Note: The next intake of this program is May 2011. Please review the Program Entry section for application processing and deadline information.
BCIT, Canada's largest English-language aviation training school, and Pacific Flying Club, one of Western Canada's premier flight-training schools, have combined their resources and expertise to offer a unique training opportunity for men and women who wish to become airline pilots with a strong skill set of aviation industry knowledge. It is a fully integrated program that combines flight training with industry focused academic training.
Learners receive training required to qualify for a Private Pilot Licence (PPL); Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL); Multi Engine Rating; Instrument Flight Rating; and a Diploma in Technical Studies. It is designed specifically to meet the professional growth needs of an aviator in the exciting aviation business.
The Flying School
Pacific Flying Club, established in 1965, is the first flight training centre in the Lower Mainland to achieve accreditation with the Private Post-Secondary Education Commission of BC (PPSEC) (now known as Private Career Training Institutions Agency of British Columbia (PCTIA)) and is a fully participating member of the Air Transport Association of Canada and the British Columbia Aviation Council. It has a large fleet of modern, well-equipped aircraft and is located at Boundary Bay Airport, south of Vancouver, BC.
The program is 64 weeks long, and operates for four terms. It is one of the fastest ways in Canada to qualify for a commercial pilot's licence while attaining a post-secondary diploma. The Airline and Flight Operations Diploma program follows training standards prescribed by both Transport Canada and the aviation industry. It is delivered at the BCIT Aerospace and Technology Campus and at the Boundary Bay Airport.
Note: The test fee is $70*. If students fail any portion of the test they must re-write the failed portion. Applicants can only attempt to write the test twice. If they fail both times they will be withdrawn from the selection process and must re-apply.
Once all entrance requirements are met, a meeting will be scheduled with department faculty.
A valid passport and/or documentation allowing entry into the United States of America is required.
Note 1: Applicants 19 or older, who have not graduated from high school and have been working for a number of years, may be considered as mature students. All other entrance requirements specified for this program are required by applicants applying as mature students. Acceptance of mature students is at the discretion of the program selection committee.
Note 2: All prior-learning assessments will be evaluated on an individualized basis by the program selection committee. If the prospective student has obtained a Recreational Pilot Permit (RPP) or a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) prior to enrolment in the Airline and Flight Operation program, a limited amount of flight training experience may be credited towards the program. Any other previous flight training experience will not be credited. A maximum of 45 hours credit is available to students with prior flight experience.
Note 3: Admission does not happen on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the large number of applicants and limited number of seats, top-down selection is employed with the most suitable applicants invited to join the program. Some applicants may meet the minimum requirements for admission and not be invited to join the program.
Note 4: A good understanding of MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) computer software is highly recommended. Applicants should also take a familiarization flight at any flying school that offers them. Driver's license valid in BC (is an asset but not required).
BC provincial exams
For programs beginning in August 2007 or later which require Grade 12 Math and Science courses, BCIT will not require the applicant to write the provincial exam. Provincial exam marks will still be required for English 12, Communications 12, and Technical and Professional Communications 12.
Applications are considered for a specific intake.
Application Deadline
Entrance requirements must be completed and all documentation must be received by BCIT Admissions no later than February 15th. Applications received after February 15th will still be reviewed and may be considered for an interview depending upon seat availability.
Selection Process
The process is competitive. Candidates will be selected on the basis of highest academic standing and admission test results.
costs & supplies
Tuition fees
Please see the Fees, Payments and Refunds section of the website for more information on full-time tuition fees.
Additional Fees (subject to change)
Examination and licence fees: $1,885.00 plus applicable taxes.
Note: Flying fees have been estimated for an industry average qualifying time. If more flying hours are required for a student to demonstrate competency in flying, then the flying fees increase accordingly. Pacific Flying Club reserves the right to apply an insurance and fuel surcharge should increases exceed a base rate.
Tuition fees for terms two, three and four are to be paid by the first day of the term in order to commence flying.
Applicants must confirm their acceptance into the program by paying a non-refundable, non-transferable commitment fee to secure their seat. The commitment fee for this program is $1,000.00 and is payable within 14 days of acceptance; failure to meet this payment deadline may result in the applicant's acceptance being cancelled and their seat offered to another qualified applicant.
Books and supplies
Terms 1 and 2: $2,000
Terms 3 and 4: $2,000
(general estimated cost, subject to change).
Additional costs such as travel expenses for field trips and cross country flights are the responsibility of the student.
courses
Class hours
0800-1530, Monday through Friday
Flexibility may be required for flight training due to weather and air space restrictions.
Program matrix
Term 1 (16 weeks)
Credits
AIRC 1001
Employability Skills for Aviation Professionals
This course provides learners with the fundamental concepts, behaviours and competencies necessary to maintain employment in the aviation industry. First, students will learn how to become a master student. This foundation will be applied to the fundamentals of business operations and the effect employees have on the success of an aviation organization.
