Hi all! I've been giving a lot of thought to applying at Southern Skies Aviation in Penticton, BC. I did a quick search and found nothing too thorough regarding the school, though I did come out with an overall positive opinion. But I think when you're planning on shelling out the kind of cash it takes to apply at these schools it's worth taking the time to dig up as much information as you can. The program I'm looking at is the Integrated Commercial Course, it seems relatively "affordable" considering the thoroughness with regards to the number of extra courses and ratings involved (correct me if I'm wrong about this).

Has anyone gone to this school, taught at this school, or otherwise been involved with their program? I'd love to hear your thoughts. SSA is about an 8 minute drive from me. I graduated high school not too long ago and am living with a parent while paying very affordable rent. I'm pretty fortunate to be in this situation, which is why driving up to Kelowna to attend a school like Air-Hart would be a bit more inconvenient, but nevertheless a possibility.

Oh, and on another note. What is involved in a Class 1 AME? I've heard horror stories about testicle massages, and fingers being where they probably shouldn't be.
The thing is, though I could be completely wrong, depending on where you are in the world this seems to vary. I've heard Americans say that the poopy poker is standard, and I've heard Australians say that they rarely even have to drop the droors.

While I don't have too big of a problem with this, once a year isn't too bad (and it is for the safety of yourself and others), I'd still like to know what I need to expect.

Thanks for taking the time to read all this!

What is involved in a Class 1 AME?

Assuming you mean the Class 1 medical the requirements are on the TC website at http://www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/cam/menu.htm.

I'll guarantee the horror stories you've heard have nothing on the realities of having something go undetected. Just like flying, the sooner a problem gets detected the better the chances of fixing it, don't wait for some magic age.

Sorry I can't comment on Southern Skies from direct experience though I have a friend who speaks well of them.

I too am looking at that program at Southern Skies. I still have 2 years of university to finish first though. I dont know if youve spoken to them yet, if not I highly suggest you give them a call as they are very helpfull. And apparently they are working on getting certified for an integrated ATPL program. From what ive gathered so far southern skies and Mocton flight college have the best integrated commercial programs. In your case living that close it may be a good fit.

Thanks for the replies. So far you've pretty much just reinforced a positive opinion. The more answers the merrier, though!

Pay as you train.

My friend has also just completed the integrated course at Southern Skies. He really liked it. If you need any specifics answered, send me a PM and I'll forward the questions over.

I finished my CPL at SSA and briefly taught there as an instructor as well. I also worked on a portion of the Integrated Course curriculum. I finished my CPL before the Integrated Course was done so I don't know what it is like to actually go through it.

I can't say that my opinion is unbiased but I was something of a flight school slut having taken my PPL at Carson Air and some hours at Air-Hart. If I had to do it all over again, I would have done all my training through SSA.

SSA is working very hard to build a good reputation for world-class instruction without the straight jacket of a college program. The only potential problem I could see is the industry's acceptance of 150hr commercial pilots. Because it is a small school there is a lot more attention paid to each student. You can also get tail dragger, EMT, and Aerobatics done in house.

The best thing would be to go around to the various schools and see which one fits you the best.

PM me if you need more info.

Cheers.

Wow, looks like it's a very well respected school! Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond, I'm very confident about attending Southern Skies now.

I also saw the website for southern skies and it does look good. I know that if you are a BC resident you can get a loan, would it be possible if i could get a loan from osap for this program?

As a past employee of Southern Skies I can speak with conviction to the type of organization that they are. Joan and Mark the owners are great people, and they treat the staff and students like family.If you want to get your money,s worth I can,t honestly think of better place to do your training.

we|| my | and 0 are br0ken s0 bare with me

i went t0 ssa and did theyre ICC c0urse and i have t0 say it was exce||ent

make sure if ur g0nna take 0ut |0ans u d0 it b4 u start as bc student |0ans sucks

if y0ur g0ing t0 d0 this d0 urse|f a fav0r and d0 ur IR in|ine with the c0urse

if u want m0re inf0 pm me and i'|| ph0ne u, i'm in pentict0n ti|| the end 0f the week