which is a better flight school

[pilotrizwan]

hi,
i am a high school student and dreams to be a commercial pilot. recently i have applied for a couple of collages. i want others opinion about these collages:
-Seneca
-Conestoga
-Algonquin
-centennial.

please help !!!!!!

[BTyyj]

I am not sure if any of these flight schools offer anything specific or differentiating in terms of piloting collages, however, in terms of colleges, my understanding is that there isn't too much of a difference between them.

Make sure you take into consideration the length of the program and the cost, as I know that the Seneca program is subsidized and is a four year program. Also take into consideration which one is closer to where you currently live. If you live nearby one of the colleges already, you might as well stay there and save some money on rent.

You might have better luck finding information by posting your question in the flight training section of these forums.

[Changes in Latitudes]

Keep in mind that these schools are not guaranteed to produce a job for you. Let's also say, for whatever reason (medical, financial, family/personal, economy) you cannot find a flying job. These diplomas will not be very useful in finding you gainful employment.

I cannot impress upon you enough how important it is to have a backup plan, especially in this industry and especially in this economic environment. Think of getting a useful degree, learning a trade or having a useful skillset to get you through the slow times. I know its hard to think of a backup plan when you're a teenager looking up at the sky and that's all you want to do, but I promise it will save you a world of hurt.

Trust me, the idea was beaten into me when I was in your shoes and I am glad it was.

Good luck!

[didek27]

Hi! I am currently enrolled in the Algonquin Program. If you want further details about the program from a students perspective feel free to pm at any time.

[goingmach_1]

To add some information to your inquiry, if you want to attend a aviation post secondary education program be preparded to have reviewed their requirements before applying. They list what courses are required from high school.

As far as which program slash college slash university to attend bear in mind that if you think you would like to work someday at Air Canada that in the point system they use, you will need a 3 year or 4 year program to be awarded points.

In Ontario, that is either the 4 year degree program at Seneca, or the 3 year Sault College program. These are both subsidized by the Ontario goverment. If you are accepted be prepared to do some work. The first year of school is all about weeding out the caffe.

If you are sucessful, IMHO, you will be well preparded to start a piloting career. These schools don't make a "better" pilot, but they do make you a informed pilot.

Good luck.

[bcflyer]

As far as which program slash college slash university to attend bear in mind that if you think you would like to work someday at Air Canada that in the point system they use, you will need a 3 year or 4 year program to be awarded points.

In Ontario, that is either the 4 year degree program at Seneca, or the 3 year Sault College program. These are both subsidized by the Ontario goverment. If you are accepted be prepared to do some work. The first year of school is all about weeding out the caffe.

Not entirely true. Confederation has a two year program that will get points as well. It is also subsidized just like the other two. There are quite a few Confed grads at AC.

[indieadventurer]

hi,
i am a high school student and dreams to be a commercial pilot. recently i have applied for a couple of collages. i want others opinion about these collages:
-Seneca
-Conestoga
-Algonquin
-centennial.

please help !!!!!!

Some grammar and etiquette in asking go a long way too!

[flyindutchman]

Im actually in the Conestoga program. Second year finishing up my multi IFR. Its a solid program and helps you get the training you need to get into the industry and get your name out there. They provide a good fleet, very flexible hours of flying, and good training. The program itself is a good program, although youre going to be very busy balancing your life between classes, flying and freetime (which you'll get less of). I personally picked Conestoga since its only 2 years, and you'll finish here with a multi IFR or an Instructor rating. (you choose). and an IATRA written. I found the key is to get into the industry as quick as you can and as qualified as you can be, this program best suited that option for me. Either way which ever program you pick be prepared to study a lot. The shorter programs are definitely a lot to take in at first so stay on top of your game to not fall behind.

Best of luck!

Cheers

[goingmach_1]

As far as which program slash college slash university to attend bear in mind that if you think you would like to work someday at Air Canada that in the point system they use, you will need a 3 year or 4 year program to be awarded points.

In Ontario, that is either the 4 year degree program at Seneca, or the 3 year Sault College program. These are both subsidized by the Ontario goverment. If you are accepted be prepared to do some work. The first year of school is all about weeding out the caffe.

Not entirely true. Confederation has a two year program that will get points as well. It is also subsidized just like the other two. There are quite a few Confed grads at AC.

Just to be clear, I mentioned that Air Canada only gives points to a 3 or 4 year aviation program. Sault and Seneca are the only ones that offer these programs. There is, of course, other programs, but they are only 2 years long.

[Colonel Sanders]

Go wherever you can get the most licences
and ratings for the least amount of money
in the shortest length of time.

No one cares where you did your flight training.

[Maelstrom]

I'm a few years into the Seneca program now.

Personally, I would not recommend the program. Right now, they are going through changes in the fleet (the Bonanza is being phased out, and replaced with a C172 G1000). Changes in the fleet, comes with changes in lessons plans, and changes in SOPs......, which takes a very long time, so almost everyone is very behind in the flight training while all of that is sorted out.

Keep in mind, they are also in the process of organizing moving the entire program to Peterborough, and we're told they will be operational in Peterborough by January 2014. This whole moving thing is also going to put a further delay on the flight training side.

Overall, I haven't been pleased with the program for various reasons, if you'd like specifics, send me a message.

[pilota_di_aero]

Hello,
I am in the flyindutchman's class, its funny i recognized him right away. I agree with the comments he put in, one major thing that I want to point out is that these programs are expensive. Seneca and Sault are government subsidized,if money is not an issue than I'd go for the Conestoga college any day still. If you want to go to university and get a degree, Waterloo has a aviation degree program as well.

[Instructor_Mike]

I would question even going to collage or university. In aviation, having the licences (raitings et all), plus hours are what will get you your job. A diploma or degree will not put you ahead of someone that spent that time/money getting hours.

I'd recommend getting your PPL to start and see how much you really want to be a pilot. Even the ground school can be a big wake up call for some people who think that the pilot just hops in and pushes the airplane on button.

I spent a year flying for fun after getting my PPL before I decided to start up CPL training.

This is anecdotal so take it as you will. My ex went to the University of Waterloo program and less than 1/4 that started the program graduated. Reasons were varied be it financial, family issues etc and of course some just couldn't handle it.

[BTyyj]

+1 to what Instructor_Mike said.

A degree isn't worth the paper its written on when you are loading bags into a Navajo in the James Bay area. If you are interested in getting post-secondary later, there are plenty of reputable schools that offer degree through correspondence.

[knownsolo]

I would question even going to collage or university. In aviation, having the licences (raitings et all), plus hours are what will get you your job. A diploma or degree will not put you ahead of someone that spent that time/money getting hours.

I agree, I'm currently in my 2nd year of university for a degree unrelated to aviation. But if i could go back, I'd probably spend that money on flight training instead.

On the bright side if aviation doesn't work out, i'll still have a piece of paper that qualifies me for other jobs (when i graduate).

[Magnetron]

+1 to what Instructor_Mike said.

A degree isn't worth the paper its written on when you are loading bags into a Navajo in the James Bay area. If you are interested in getting post-secondary later, there are plenty of reputable schools that offer degree through correspondence.

So you're saying I didn't need my degree to load 5000lb pieces onto a cargo plane? DANG!

Went to Seneca myself, I liked it, I found that I learned a lot of extra stuff that others have not studied or experienced just going through the licences and ratings. But that doesn't mean that it makes me better though. I did find the program to be long and wished I had gotten my foot in a commercial operators door sooner.

Usually that's the best way of getting a job, timing. If you're ready when they need you then you're gold. (ish)