Whose left operating on the Island? Has anyone filled in for the school that went bankrupt last year? How's business with the bridge now toast? Is the fuel surcharge something crazy like $15/hr?
At the Island you have your choice of Canadian Flyers and Island Air. Both schools have professional pilots and good equipment. Canadian Flyers does not have any surcharges, they just charge a set flat rate for the aircraft. Island Air quotes a lower price, BUT they add on surcharges (Insurance and or Fuel). Their overall price comes out to be more than Can. Flyers. If you want more info PM me,
That's about right. If you want to keep your expenses down go to Markham or Burlington. As an added bonus you'll REALLY learn how to hold the centre line
Never heard of either school making the instructors hold signs up at the side of the road. From what I understand the school farthest from the ferry does make their guys go out and meet the people at the ferry.
Last time I dropped by that school to say 'hi' morale was in the scuppers. The owner had better smarten up or he'll have a mutiny on his hands. The place reminded me of ATI about a year prior to its final demise.
BFC is not much cheaper. In fact, I believe you have to pay the membership and the C172 is only about $5-10 less than the average cost around the city. Add to that your cost and time to get there, and it may not be the best choice after all.
I did my private with Canadian Flyers but up in Barrie (lake simcoe regional). They are stable with some very good instructors. If you're looking into training out of the Island, keep in mind that you have to fly for an extra half hour just to get to a practice area and then return, which could possibly increase your overall cost by as much as $50 or more per flight (approx).
My suggestion would be get to the next closest airport ie Buttonville or Oshawa etc... You may pay more in gas but its gonna keep your flight costs down. Good luck!
Powell887 wrote:...you have to fly for an extra half hour just to get to a practice area
A smart instructor will make good use of the time on the way out to and into the practice area. Students don't stop learning during this time do they?
Besides, 200 hours for a commercial licence is 200 hours, regardless of where you logged them.