver** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 1:46 pm

" Thanks for the heads-up, Chucks. That seems like a really good and unique training experience. Any reviews on the operation? I had not heard of them. "

Neil, they based are here in Nanaimo and spend the winter months with their students and airplanes in Arizona.

I know them only on a personal level and not flying school wise.

Their airplanes seem to be well maintained and Don and Linda have been instructing for decades....

That is the best I can do for you.

Doc · Post by **Doc** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 4:06 pm

Any reason a freelancer couldn't just stuff three students into a 172, and just do it? Or meet them down there? Wouldn't even have to be an FTU?
Geeze, I'm cold....anybody need a multi IFR?

Cat Driver · Post by **Cat Driver** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 6:11 pm

" Any reason a freelancer couldn't just stuff three students into a 172, and just do it? Or meet them down there? Wouldn't even have to be an FTU? "

No reason at all, especially if they were all part owners of the airplane.

You wouldn't make big pay but you wouldn't be freezing your nuts off either.

youngflier · Post by **youngflier** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 5:08 pm

flying in florida is the way to go.. ive been doing it almost every winter since the early 90's for a week or two.. guaranteed weather