(1) Why should I learn to fly at Sky Wings Aviation Adademy as opposed to other training centres? Answer - Sky Wings Aviation Academy stresses personal and individual attention to all students taking their training with us. We strive to accommodate individual needs whenever possible. Our prices are competitive, but not at the expense of quality and professionalism. Our convenient locations at Red Deer Regional Airport between Calgary and Edmonton International Airports offers a wide diversity in flying environments and at Okotoks Air Ranch which is a few minutes South of Calgary.
(2) What is learning to fly like? Answer - Like any other education program, you have things to learn and skills to master. It is a fascinating, absorbing experience. But it is not particularly difficult. It can be mastered by practically anyone who is willing to put forth some time and effort. Ground school courses start every month.
There are two aspects to a pilot education program - the actual "flying" of the airplane and the Ground School. Both are integrated into one course. You learn to "fly" by "flying" - actually handling the controls of the airplane during your very first lesson. Your first flight will be unlike anything you've ever done in your life. The combination of excitement and wonder that you'll feel when you take control of the wheel is almost indescribable. The ground portion of the pilot education system prepares you for each specific flight lesson by first introducing you to the subject through reading the Flight Training Manual. We then reinforce what you've read, through one-on-one briefings with your professional flight instructor and doing exercises. It's all carefully sequenced into your program. By the time you are ready for your private certificate, you will be a safe and competent pilot. And that's exactly what you want to be!
And you'll be consumed by one of the most awe inspiring thrills of your life - the mystery and the mastery of flight. ...... Put it this way - whatever you have planned for later in the day will have a tough act to follow!
(3) Will I have to buy an airplane? Answer - Absolutely not!
A large part of private flying is done in airplanes that pilots rent at their local airport. A large number of airports today have companies in the business, like Sky Wings, of renting airplanes. Rental fees are normally computed on the basis of so much per hour of actual flying time. The fee normally covers everything, including fuel, oil and insurance on the airplanes. You'll discover that on a per mile basis, it often costs less to rent a plane than it does to rent a car.
(4) What about physical and other requirements? Answer - There are minimum requirements - 14 years of age for a student permit and 16 years of age for a recreational license - but nothing in the regulations about maximum age. In fact, assuming continued general good health, advancing years have little to do with a person's ability to fly safely.A medical exam by a government-designated physician is required every two years for private pilots. It's a routine examination and is designed only to insure that the applicant has no physical or medical problems that would interfere with flying safety.
(Where to get your medical in Alberta) Physical handicaps are not automatic barriers. Only the ability to control an airplane counts. You need not be a mechanic or possess mechanical skills or aptitude. Nor do you need the physical coordination of an athlete. Just about anyone who can learn to drive a car can learn to fly at Sky Wings. Actually - as simple as it may sound - the basic pre-requisites to becoming a pilot (and a good one) are common sense and a willingness to stay within the boundaries of both flight regulations and your own piloting ability.
(5) How long will the training take? Answer - All courses are tailored to meet the individual's schedule. Flying can be done on a full or part time basis. As an example, the Private Pilot Course can be completed in as little as six weeks. The average at Sky Wings Aviation is 50 hours.
(6) If I am training toward a career in Aviation, how can the school help me in finding a job? Answer - For those who wish to gain further experience, Sky Wings Aviation gives preference to its own graduates from the Commercial Pilots and Instructor courses. Since we operate Air Charter Services through our charter division, a number of job opportunities exist within our organization from time to time. We are also in contact with other organizations in Aviation and refer our graduates to them if we are unable to employ the graduates within the Company.
(7) Who else flies? Answer - There are 1,000's of people across Canada that fly. Some for fun. Some for business. Some as a career. Some for all those great reasons. They come from virtually every occupation, from all parts of the world, from every age group from the middle teens to senior citizens. They're your neighbours, your friends, the people you work with, your business competitors, and a lot of people just like you who have discovered what you are now exploring ... So at Sky Wings Aviation, we believe, there is no such thing as a typical pilot. Pilots represent a great cross-section of our society. The one common denominator is the shared conviction that becoming a pilot is something attainable. So they did it. And so can you. You should be one of them.
(8) Is it difficult to maintain the licence after I receive it? Answer - At this time the legal requirement is that you renew your medical certificate every two years (Where to get your medical in Alberta) , and fly at least once in 5 years. However, common sense dictates that in order to maintain your piloting skills, you should fly on a regular basis (at least once a month) or take a refresher session with an instructor, Sky Wings has several instructors at your convenience.