This course will provide an overview of what a pilot needs to know in order to fly an aircraft. Topics include aircraft operations, air law, meteorology and navigation.
Formerly AVAO1150. The course focuses on the airport as an essential part of the air transport system. This course provides an overview of various airport departments, examines the regulatory requirements, and covers the operational and management services of both large and small airports.
This course outlines the air navigation system in Canada and the procedures associated with air traffic services. Participants will learn about the role NavCan plays in the provision of air navigation services to domestic and international aviation operators. Relevant standards, regulations and recommended practices will be covered. The role that Transport Canada plays in maintaining safe airspace management and operations will also be covered.
This course will cover in detail the effects of weather on general aviation operations. Topics will include the earth's atmospheric and weather systems and severe weather effects on aviation operations.
This introductory course on occupational health and safety provides essential safety information for employees working in an aviation environment. The course explains a variety of regulatory requirements including: WHMIS, fire safety, emergency preparedness and government worker legislation. Instruction is also provided in basic first aid and CPR, enabling students to qualify for a first aid certificate.
This course will introduce participants to Safety Management Systems (SMS) as required by Transport Canada and the impact it has on the aviation industry. Students will learn a systematic approach and evolution of safety management in aviation.
This course provides the experience requirements to qualify for a Private Pilot Licence (Fixed Wing). It includes solo and dual flight instruction and practice. Local, cross country and instrument flying is also included.
This course will develop understanding of the relationship of effective safety programs and successful aviation operations with a focus on accident prevention and the associated concepts of risk management.
This course provides an introduction to public relations techniques and strategies in an aviation environment. Topics to be included are: issue management, media relations, and speaking to the media.
This online course consists of 4 modules of learning which will provide students with understanding of how to handle dangerous goods both from an air crew and ramp crew perspective, de-ice an aircraft safely and process air cargo in compliance with the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) regulations.
This course will cover in detail the effects of weather on general aviation and prepare the student for the private pilot meteorological exam. Topics will include the Earth's atmosphere, altimetry, stability and instability, weather systems, thunderstorms, and weather maps and other aviation related meteorological products.
This course is designed to meet the knowledge requirements of a Private Pilot Licence. It is the primary ground school for the Private Pilot License and includes lessons on Canadian Aviation Regulations, Aerodynamics, Theory of Flight, Aircraft engine and systems, flight instruments, radio and electronic theory, human factors, flight operations and licencing requirements.
This course is designed to meet the knowledge requirements for a Private Pilot Licence. Lessons are held before and after flights and are used to prepare for flight and review flight outcomes. Includes completion of a Student Pilot Permit and radio licence.
This course will cover in detail the effects of weather on flying and airport operations. Topics will include weather office operational concepts, runway snow clearance, aircraft de-icing and severe weather effects on airport operations. Prerequisites: AVFO 2030
The focus of this course is a comprehensive study of the applicable security regulations in the Canadian Aeronautics Act (Aerodrome and Air Carrier measures) and its implications in designing and managing air carrier and airport security systems. The following topics will include access control, screening techniques, investigative procedures, customs and immigration procedures, limitations of authority and legal responsibilities.
This course will provide an introduction to the maintenance systems and procedures applied to aircraft. The student will learn the roles of aircraft maintenance engineers, Approved Maintenance Organizations (AMOs) and Transport Canada in maintaining and certifying aircraft. Lessons include: practical sessions performing permitted elementary maintenance on an aircraft.
This course prepares the student to respond to situations that may occur while flying over mountain, water and wilderness terrain. Topics will include water ditching and techniques to survive in the wilderness.
This course is designed to meet part of the experience requirements of a Commercial Pilot Licence. This course is the first half of the required flying lessons for a Commercial Pilots License. The student will develop his/her flying skills through a series of dual and solo, local and cross-country flights. Lessons include: visual and instrument flight, radio navigation, night flying and emergency procedures. Lessons are held before and after flights and are used to prepare for flight and review flight outcomes. Prerequisites: AVFO 1145 and AVFO 2030 and AVFO 2035 and AVFO 2045 and AVFO 2060
Crew Resource Management 1: Human Factors for Pilots
The focus of the course is to develop an understanding of human factors and its impact on decision-making, critical thinking, task performance, and accident prevention in an airline environment.
This course will provide students with the theoretical and practical framework for handling critical emergency situations that could potentially occur in an airline environment. Topics will include: CARS, emergency response planning and fire fighting, damaged aircraft recovery, severe weather operations and high security situations. Prerequisites: AIRC 1008 and AIRC 2126
This course is part 2 of the Commercial Pilot Ground School, which along with other courses in Terms 2 and 3, is designed to meet the knowledge requirements of a Commercial Pilot Licence - Fixed Wing. This course provides advanced lessons in flight instruments, radio and electronic theory, navigation and flight operations and licencing requirements.
