Learn to Fly Canada

Global Business Management Degree with Aviation Program

Editor — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:01:09 +0000

Brampton Flight Centre and Sheridan College

Bachelor of Applied Business
Earn your Bachelor of Applied Business (Global Business Management) and also your Commercial Pilot Licence in four years.

The Brampton Flight Centre (BFC) and Sheridan College Partnership Program is designed to provide Ab Initio (From First Principles) Flight Training in conjunction with a Global Bachelor’s Degree.

Brampton Flight Centre
The Brampton Flight Centre (BFC), located just north of Brampton, in Caledon, Ontario, is one of Canada’s top aviation schools. BFC, a world class flight training facility, is approved as a Private Career College by the Ontario Ministry of Training. BFC is internationally respected, and thousands of pilots have been trained at the Brampton Flying Club. BFC has trained thousands of qualified pilots since its inception in 1946. They’re a Transport Canada approved Flight Training School and also a member of the Airport Transport Association of Canada (ATAC).

Sheridan College
Sheridan College, Davis Campus, Brampton, Ontario, has partnered with the Brampton Flight Centre to provide a four year Global Business Management Degree coupled with the BFC Professional Commercial Pilot Program. Sheridan College is well recognized for its Business Programs, and Sheridan’s Global Business Management Bachelor of Applied Business Degree is a great foundation for a Global career.

Global Aviation Careers
The Sheridan/BFC Program will produce highly trained Commercial Pilots with a solid background in Global Business Management. Successful graduates will be well prepared for the increasingly Global environment of Airline Pilots and Aviation professionals. The recognized degree foundation paired with the advanced Pilot Training will help prepare the candidates for “Right Seat” opportunities with Airlines in Canada and well beyond.

Video: Sheridan College and Brampton Flight Centre Partnership Program

Dr. Jeff Zabudsky and Allan Paige sign the Sheridan/BFC Partnership Agreement

Flight Training Curriculum
Students in the Sheridan/BFC degree program will receive advanced flight training including ground school, flight simulator training and a minimum of 200 hours of cockpit experience. The graduating student will earn their Business Degree in addition to many pilot licences and ratings:

Private Pilot Licence (Ab Initio Training)
Commercial Pilot Licence
Night Rating
Multi Engine Rating (i.e. Twin engine)
Group One Instrument Rating
Multi Crew Training
Advanced Airline Training
Frozen ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) Exams
Integrated Flight Training

Download the Brochure
Students interested in the Sheridan/BFC Global Business Management Degree with Aviation Program should Download the PBGBM Brochure and watch the BFC/Sheridan Partnership Announcement Video.

Course Title: Bachelor of Applied Business (Global Business Management)
- Combined Business Degree and Aviation Program
- Sheridan Course Code: PBGBM
- Four Years
- Bachelor’s Degree
- September and January Starts
- Location: Davis Campus (Sheridan Brampton) and Brampton Flight Centre
- Video: BFC & Sheridan Partnership Announcement

Aspiring Pilots
The new pilot program is ideal for aspiring pilots. Sheridan College and Brampton Flight Centre will work together to provide students with a solid business education and Bachelor’s Degree coupled with extensive flight training. The program is expected to produce highly trained pilots with a deep knowledge base to prepare them to immediately work in the industry.

According to Rob Carney, Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) at BFC, graduates will be well prepared for ”Right Seat” (Co-Pilot) jobs with airlines. This is great news for the aviation industry, as a shortage of pilots is expected to create a significant demand for well trained, knowledgeable pilots in the very near future.

Agreement Signed
Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President of Sheridan College, and Allan Page, President of Brampton Flight Centre (BFC) sign strategic agreement for new Pilot Program.

The agreement was signed at the Brampton Flight Centre on January 25, 2012, and the event was well attended by aviation executives and industry specialists. Watch BFC/Sheridan Partnership Announcement Video, and download the BFC/Sheridan Presentation Notes.

Looming Demand for Pilots
The BFC/Sheridan Program was initiated by Rob Carney (CFI @ BFC) in response to reports of a looming pilot shortage in the Global Aviation Industry. The Airlines are now looking for highly trained pilots with degree accreditation. This new program will help produce qualified pilots for the expanding pilot demand expected over the next two decades.

Pilot Shortage
A recent report by Boeing predicts there will be a tremendous demand for pilots in the very near future. Boeing estimates that in Canada and the United States, there is a looming demand for nearly 100,000 new commercial pilots. Boeing predicts the global demand will exceed 460,000 commercial pilots. According to Chris Pulley, Airline Check Pilot, there will be a doubling of the global airline fleet in the next 18 years. Industry experts anticipate there will be a demand of over 1,000 pilots per month to fly airplanes that have not even been built yet!

Bright Future
The Aviation Industry will be looking for qualified pilots and the hiring shift among commercial airlines will be to hire candidates with degree accreditation. Graduates from the Sheridan/BFC Collaborative Program will be well positioned with their degree foundation and advanced flight training.

Graduating Students
“Sheridan’s Bachelor of Applied Business (Global Business Management) Degree, combined with the world-class flight training the Brampton Flight Centre provides will make graduates from the program highly attractive to airlines”, said Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President and CEO, Sheridan College.

Commercial Pilots are becoming increasingly more Global with their work and careers, and a degree in Global Business Management is a great foundation for graduating pilots.

Students interested in the program should contact Sheridan College or BFC.

Brampton Flight Centre
The Brampton Flying Club
13691 McLaughlin Road
Caledon, Ontario, Canada
L7C 3L7

- Closest intersection is King Street and McLaughlin Road
- Just North of Mayfield Road and West of Hwy 10

Telephone: (905) 838-1400
Toronto Line: (416) 798-7928
Toll-Free: (800) 387-2534
Fax: (905) 838-1405

CFI: Rob Carney

Next Level Flight Training (NLFT)

Editor — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:36:56 +0000

Learn to Fly a Taildragger – Tailwheel Airplane

Type Training
Next Level Flight Training (NLFT) of Milton, Ontario provides flight training for various pilot licenses and aircraft types. NLFT will help you achieve your Next Level of Flight Training.