(9) What about exams? Answer - There are two final tests that are required to obtain your pilot license. A written test which covers topics discussed in the ground school and the flight test which covers the maneuvers and procedures practiced in the airplane.
The written test is a multiple choice type of exam which over 90% of the students pass the first time around. Most of the test deals with "common sense" type situations. The flight exam is a practical skills test in an airplane with one of our Designated Flight Test Examiners on staff at Sky Wings Aviation Academy.
(10) How much will it cost? Answer - Compared to the costs of training in other business skills, pilot education is very inexpensive. Prorated over a lifetime, it is one of the biggest bargains you'll ever find. And when you consider the returns in increased productivity, the cost of a pilot education is not a cost at all, but rather a solid investment in your future.
(11) How much of an investment is it? Answer - According to surveys among flight schools, the prices are about the same as for a semester of college. The variations are regional and due to such factors as fuel and insurance costs, etc.
When discussing costs, it is important to note that obtaining a private pilot's license at a Sky Wings Aviation Academy, on the average, is accomplished in 35% fewer flying hours than the national average.
(12) Is there Government assistance or financing available? Answer - Yes. Students enrolling in a career program may apply for an Alberta Student Loan if they are Alberta residents. Depending on your financial situation, you may qualify for up to 50% of the tuition fees in an outright grant, and the remainder in a low interest student loan. Applications are available in our office or at any Student Aid Office. Non-resident students in Alberta have to apply to the respective student aid offices in their home provinces. Sky Wings is the first flight school to offer a financing package for our training courses on approved credit. Applications are available from our administration office along with assistance in how to complete these forms.
(13) Where is the best place to learn? Answer - There is only one place where you can be assured of getting your pilot education together in one completely organized and fully integrated program - Sky Wings Aviation Academy.
Our system integrates all a pilot should know and be able to do into a sequence which helps him to learn faster, better and retain information longer. Professional, modern teaching techniques incorporating audio-visual materials provide you with the flexibility to study at home or in the office. Flight instructors are carefully chosen and specifically trained. The value of Sky Wings training can be seen in the fact that the percentage of students passing the required Government private pilot's written examination the first time is greater than the national average of all other civilian flight training courses available. The average for our school for hours to completion is 48.0. The national average is 76.0 hours, so you can see that if your training times are done according to our specially designed program, the price will be as quoted.
(14) Are there accommodations available? Answer - Our facility includes modest accommodations with laundry and kitchenette areas as well as furnishings. Accommodation is available on a first come, first serve basis. Call us at (403) 886-5191 for more information about availability.
(15) Where are the graduates working? Answer - Our graduates are flying with major airlines in many parts of the world as well as with a wide variety of general aviation companies. General aviation is the name given to all flying that is not with a major airline. General aviation includes charter flying, corporate flying, fire bombing, flying schools, air survey, etc.
(16) What qualifications do the flight instructors have? Answer - Sky Wings Aviation provides quality instruction and is recognized within the aviation industry. All our flight instructors have many years of experience flying and giving ground instruction. The majority of our instructors hold a Class 2 or Class 1 Instructor Rating. They come from a wide background in general aviation as well as from the military.
(17) Where will my training be completed? Answer - Classes will be held on Red Deer College campus and Sky Wings courses at the airport. Sky Wings Aviation Academy is located adjacent to the Red Deer Regional Airpot and located approximately 8 minutes from the Red Deer College.
(18) Why do I need a College Diploma to gain employment as a professional pilot? Answer - The aviation industry is becoming more complex, both in its aircraft and the international scope of operations. Major airlines now demand a post-secondary education, along with excellent piloting skills. An Aviation Diploma from a recognized public institution, such as Red Deer College, will meet the needs and requirements from the aviation industry.
(19) How many applications are accepted to the Aviation Diploma Program each year? Answer - Red Deer College accepts a maximum of 25 new students into the program each year. Potential students may be required to attend an interview. Successful candidates will be chosen with the following factors taken into consideration: interview results, flying background, knowledge of the industry and educational qualifications.
(20) Where can I get more information about Red Deer College and the Aviation Diploma Program? Answer - For detailed information regarding
Red Deer College, we recommend you purchase a Course Calendar from Enrollment Services at the Red Deer College Bookstore or call (403) 342-3300. In addition, you may contact the Chief Flight Instructor at Sky Wings Aviation Academy at (403) 886-5191.
