Training at YSE questions

[geneticistx]

Hi all..
Looks like im relo to vangroovy.
i started my ppl with an amazing instructor in the GTA. i have just 5 hours flight time.

I can transfer to another school out west without issue, and after some initial thought and input from here, I think Im going to train at YSE. Reasons right now are the following:

1. Learning to in the mountains will train me from the beginning on mountain flying.
2. Only an extra 15 minutes or less compared to YBB.
3. Training area at YSE is only 1 mile away
4. The scenery!

Part of the problem in the GTA school ive been at has been trying to find plane availability, its booked 30 days out!!

For those whom trained at Squamish, how did you find the availability to get wheels up, and what other insight can you give?

thx.

M

[RevT]

Hi all..
Looks like im relo to vangroovy.
i started my ppl with an amazing instructor in the GTA. i have just 5 hours flight time.

I can transfer to another school out west without issue, and after some initial thought and input from here, I think Im going to train at YSE. Reasons right now are the following:

1. Learning to in the mountains will train me from the beginning on mountain flying.
2. Only an extra 15 minutes or less compared to YBB.
3. Training area at YSE is only 1 mile away
4. The scenery!

Part of the problem in the GTA school ive been at has been trying to find plane availability, its booked 30 days out!!

For those whom trained at Squamish, how did you find the availability to get wheels up, and what other insight can you give?

I did my PPL with Glacier Air. I also wrote a blog post that covers some of this stuff: http://ambler.ca/2016/06/not-choosing-a-flight-school/

Bottom Line: They're awesome and your list makes a lot of sense. Learning in the mountains is great fun! The drive, although a bit longer, is more consistent and relaxing. These days I can get to YPK faster than YSE but it is more stressful and an accident can really throw off the drive time. Booking was never really a problem but they are old school and you will need to pick up the phone. Summer weekends were in high demand as you would expect. I would generally keep four or five lessons in the calendar to get the times I wanted while trying to mesh that with my schedule.

[LifeAt90Kts]

The general aviation scene around Vancouver is one of the best in Canada! As such there are usually lots of people looking to sell shares in their airplanes. Would purchasing a plane, or fractional ownership in a plane, be an option for you? There's lots of great freelance instructors around, and you could fly to Squamish (and anywhere else you wanted to really) as much as you like!

I know several people who own shares in planes around Boundary Bay and Pitt Meadows, but basically have free reign over the airplane because their partners travel for work or just aren't around much.

[geneticistx]

A Few things. YES, fractional ownership in a 172 is of significant interest to me or in a piper. This could make the training much easier as well. If you hear of a fractional ownership somewhere, let me know.

My schedule is somewhat flexible, although the next couple of months i will have to be flying back to onterrible often over the next couple of months

Let's set-up a "meet-up" in late Feb...

[LifeAt90Kts]

Check kijiji, bulliten boards at the local airports, and the airport websites. Generally you'll find them listed in those places. Most of those airports also host "fly-ins" where you can introduce yourself to the locals! Google is your friend.

[ScottS]

A Few things. YES, fractional ownership in a 172 is of significant interest to me or in a piper. This could make the training much easier as well. If you hear of a fractional ownership somewhere, let me know.

My schedule is somewhat flexible, although the next couple of months i will have to be flying back to onterrible often over the next couple of months

Let's set-up a "meet-up" in late Feb...

We currently have a Cherokee 140/160 in Squamish under contract to sell to someone in Winnipeg, but before that we had a local guy who just couldn't find a partner to buy in with him. If the 'Peg sale falls through, there may be an opportunity there.

You are going to love flying in Squamish. Often when it is raining in Van, we still have sun or high clouds up here. Summer is a little more consistent obviously, but you can get some good hours in the winter too. You will also learn how to handle really gusty winds going in and out of YSE.

[Schooner69A]

And once you get your licence, come to Vernon for coffee! It's on every morning at 1000 hours.

John

PS Wear your gum rubbers; the BS gets a little thick at coffee... (;>0)

[formulaphoto]

YSE (Glacier Air) has fantastic instructors and friendly personal vibe. I'm about 20 hours into my PPL there and would highly recommend. You get to know the other students, the local pilots, and get to learn in some very challenging but rewarding conditions. Also, I won't lie...it's been nice to learn at an uncontrolled airport where it's never super busy in the circuit. Its nice to focus on the flying technique before heading off into controlled zones with more radio chatter, etc.

[geneticistx]

Hi Formula,
how many hours a week can you get, provided the weather is on your side.

Meaning, do you find it difficult to book a plane a few times a week?

M

[formulaphoto]

Hi Formula,
how many hours a week can you get, provided the weather is on your side.

Meaning, do you find it difficult to book a plane a few times a week?
M

I've been flying every day this week! As long as you keep your eye on the weather and book a few days ahead, there's usually no problem getting air time. They are busy, but they have two planes and several instructors, so they do everything they can to keep you flying. They are also good about not wasting your time too...if you can commit the time, and show aptitude, they'll keep you progressing quickly.

W

[7ECA]

Tell 'em you want to train in the Decathlon - that'll show those lily livered Cessna pilots. Ha!