If you have ever dreamed of flying a Taildragger (Tail Wheel Airplane), then NLFT can help you earn your endorsement. Next Level Flight Training provides training for many different ratings and aircraft types in addition to the Taildragger rating.

Types of Flight Training
Many types of flight training are provided including advanced, type check-outs, insurance renewals, multi, IFR, tailwheel and unusual attitude. NLFT mostly caters to individual owners wanting to get more out of their investments. If you are looking to advance your flight training, or experience new levels of flight training, NLFT can direct you.

Burlington Executive Airpark
New Level Flight Training operates in the Burlington Executive Airpark (CZBA) area, and they can work with you on specific flight training exercises, or they can fly training missions.

Tailwheel Training will help pilots to improve their flying skills, and better prepare them for the many tailwheel airplanes still in use today. Tailwheel airplanes are used for Bush flying, glider towing and many aerobatic airplanes. Most warbirds and other vintage airplanes are also taildraggers, and tailwheel training will help you to expand your aviation skills and opportunities.

NLFT Tailwheel (Classic) Training

Piper J3 Cub
Super Cub
Bellanca Citabria
Decathalon
Aviat Husky
Stinson Reliant

Advanced Flight Training
In addition to Type Ratings such as Tailwheel endorsements, NLFT offers a wide range of flight training programs. From Ultralights to technically advanced aircraft including high performance aerobatic airplanes and twins, Next Level Flight Training has the program for you.

Flight Training Programs
Choose from multiple flight training programs including: Basic, Advanced, Tailwheel, IFR, and Unusual.

Unusual Aircraft
The Unusual Program provides pilots with a unique opportunity to learn to fly some of the more unusual aircraft including: hang gliders, paragliders, ultralights, homebuilts, warbirds, helicopters and aerobatic aircraft. Expand your horizons with flight training beyond the standard General Aviation aircraft used for training today.

The Ultralight, LSA and Homebuilt categories are great fun and many opportunities exist for additional flight training in these unique and often overlooked aircraft types.

NLFT Ultralight Training

Quicksilver MX, MX II, MXL
Spectrum Beaver
Pioneer FlightStar
Birdman Chinook

Ultralight Flight Training
Next Level Flight Training can introduce you to the thrill of flying Ultralights. They will help you find the correct professional for Ultralight flight training, and guide you to the right training for this type of specialized flying.

Beyond Taildraggers and Ultralights
NLFT offers flight programs for many areas. Their General Aviation program includes flight training on traditional aircraft such as Cessna 150, 152, 172, 182 and T210.

Type training for other General Aviation (GA) aircraft includes Piper Cherokee, Beechraft Skipper, Mooney M20, Grumman Tiger, Aerospatial Tobago, Rockwell commander and Comanche.

Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and Homebuilt
Next Level Flight Training can assist you with LSA training and exposure to Homebuilt and other Experimental aircraft.

NLFT LSA, Homebuilt and Experimental

Pelican Club
AeroDesign Pulsar
Ekolot Pathmaker
IBIS Magic
Zenair CH200, 300, 600
Van’s RV-4
Monnett Moni

Dennis Simo
Next Level Flight Training is operated by Dennis Simo of Milton, Ontario.

Dennis Simo holds a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with a Class II Instructor rating, Multi-Engine Insrument Flight Rules (MIFR) rating, seaplane rating and tailwheel endorsement. Dennis is CFI for Next Level Flight Training, and he reports over 30 years flying experience in more than 45 types.

High Performance Flight Training
Through Next Level Flight Training and Dennis Simo, pilots can have access to basic trainers right up to high performance and technically advanced aircraft including Twins.

Dennis and NLFT can assist with training for advance aircraft including the Lancair Columbia, Cirrus SR-20, cirrus SR-22, Socata Trinidad, Piper Malibu, Seneca, Cessna T210 and Cessna 421.

Next Level Flight Training (NLFT)
When you are ready for the Next Level of Flight Training, contact Dennis Simo and NLFT to discuss flight training opportunities.

Contact NLFT
Telephone: 416-805-4311
Email: info@NLFT.ca

Website: www.NLFT.ca

CFI: Dennis Simo

HASEL Checklist

Editor — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:49:06 +0000

H.A.S.E.L. Pilot Checklist

HASEL Checks
Student Pilots are trained by their flight instructor about the importance of Pilot Checklists. And, the HASEL Check is an important checklist used by pilots before practicing flight manoeuvres such as slow flight, stalls, spins, spiral dives and steep turns.

Memory Aid
Like many pilot checklists, a mnemonic is used as a memory aid to help the pilot remember each item on the check list. Similar to the IM SAFE Pilot Checklist, each letter of the “HASEL” checklist is used to represent an important item on the list. The pilot uses the ‘HASEL’ mnemonic, and it helps him or her to remember to perform each of the required “Checks” before initiating a flight manoeuvre such as a Stall.

The pilot goes through each item, in order, and the ‘HASEL’ memory aid ensures an item is not skipped or forgotten.

Safety
The main purpose of the HASEL Checks is safety. Prior to practicing an unusual flight attitude or exercise, the HASEL checks help to ensure everything is safe and ready for the flight exercise to begin.

H.A.S.E.L. Checklist

H – Height
A – Area
S – Secure
E – Engine
L – Look out

Easy to Remember
As you can see, the HASEL Memory Aid makes this checklist very easy to remember. When flying, and you are about to perform a flight training exercise, you can easily recall the five items and perform each check. Let’s look at each of these check items in a bit more detail.

HEIGHT
The first Letter in the HASEL Checks is H for HEIGHT. Unlike stunt pilot Kent Pietsch, pictured here in his Interstate Cadet airplane, it’s very important to have sufficient altitude prior to attempting any unusual flight manoeuvres.

Trained stunt pilots may perform amazing stunts close to the ground, but all other pilots, must always remember that altitude is critical. You absolutely need a safe altitude to recover from the flight exercise, and height above the ground is very important. Make certain you have enough altitude above the ground to safely and easily recover from a stall before getting too low. A bare minimum of 2,000 feet above ground level (AGL) is required, and for additional safety, higher altitudes are strongly suggested. (Many instructors will suggest 3,500 feet or even 5,000 feet AGL) Your height above terrain must be sufficient to allow for full recovery well above the ground!