This course is designed to meet part of the experience requirements for a Commercial Pilot Licence. This course is the second half of the required flying lessons for a Commercial Pilot Licence and includes lessons on complex systems, commercial flight operations and emergency procedures. Lessons are held before and after flights and are used to prepare for flight and review flight outcomes. Includes preparation and planning for long cross country trips and the ground requirements of the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) flight test. Prerequisites: AVFO 2102 and AVFO 2135 and AVFO 3045
This course introduces the student to multi engine and two person cockpit procedures. Included are lessons on multiple engine systems standards, emergency operating procedures and cockpit resource management.
The focus of the course is to develop an understanding of the relationship between human factors and crew resource management and its impact on decision-making, critical thinking, task performance, and accident prevention in an airline environment. It also includes lessons on crew coordination and cooperation and the physiology of high altitude flight. Students will identify personal strategies to avoid/manage human error.
This flying course includes lessons and practice on maximum performance take off and landings, navigation, slow flight and commercial flight operations. The student is being prepared to complete a flight test (Multi Engine Class Rating). Lessons are held before and after flight and are used to prepare for flight and review the flight outcomes. Prerequisites: AVFO 3045 and AVFO 3135 and AVFO 3145 and AVFO 4160
Lessons in this course include instruction to prepare the applicant for the flight test airplane (TP2655E). Prerequisites: AVFO 2101 and AVFO 3045 and AVFO 3135 and AVFO 3145
This course covers instrument flight rules and procedures, Meteorology, instruments, radio, radar, navigation and the applicable Canadian regulations for the instrument rating. Prerequisites: AVFO 3135 and AVFO 4160
This course is designed to meet the experience requirement for an instrument rating and is conducted in a simulator or aircraft. Lessons include: solo and dual flights and practice in simulated or actual aircraft, over extended cross-country flights and on minimum approaches. Lessons are held before and after flights and are used to prepare for flight and review flight outcomes. Prerequisites: AVFO 3135 and AVFO 4160
This course is the final instructions preparation for flight test to standards (TP9939E) in group 1 (multi engine). The student will also complete all licensing requirements of the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). Prerequisites: AVFO 4230 and AVFO 4235 and AVFO 4240
This course is designed to meet the knowledge requirements of a Commercial Pilot Licence. It also assists the student in preparing to write a Transport Canada flight operations exam. Topics include: Associated Canadian Aviation Regulations, Dispatch Limitations, flight planning, weight and balance, meteorology and Visual Flight Rules/Instrument Flight Rules (VFR/IFR) procedures. Prerequisites: AIRC 1006 and AVFO 2035 and AVFO 2060 and AVFO 3136 and AVFO 4035 and AVFO 4232
This course will develop an understanding of the critical elements of an effective job search strategy including writing a cover letter and resume. Practical application will include mock interviews. Prerequisites: AIRC 1001
This course is designed to introduce students to all requirements of the ATPL/IATRA licence. It provides student pilots with the knowledge framework that air carriers expect of today's ATPL/IATRA pilot.
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program details
Program length
64 weeks, full-time
The program consists of four terms and is delivered over 18 months with scheduled breaks for flying during each term. Each term must be passed to progress to the next term.
The flight training portion of the program is competency based. However, a minimum number of flying hours is required. Most students can expect to qualify for their Private Pilot Licence (PPL) in Term 2 after flying between 45 hours (Transport Canada minimum requirement) and 65 hours (the average for most people). Term 1 and 2 costs cover 65 flying hours. The Private Pilot Licence course allows for a maximum 80 flying hours. Any flying to qualify for the Private Pilot Licence that is over 65 hours will be at an additional cost to the student.
Total flying provided within the program is 203.8 hours.
Grading
To complete the program, a 70 per cent pass mark is required for each course. Exception to this rule is that minimum 90 per cent is required to qualify for a Student Pilot Permit.
To obtain pilot licences and ratings, students will be required to complete Transport Canada
examinations and flight tests. If students do not complete the examinations and flight tests within the hours allotted, they will be involuntarily withdrawn from the program.
Note: Students must achieve a Pass standing in all courses in each term to successfully complete the term. Students who fail or withdraw from one or more courses in a term may be prohibited from continuing in the program, and may be required to apply for re-admission. When students are permitted to continue with the program, it is their responsibility to present evidence of successful completion of the failed course(s) to the Registrar's Office prior to the end of the next term or before the appropriate credential is awarded, whichever condition is specified at the time or subsequent to the failure.
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