PPL - Ottawa region

[student_Aviator77]

Hello all,

I am starting my PPL training this December full-time and was hoping I could get some opinions on a couple schools. I've read all the posts about the schools in this area and found them very helpful. I'm probably going to Cornwall since I'll be in the area and I've seen some good reviews of them here (from '04-'05), it also seems like a well run operation but I have only called them once, they sure seem busy. I'm guessing that I would get a lot of flying time and good instruction which is exactly what I want but I am also hoping to get some comprehensive training since a PPL is not where I plan to stop. Should I be considering the Ottawa Flying Club or another school in the area to complete my training? I am almost accepted to the bcit program in May or Sept '09 so I am just wondering if this school might be a good choice for me. bcit indicated there would be additional 'private' theory once accepted either way, so would it really matter where I go at this stage? I figured that since Boundary Bay is the busiest GA airport that I should consider a busy area for my private (like YOW). Any PM's or advice would be greatly appreciated. Can hardly wait to get off the ground and start FLYING!!!

Thanks,

[chipmunk]

Your best bet is to go in to every school and chat with the people there. You shouldn't make a decision to drop that kind of money without visiting it in person.
See what kind of reception you get, how you are treated, and take a look at the booking sheets and ask about availability. Ask if you'll have a couple of instructors assigned to you, or if you'll have to take whomever is available.
I've heard Cornwall has become much more busy than they used to be, and while they were great when I did my MIFR stuff back a few years ago, I've heard that it's a bit more chaotic these days.
As far as OFC- they are really busy with the Algonquin college program and you should check about instructor/aircraft availability here for sure.
Be sure to check out Rockcliffe Flying Club as well as OAS up at the north field.
See how you're treated... sometimes it's amazing how long you can stand in the reception area of a school and not be acknowledged.... would you really want to learn to fly there? Just my $0.02.
Good luck!

[cgzro]

The other thing to consider in the winter is how often the runway will be usable. I.e is it plowed/brushed/treated regularly. If not you can loose weeks of flying time while you wait for it to melt.

The Gatineau airport has a superbly maintained runway/ramp that is plowed/brushed within a few hours of any major snow fall so its rare to lose flying because the runway is snow or iced over. They also have a new flying school with a 172 and 150. I believe they have instructors that teach in English but not sure if they offer an english ground school yet but there is no rule that says you have to take ground school at the club where you take your instruction.

The other nice thing is that gatineau is an MF, which means its got folks in a tower helping you out (so its not as free format as something like Rockliffe), but is not as formal as a full blown control zone like at the ottawa airport.

Gatineau has a superb little resturant where you can get good food, and lots of cool airplanes in the circuit (check out www.vintagewings.ca) so you won't ever get bored .. i.e. you may well end up being number 4 behind a Spitfire/Mustang and a Sabre

All of the flying clubs in the Ottawa area are very professional so I doubt you can go far wrong with any of them.

[student_Aviator77]

Thanks very much chipmunk and cgzro!

In that case I will visit each of those schools with some questions when I arrive in December. I've seen the OAS website and it looks great too! Will have to check it out in person soon. The Diamonds look like very nice trainers so maybe I will decide after I've met them all and seen each operation.

Best regards,

[Brantford Beech Boy]

Don't forget to check out CYRP.

Nice little airport and a lot closer to the practice areas.

Westair is the FTU there.

BBB

[Hedley]

Westair is the FTU there

Not sure about that. I think this is the FTU at Carp (CYRP) now:

http://www.carpflyingacademyinc.com/index.php

IIRC Westair and Kanata Flight Center have both shut down.

[ptc]

Might want to check out the Rockcliffe Flying Club as well, situated right across from the Aviation museum