Many flight manoeuvres will cause a loss of altitude. After fully recovering from the manoeuvre, you want to be well above the ground, so plan ahead, and provide yourself lots of altitude for recovery.

AREA
A is for Area. Ensure the Area below you is safe for conducting flight exercises. Always be certain you are not over built-up areas. A clear and open area is suggested, and ideally there will be a safe place for landing nearby in case of emergency. Make certain the area is clear with no other traffic.

SECURE
The letter S in HASEL stands for Secure (or Security or Safety). Make sure all seat belts are securely fastened and all items including baggage are properly stowed. During an unusual flight attitude, you may find people and items are bounced around. A tight seat belt will keep you from bumping your head and injuring yourself, or potentially knocking yourself unconscious! All loose objects in the airplane must be safely secured to prevent an object from suddenly becoming a fast moving projectile inside the cockpit. All occupants and articles must be secure.

ENGINE
E is for Engine. Check Engine Temperatures, Carb Heat, Pressures, Tachometer, etc.

Turn Carburetor Heat on for a few seconds to clear any potential icing in the carb. Check for ice. Check all Cockpit Instruments to ensure the engine readings are all in the correct and normal range. Turn on fuel pump and other accessories as required.

Scan all cockpit gauges and be certain everything related to the Engine is operating correctly.

LOOK OUT
L is for Look Out. Scan for any possible air traffic, and ensure the entire area is clear. Look in all directions including above and below. Make certain you are clear of any other traffic including below your position.

It’s important to Look all around to avoid any potential traffic that may be encountered during your flight exercise. Make certain there are no aircraft around you or approaching your position.

Look out in all directions as you scan for traffic. It’s wise to do a complete 360 degree turn or 90 degree clearing turns as you look for any potential traffic, obstacles or issues that may be nearby. If you make a 360 degree turn, typically a turn to the left is preferred to provide a better view of the area below you. A series of 90 degree clearing turns may also be used. You may finish your HASEL Check with a couple of 90 degree clearing turns. First to the right and then to the left (or vice versa) to make absolutely certain there is no possibility of conflicting traffic in the area.

HASEL Check vs. HASELL Check

There may be slight variations to the HASEL Check including the HASELL Check. The goal of these checks is safety, and your flight instructor may use a slightly different mnemonic or memory aid, but they should all accomplish the same overall goal. Regardless of the specific Checklist you rely on, it’s important you use one of these Check Lists to ensure safe aviator practices.

The HASELL Checklist

H – Height
A – Airframe (Different from Area in the HASEL Check) (Airframe Clean? Flaps? Gear?)
S – Security
E – Engine
L – Location (The extra L is for Location) (Suitable location clear of controlled airspace, congested areas)
L – Look Out

Call Them Out
Regardless of the variation of checks you use, always call them out. As you perform the HASEL(L) Checklist, say each item out loud. This is a great practice. Not only does it help you to carefully use the checks every time, but it also tells your flight instructor (or examiner), that you know how important the HASEL Check is for the safety of everyone on board, and in the surrounding area.

IMSAFE Pilot Checklist

Instructional Air Notes – for Pilot Training

Editor — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:47:00 +0000

In-Flight Reference for Flight Instructors

7 Volume Set
Aviation Author and Flight Instructor Steve Pomroy has published a seven volume set intended for flight instructors. This multi-volume set is an invaluable in-flight reference for flight instructors. They are coil-bound in a convenient kneeboard-friendly format, making them ideal for quick reference in the cockpit as the flight instructor provides in-flight training to student pilots.

Personal Experience
As editor of LearnToFly.ca, I have previously reviewed two other Aviation publications by Steve Pomroy: Applied Aerodynamics for Private and Commercial Pilots, and Private Pilot License – Written Exam Preparation. I always enjoy reading Steve’s aviation books, and I particularly enjoy his writing style.

I find Steve Pomroy’s books to be very technical, and extremely informative. When I was asked to review Steve’s publication Instructional Air Notes – for Pilot Training, I enthusiastically agreed. Once again, Steve has impressed me with another one of his aviation publications. Steve’s extensive flight training and teaching experience background becomes very evident as you begin to study this flight training reference set. The guidance provided in the air exercise lessons is well thought out, based on the author’s extensive flight instruction background.

Reference Text
The seven volume set Instructional Air Notes – for Pilot Training is more of a reference text. It’s primarily designed to be used in conjunction with individual flight training lessons. Flight instructors will find the series to be an excellent aid when preparing for a flight training lesson, and it’s also a great companion to be referenced in the cockpit during the actual flight lesson. This reference set is designed to be used by both practicing and candidate flight instructors. The set provides detailed guidance for the flight instruction of the air exercises.

Instructional Air Notes – A Seven Volume Reference:

Instructor Guide – Read this Volume first! (Overview)
Private Pilot License
Commercial Pilot License
Seaplane Rating
Multi-Engine Rating
Instrument Rating
Flight Instructor Rating

Transport Canada and FAA
The Instructional Air Notes Series was designed to cover the required Transport Canada (TC) and FAA exercises to be mastered by students before being granted a pilot license or rating. The series is broken into individual volumes to cover the full range of pilot licences and ratings including: Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL) (Includes night and VFR-OTT), Seaplane Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, Instrument Rating (IFR), and Flight Instructor Rating. For each pilot license or rating, the corresponding volume will address the individual air exercises required by TC and/or FAA.

Flight Training Exercises
Instructional Air Notes for Pilot Training provides flight instructors a handy and valuable reference for structuring and conducting ab-initio flight instruction. For each license or rating (by volume), the required Flight Training Exercises will be covered in reference format. Each exercise will include information on the aim of the exercise, background or prerequisite exercises, demonstration/performance instruction, and highlights of some of the most common student errors to be anticipated.

Flight Instructor Guide and Test Guide
The guidance provided meets or exceeds Transport Canada’s content requirements as set out in the applicable Flight Instructor Guide and corresponding Flight Test Guides published by TC.

The Instructional Air Notes content is based heavily on Transport Canada’s Flight Training Manual and Flight Instructor Guide. (Including supplements, with particular emphasis on Part II – The Ground and Air Instruction Syllabus)

In-Flight Instruction
The Air Notes Series has been put together to help flight instructors provide in-flight instruction to Pilot candidates. The seven volume set covers the various licenses and ratings from Private Pilot License up to the Instructor Rating.

Sample Chapter
This Sample Chapter from the Private Pilot License guide of the Instructional Air Notes series highlights the type of reference material covered.

Spiral Dives – PPL
From this sample chapter, you can see the lesson on Spiral Dives for the Private Pilot License (PPL). Common errors such as simultaneous pitching and rolling during recovery, and initial addition of power are clearly identified. The flight instructor can be prepared to watch for these specific errors as the student pilot attempts his or her spiral dive recovery.

In addition to a section on common errors, the aim of the lesson is also highlighted. This helps the flight instructor to keep the lesson focused on the particular lesson material being covered.

Demonstration – Practice
Each flight exercise includes specific details for Demonstration and Practice. Details are provided to help the flight instructor explain the exercise, setup the exercise, demonstrate the exercise, and supervise the student as he/she practices the exercise. The Instructor Demo (ID) and Student Practice (SP) details are listed in bullet format for the flight instructor to follow along while proceeding through the flight lesson plan for the particular flight exercise.

Each air exercise is presented in lesson-plan format at a level of detail and in a physical format that’s useable in the airplane. These Instructional Air Notes do not contain all of the information a flight instructor will need to train pilots! They are simply a checklist to help the flight instructor formalize and organize a lesson plan for each air exercise. They will help the flight instructor to stay on-track during the flight lesson, and to help ensure key points of the air exercise are covered in a structured order to benefit the student pilot.

Instructional Air Notes for Pilot Training – Table of Contents (TOC)

Volume 1: Instructor Guide

Guidance Notes

Volume 2: Private Pilot License

Ground Exercises and Ancillary Controls
Basic Manoeuvres
Avoidance, Recognition, Recovery
Takeoff, Circuit, Landing
Low Level Exercises
Navigation
Instrument Flying
Emergencies and Radio

Volume 3: Commercial Pilot License

Systems
Precision Manoeuvres
Approach and Landing
Ground Reference Manoeuvres
Instrument Flying
Radio Navigation
Night Operations

Volume 4: Seaplane Rating

Water Operations
In-Flight Manoeuvring
Ancillary Controls
Water Inspection
Takeoff and Landing
Emergency Procedures

Volume 5: Multi-Engine Rating

Airworthiness
Ancillary Controls
Taxiing
Basic Manoeuvres
Low Speed Control
Circuit Work
Night Operations
Emergency Procedures

Volume 6: Instrument Rating

Instrument Departures
Instrument Holds
Initial and Intermediate Approach Segments
Final and Missed Approach Segments: Non-Precision
Final and Missed Approach Segments: Precision
Transition to Visual
Instrument Emergencies

Volume 7: Flight Instructor Rating

Right Seat Flying
New or Refined Manoeuvres
Command and Control
Instructional Technique

Designed for Flight Instructors
Steve Pomroy’s Instructional Air Notes for Pilot Training is designed for Flight Instructors. It’s an inexpensive way for flight instructors to improve their flight instruction framework for each air exercise. For the cost of about one hour of flight instruction, it is a great investment for Flight Instructors!

Even if your flight school has its own flight training syllabus, Instructional Air Notes is a great supplement your core aviation material as a flight instructor.

SkyWriters Publishing
Steve Pomroy’s books are available through his company SkyWriters Publishing in Manitoba, Canada.

SkyWriters Publishing is an Aviation Publishing Company based in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. They provide various aviation publications in the Flight Training Industry in Canada. These books help to enhance the flight training experience and the success rate of student pilots.

Order Now!
Instructional Air Notes for Pilot Training

Available directly from SkyWriters Publishing www.SkyWriters.aero

Be a better flight instructor. Instructional Air Notes for Pilot Training – a must have for all flight instructors.

Discovery Aviation Academy (DAA)

Editor — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:05:04 +0000

Learn to Fly in Greater Sudbury, Ontario

Hicks & Lawrence
Hicks & Lawrence Limited announces the opening of its aviation school Discovery Aviation Academy (DAA) in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Hicks & Lawrence Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Discovery Air Inc..

DAA
Discovery Aviation Academy (DAA) opened in September 2011, and DAA provides ground school and flight training to fixed-wing students from its facility in Sudbury, Ontario. Discovery Aviation Academy operates out of a modern facility conveniently located at the Greater Sudbury Airport. The DAA facility has ample office and classroom space for their flight training needs, and they also utilize a large 13,000 square foot hangar at the airport.

Canadian Air Operator
DAA is one of the first flight training centres to be part of a large Canadian air operator – Discovery Air. As Discovery Aviation Academy is part of Discovery Air, they have helped to close the significant gap that often exists between aviation schools and flight operators. DAA offers a variety of ground and flight training to meet the needs of any aspiring aviator.

Discovery Air Inc.
Discovery Air was founded in 2004. It’s a specialty aviation services company that operate across Canada and also in select locations internationally. Discovery Air has over 130 aircraft, and it is one of the largest air operators in Canada.

Discovery Air employs more than 600 flight crew, maintenance workers and support staff to successfully provide a variety of air transport, maintenance and logistics solutions to its many loyal customers.

Discovery Aviation Academy will leverage Discovery Air´s extensive network to help give its students exposure to real-world aviation and bridge the gap between graduation and employment.

Discovery Aviation Academy (DAA) offers many types of flight training including:

Recreational Pilot Permit
Private Pilot Licence
Commercial Pilot Licence
Night Rating
VFR OTT Rating
Multi Engine Rating
Instrument Rating
Instructor Rating

Commercial Flight Training
Discovery Aviation Academy has also partnered with Cambrian College to offer a very unique commercial flight training option. Student pilots pursuing commercial flight training at DAA may also combine their studies with the Cambrian College Business Certificate to enhance their aviation employment opportunities. Co-Op opportunities also exist.

Discovery Aviation Academy Fleet
The DAA Training Fleet includes different types of aircraft providing the student pilot access to various types of training.

Cessna 172 Skyhawk
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is the typical flight training aircraft many student pilots first learn to fly. The C-172 is a high-wing, four-seat, single-engine aircraft and it is very popular for primary flight training.

The C-172 was first developed in the 1950s by Cessna Aircraft, and it’s the most successful mass produced light aircraft ever built. The C-172 is still in production today. The C172 is an ideal training aircraft. It is very comfortable and also quite forgiving to the new student pilot. The Cessna 172 is a favourite aircraft to learn how to fly in.

Cessna 337 Skymaster
The Cessna 337 Skymaster is another high-wing, four-seat airplane. However, the C-337 is a multi-engine aircraft and it is used by DAA for more advanced flight training.

Discovery Air utilizes the C-337 aircraft to provide Aerial Fire Detection in support of the Ontario Government’s Forest Fire Management Program. The Cessna 337 Skymaster is a high-wing, push-pull design with great visibility making it a perfect aircraft to assist with the location of forest fires. The push-pull design of the C-337 also allows for safe handling during engine-out situations. This makes the C-337 an ideal aircraft for multiple-engine training. When pilots choose to transition from single-engine to multi-engine aircraft, Discovery Aviation Academy can provide the required flight training in the Cessna 337 Skymaster.

Rockwell 500 Aero Commander
The Rockwell 500 Aero Commander aircraft is another airplane utilized by Discovery Aviation Academy for advanced flight training.

The Rockewll 500 Aero Commander is a high-wing, four-seat, high performance multi-engine aircraft. The Aero Commander aircraft are used by Discovery Air to provide Airspace and Aircraft Management (Birddog) services in support of the Ontario Government’s Forest Fire Management Program. Students at DAA may train on the AC50 towards earning their Multi-Engine Rating and Group I Instrument Rating.

Approved Maintenance Organization
DAA and Discovery Air have their own Approved Maintenance Organization to maintain their fleet of training aircraft and air operations aircraft. In addition, their Approved Maintenance Organization also provides third party maintenance for Bearskin Airlines, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and many private clients.

Aviation Infrastructure
Discovery Aviation Academy leverages the existing aviation infrastructure already in place through Discovery Aviation and Hicks & Lawrence. With the addition of the flight training academy (DAA), it helps to establishes a pipeline of qualified personnel into the larger aviation organization.

Discovery Flight
Book a Discovery Flight with Discovery Aviation Academy. A discovery flight is a great way to find out more. If you’re interested in Aviation, and you’d like to know what it takes to become a pilot, then an Introductory Discovery Flight is for you!

You will experience what it’s like to fly an airplane. On you discovery flight at DAA, you will go flying with a DAA flight instructor. You will experience flying first hand, as you have the opportunity to take the controls in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk. You will be seated in the “Left Seat” as your flight instructor familiarizes you with the panel and controls of the Cessna 172.

An intro flight is also the perfect gift for any aspiring aviator you may know.

Contact Discovery Aviation Academy (DAA)
2621 Skead Road
Unit 12 (Box 3020)
Greater Sudbury (Garson)
Ontario, Canada
P3L 1V4

Telephone: (705) 693-3346
Fax: (705) 693-4551

CFI: Matt Neumann
ICAO: CYSB

Email: info@flydaa.ca

Website: www.FlyDAA.ca

Learn to Fly with Discovery Aviation Academy (DAA) in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.

Central North Flying Club – CNFC

Editor — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:38:24 +0000

Coniston (Sudbury) and North Bay Locations

Central North Flying Club
Learn to Fly at the Central North Flying Club – CNFC.

CNFC is located in Coniston, Ontario, about 8 miles from Sudbury. CNFC also provides flight training at the Sudbury Airport and the North Bay Airport.

Since 2002
The Central North Flying Club (CNFC) has been in operation since 2002. Their office and airstrip have been operational and serving the community for about a decade, and they offer both ground school and flight training.

Multiple Locations
Their multiple training locations provide pilots with access to both controlled and uncontrolled airports for flight training. Pilot graduates are well suited for aviation work anywhere in Canada, but many CNFC graduating pilots go on to work with Northern operators. CNFC provides the student pilot with exposure to real flying experience in Northern Ontario.

Types of Flight Training:

Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
Recreational Pilot Permit (Rec. Permit)
Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)
Multi Engine (Multi)
Instrument Flight Rating (IFR)
Night Rating
VFR Rating
VFR Over The Top (VFR OTT)

Cessna and Piper
CNFC is currently operating a Cessna 172 (C-172) from their flight school located at the North Bay Airport and a Cessna 150 (C-150) from their Coniston Airport location. In addition, they operate a Navajo Piper PA31 from the Sudbury Airport. They provide training on both their own aircraft and also on privately owned aircraft.

In addition to Flight Training, Central North Flying Club is also available for aircraft charters and scenic tours.

Coniston Airport
CNFC is conveniently located at the Coniston Airport just past the Twin Stacks Golf Club in Coniston, Ontario. There are two asphalt runways with one being 2,260 feet in length and the other is 1,190 feet. The location also offers access to 100LL (Low Lead) fuel on site, as well as W80 and 15W oil.

Introductory Flight
Book an Introductory Flight at Central North Flying Club. Your discovery flight will help you experience flying, and your questions about flight training will be answered.

CNFC offers a one half hour introductory flight for $70.00 plus HST.

Your introductory flight will give you the personal opportunity to go up in the aircraft and fly around to see if you enjoy the experience and thrill of flying before committing to a flight training course.

Your flight instructor will familiarize you with the aircraft and controls, and you will have be given the opportunity to actually fly the aircraft.

Central North Flying Club
You can contact the Central North Flying Club (CNFC) for flight training opportunities in Coniston, Sudbury and North Bay. Call for more details and to plan a visit.

Contact CNFC
Central North Flying Club
84 Smelter Road
P.O. Box 700
Coniston, Ontario
Canada
P0M 1M0

Telephone: (705) 694-9000
North Bay Tel.: (705) 476-7229
Alternate Tel: (705) 670-4431

The North Bay location of CNFC operates from the North Bay Airport beside the Shell station.

ICAO: CSC9 (Coniston)
ICAO: CYYB (North Bay)

CFI: Michael Rocha

Website: www.CentralNorthFlyingClub.com

Email: barb.cnfc@gmail.com

Learn to Fly in Northern Ontario at the Central North Flying Club (CNFC).

Tillsonburg Flying School

Editor — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:55:45 +0000

Learn To Fly in Tillsonburg, Ontario

Tillsonburg Flight Training
The Tillsonburg Flying School is located in a quiet country airport in Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada. The Tillsonburg Airport is just north of Tillsonburg, and the airport does not have a control zone.

No Control Zone
With no control zone, student pilots will spend more time in the air, and less time on the ground waiting for clearance to taxi or take-off. This saves your money. Your flight training costs will be lower, as you have less wait time and more experience/time flying. At busy, control zone airports, you may experience delays as you sit on the taxi way waiting for takeoff clearance. At the Tillsonburg Airport, you will spend more time in the air getting training and less time on the ground.

Control Zone Training Available
When you are ready, you can experience Control zone training at air space only 15 minutes away. This gives you the benefit of both worlds. Less wait time for your core flight training, but advanced control zone training is readily available and only minutes away.

Picture Yourself Here!
Imagine yourself here in the cockpit of a Cessna 150 (two place) or Cessna 172 (four place) as you learn how to land an airplane. The Tillsonburg Flying School adapts its training to each individual student’s needs to help make the flight training a positive experience for every student pilot. Training is conducted in a Cessna 150 and a Cessna 172.

Types of Flight Training
The Tillsonburg Flying School provides flight training to help you earn your Recreational Pilot Permit, or your Private Pilot License. Additional ratings include your Night rating and the VFR (Visual Flight Rules) Over The Top rating, and many more.

Recreational Pilot Permit
The Recreational Pilot Permit allows domestic day flying in a single engine, non-high-performance aeroplane operated under VFR conditions. The Rec Permit is restricted to single engine aeroplanes designed for a maximum of four people, but with only one passenger. (Two people including the pilot)

Requirements for Recreational Pilot Permit *

Minimum Age 14 to obtain a Student Pilot Permit (Solo permit) (i.e. student pilot may fly the aeroplane alone after a flight instructor is satisfied with their ability to safely fly the aircraft)
Minimum Age 16 to obtain a Recreational Pilot Permit (i.e. Rec Permit granted, and pilot may take a passenger with them)
Medical fitness category: 1, 3, or 4
Minimum flight time required: 25 hours (minimum 15 dual instruction hours, and minimum 5 solo flight hours)

Requirements for Private Pilot License *

Minimum Age 14 to obtain a Student Pilot Permit (Solo permit) (i.e. student pilot may fly the aeroplane alone after a flight instructor is satisfied with their ability to safely fly the aircraft)
Minimum Age 17 to obtain a Private Pilot Licence (As a licensed private pilot, you may take passengers with you)
Medical fitness category: 1, 3, or 4
Minimum flight time required: 45 hours (minimum 17 dual instruction hours, and minimum 12 solo flight hours)

* Refer to Transport Canada Guidelines for current Licensing requirements

Pilot Ground School
The Tillsonburg Flying School offers Pilot Ground School classes for various pilot licenses and ratings including the Recreational Pilot Permit and the Private Pilot License.

Ground School classes are typically held on weekday evenings, and run for 17 consecutive weeks.

Ground School Topics
The Pilot Ground School covers many topics to prepare the student and help them understand the theory of flight. The student will also become knowledgeable in the Canadian Air Regulations (CARs) that they need to know and understand to be a safe and responsible pilot.

Pilot Resources
During the pilot ground school classes, the student pilot will learn to use many pilot resources such as maps and charts, NOTAMs (Notice To Airmen), flight calculators, METARs (Meteorological Aerodrome Report), TAFs (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast), POH (Pilot’s Operating Handbook), Weight and Balance Charts, etc.

Pilot Ground School Topics Covered:

Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)
Intro to flying
Theory of Flight
Navigation
Meteorology
Flight Instruments
Airframes and Engines
Aircraft Performance and Airmanship
Radio Theory and Radio Navigation
Human Factors
Pilot Decision Making

Introductory Flight
Take an Introductory Flight (Demonstration Flight) at the Tillsonburg Flying School.

A flight instructor will explain the primary flight controls to you as you pre-flight the aircraft. You will walk around the Cessna airplane, and inspect the control surfaces and the ensure the airplane is ready to be flown.

Left Seat in the Cockpit
For your introductory flight, you will be in the “Left Seat” of the Cockpit, as your flight instructor explains the basic flight instruments and the gauges. This will be your very first flight lesson with a flight instructor. And, if you decide to continue with your flight training, this introductory flight will even count towards your flight time hours.

You Can Fly!
During your Introductory Flight, you will have the exciting opportunity to actually fly the airplane. You will take the controls of the aircraft, under the close supervision of your flight instructor, who will be seated in the “Right Seat” of the cockpit. This enables you to experience the thrill of flying an aircraft for the very first time. You will find out what is needed to be a pilot, and your flight instructor will answer any questions you might have about earning your pilot license. The cost of your introductory flight is only $60 plus applicable HST.

Learn To Fly
Learn to Fly at the Tillsonburg Flying School. Aviation is exciting and fun, and you can become a pilot.

Contact the Tillsonburg Flying School for their current rates, schedules, and availability of Pilot Ground School and flight training.

Tillsonburg Flying School
Tillsonburg Airport
244411 Airport Road
Tillsonburg, Ontario
Canada
N4G 4G8

Telephone: (519) 688-3968
Mobile: (519) 318-1812

CFI: David Brandon

Email: davidbrandon@sympatico.ca

Website: www.TillsonburgFlyingSchool.ca

Learn to Fly at the Tillsonburg Flying School.

Aviation Advertising and Marketing

Editor — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 22:17:53 +0000

Advertise on LearnToFly.ca

Aviation Promotion
Promote your Aviation Product, Service or event on LearnToFly.ca

Targeted Audience
LearnToFly.ca has a targeted, loyal audience of pilots, student pilots, and aviation enthusiasts. Our website promotes general aviation in Canada, and we are a top ranked site in Google Canada.

Aviation Theme
Our Aviation articles are popular and well read. Topics include flight training, pilot gear, aviation events, aircraft reviews, pilot interviews, air shows, flight schools, student pilot ground school products, pilot training topics, and general aviation knowledge.

No Setup Fees
There are no setup fees or hidden charges when you advertise with LearnToFly.ca.

You can select the Ad Zone and the Ad Size to suit your needs. Advertising is simple and campaigns are easy to setup.

Tenancy Ad Rates
Our Advertising rates are based on a flat fee per month. (AKA Tenancy Ads) You choose the months you want to advertise, and the type of ad you prefer. You know the exact costs up-front, and the costs do not vary depending upon clicks or impressions.

Advertising Rate Card
The flat monthly fees are clearly explained in our Advertising Rate Card, and that’s all you’ll ever pay. Benefit from fixed budget advertising to a targeted aviation audience. No surprises or budget over-runs.

Less than a Loonie Per Day!
You can advertise on LearnToFly.ca for less than one dollar per day! That’s right… for less than a Loonie per day, you can promote your aviation product, service or event to our targeted aviation audience. (Applies to Ad Zone D Rates)

Larger Ad Campaigns
For larger aviation Advertising Campaigns, and larger marketing budgets, choose from Ad Zones A, B and C from our Ad Zone Rate Card.

Savings Offers
Best of all, select our economical“All Zones Value Bundle” for even better rates. And, don’t forget about our twelve month booking discount!

Advertising Options
Choose from Rotating Banner Ads, Video Sponsorship, and Product Placement Campaigns.

Sponsor an Aviation Video
Many articles on LearnToFly.ca feature awesome aviation videos. You can now sponsor videos, and when they are published, you will be featured as the Video Sponsor for all viewers to see. This gives you ongoing exposure for a single sponsorship fee. Your aviation company, product, service or event will be promoted every time the video is watched online!

Aviation Videos
Our Aviation videos include “behind the scenes” access to spectacular aircraft and aviation events. Our online videos are watched many times, and they often feature Exclusive Pilot Interviews and rare access to some of the most amazing aircraft flown today.

>> >> Watch this CF-18 Hornet Fighter Jet Pilot Interview Video << <<

How do You Start?
Our Advertising Rate Card includes all the details you need to know to start your aviation advertising campaign today. Our advertising information page provides more information about these exciting advertising opportunities including Tenancy Ads, Video Sponsorship and Product Placement Advertising.

Aviation Advertising Opportunities
For aviation advertising opportunities, visit our Advertising Contact Form, and download our Aviation Ad Rate Card.

Aviation Advertising. It’s simple and easy to get started. Talk to one of our Editors today!

Thanks for reading.

Private Pilot License – Written Exam Preparation

Editor — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 22:22:07 +0000

Ace the Transport Canada PPL Written Exam!

Practice Exam Questions
Steve Pomroy of SkyWriters Publishing can help you pass the Transport Canada Private Pilot License (PPL) Written Exam. Steve has written an excellent Exam Prep book to help the student pilot prepare for the Private Pilot written exam for Aeroplanes (PPAER) administered by Transport Canada. Before taking the exam, the student pilot must first complete the required Private Pilot Ground School classes.

Ground School
The Ground School component of Flight Training is minimum 40 hours of classroom instruction. Student Pilots will maintain a “Pilot Training Record”, and this booklet will include a record of the student’s Ground School with their classroom hours signed-off by their ground school instructor. Many PPL Ground School courses are scheduled over 15 classes, of about 3 hours each. Typically, this would be once per week, covering a period of almost 4 months. (a typical semester at school)

PSTAR First
Sometime during the 15 weeks of ground school, the student pilot usually begins their flight instruction in the airplane. This allows the student to progress through both their ground school (classroom instruction), and their flight instruction lessons (flying the airplane) at the same time. Before the student pilot can solo (i.e. fly the airplane alone), they must demonstrate safe handling of the aircraft to their instructor, and the instructor must “sign off” on their ability to operate the airplane safely. In addition, the student pilot must pass the Transport Canada PSTAR written exam. The PSTAR exam is a “Pre Solo Test of Air Regulations” written exam consisting of 50 multiple choice questions, from a pool of 200 potential questions.

The Private Pilot Aeroplane (PPAER) Written Exam
In addition to the PSTAR Exam, the student pilot must also take the Private Pilot License (PPL) Transport Canada (TC) Written Exam for Aeroplanes (PPAER). This exam is usually taken when the student pilot finishes their Ground School classes. The Private Pilot License (PPL) Written Exam is comprised of 100 multiple choice questions from four knowledge areas.

Four Knowledge Areas:

Air Law (Air Law and Procedures)
Navigation (Navigation and Radio Aids)
Meteorology
Aeronautics – General Knowledge (Airframes, Engines and Systems; Theory of Flight; Flight Instruments; Flight Operations; Human Factors)

Pass Mark
The student pilot must achieve a minimum mark of 60% in each of the four knowledge areas, and an overall mark of 60% or higher on the entire exam to pass the Transport Canada PPL Written Exam (PPAER).

Exam Preparation
The TC PPL Written Exam is 100 multiple choice questions. As preparation for this multiple choice exam, we suggest students invest in a copy of the “Private Pilot License – Written Exam Preparation“ book by Steve Pomroy.

As editor of LearnToFly.ca, I received a copy of Steve’s book so I could review it for our online visitors. This is a great book, and I strongly suggest student pilots purchase a copy to help them prepare for the Transport Canada written exam.

Steve’s book is an exam preparation book for pilot candidates preparing for the Transport Canada written examination for the Private Pilot License – Aeroplane (PPAER).

Over 900 Questions
Steve’s Exam Prep book includes over 900 practice questions to help the student prepare for the Transport Canada written test. These practice questions are designed to simulate the difficulty level and the style of questions the student should expect to find on the actual exam. By working through these practice questions, the test candidate will be well prepared to succeed on the actual exam.

Familiarize Candidates
The practice questions in Steve’s book are well designed to familiarize candidates with the mechanics, structure, difficulty level, and pitfalls to be expected on the Transport Canada style multiple choice exams. Any student preparing for the private pilot license written exam will greatly benefit from the practice and strategies they get from Steve’s book: Private Pilot License: Written Exam Preparation.

Questions and Answers – Exam Preparation – Practice Questions

Sample Questions
The 900 plus sample questions in Steve Pomroy’s Exam Prep book are categorized by the Four Knowledge Areas covered in the Transport Canada PPL written exam.

9 Exams
Steve’s book contains nine (9) examinations containing approximately 100 questions each. These 9 exams (over 900 questions) will help the student pilot prepare for the TC written exam, and determine their readiness before taking the exam.

The first seven exams are categorized by Knowledge Area. These are subject specific examinations to help the pilot study and prepare for the exam by Knowledge Area. The last two exams are complete practice exams designed to simulate the actual TC exam the student will be writing.

Practice Exams
Steve’s book contains a complete answer key for each of the 9 exams, and the student can easily grade their performance to discover weaknesses and areas where further study is recommended. The two last exams are simulation exams, and the student can reliably assess their knowledge level before taking the actual TC exam. The questions in the two simulation exams are also categorized by the four Knowledge Areas to assist the student in determining their preparedness for each of the four subject areas as well as their overall readiness for the exam.

9 Practice Exams:

Meteorology Theory (100 Questions)
Applied Meteorology (95 Questions)
Navigation Theory (Including Radio Navigation) (105 Questions)
Applied Navigation (Including Radio Navigation) (91 Questions)
Air Law (105 Questions)
General Knowledge 1: Flight Theory, Instruments, Human Factors (102 Questions)
General Knowledge 2: Airframes, Engines, Systems, Flight Operations (100 Questions)
Simulated PPAER Exam 1 (105 Questions)
Simulated PPAER Exam 2 (105 Questions)

Exam Appendices
Steve’s book includes an appendix with sample charts, tables, graphs, METAR’s, NOTAM’s and other supplemental data to be referenced when answering the practice questions. Similar to the actual Transport Canada exam, the candidate will be asked to reference and interpret sample data and information contained in attachments to properly answer some questions.

VNC
The appendix in Steve’s book includes sample excerpts from the Canadian Flight Supplement (CFS), and a Full-color, double-sided VNC (NAV Canada – VFR Navigation Chart) excerpt. The student will gain valuable practice answering questions that refer to sample supplemental attachments that might be used in ”real life” scenarios when preparing for a flight.

Multiple Choice Questions
This PPL Exam Prep book begins with a detailed and helpful section on multiple choice exam mechanics and strategies. The student will be guided through the format of the exam questions typically seen on a Transport Canada exam. The student will benefit from the many tips and suggestions Steve provides for improving your odds of answering questions correctly.

Computer Based Exams
Transport Canada PPL Exams are now computer based, and Steve’s book helps to explain the software interface used to administer the exams. Steve uses “Screen Shots” from Computer Based Exams to help familiarize the candidate with the software interface, and important concepts such as the Navigation Bar and Question Layout are well explained.

Win $1,000
You could win a Flying Scholarship for up to $1,000.

Purchase Steve’s book, “Private Pilot License – Written Exam Preparation“ by SkyWriters Publishing and then register for the competition!

Student Pilots preparing for the Transport Canada Private Pilot License (PPL) Written Exam – Aeroplane (PPAER) who used Steve’s book to prepare, could win.

Ace the Exam!
After using Steve’s book to prepare, you will hopefully ace the exam. Take the Transport Canada PPL Exam before October 31, 2012, and follow the competition rules to submit your marks. The Students with the top exam marks (on their first attempt) will be eligible to win a Flying Scholarship.

The SkyWriters Publishing Flying Scholarship
First Place Prize: $1,000 Flying Scholarship
Second and Third Place Prizes: $500 Flying Scholarship

The Prize Money will be paid on account at the flight school/club of the winner’s choice. The scholarship funds may be used for aircraft rental, training, pilot supplies etc.

(Terms and Conditions apply. Refer to SkyWriters Publishing for complete rules and details)

Be Prepared!
Steve’s book is a great way to be prepared for the Transport Canada PPL written exam. It’s not intended to be a primary textbook for flight training, but instead it’s a helpful exam prep book with over 900 practice questions. Exam candidates will be more comfortable with the style of Transport Canada exams, and they will be benefit from the well written sample exam questions covering the four primary Knowledge Areas covered by the TC PPL exam.

SkyWriters Publishing
Steve Pomroy’s books are available through his company SkyWriters Publishing in Manitoba, Canada.

Another Great Book
Steve’s book “Applied Aerodynamics for Private and Commercial Pilots: A practical guide to aircraft handling, stability, and performance” is also available, and pilots of all levels of experience will benefit from this great aviation textbook.

Order Now!
Private Pilot License – Written Exam Preparation, by Steve Pomroy.

Available directly from SkyWriters Publishing
www.SkyWriters.aero

Ace the Transport Canada Private Pilot License (PPL) Aeroplane (PPAER) Written Exam!

CF-18 Hornet Fighter Jet

Editor — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:57:40 +0000

My First Lesson in a CF-18 Hornet

Flight Lesson in a CF-18
Captain Erick O’Connor of Canadian Forces 409 Squadron, gives LearnToFly.ca Editor, Geoff McKay, his first lesson in the cockpit of a CF-18 Hornet Fighter Jet. The CF-18 is the primary front-line fighter in Canada, and it is used every day to protect the sovereignty of the country.

CF-18 Demonstration Team
The Canadian Forces CF-18 Demonstration Team was in Toronto for the Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) (a.k.a. CNE Air Show) for the 2011 Labour Day weekend. That’s when Geoff McKay met up with Captain Erick O’Connor for a tour of the CF-18 Hornet, and an introductory lesson in the cockpit of the Hornet. The CF-18 Hornet is an absolutely amazing jet.

CF-18 Performance
When you first climb in the cockpit, you quickly realize the CF-18 is more like a computer with wings and a pair of oversized jet engines. And, it’s fast. Very Fast. The CF-18 travels at twice the speed of sound, or 2,400 km/h. (1,600 mph).

G-Forces
The on-board computer limits the g-forces during flight manoeuvres to 7.5 +g’s and 3 -g’s. The combined speed and g-forces operating envelope provides for exceptional high speed manoeuvrability, including full aerobatic capabilities. During Captain Erick O’Connor’s demonstration flights over Toronto, he showed great restraint by keeping the CF-18′s flying speed below the speed of sound to ensure he did not break the sound barrier over the crowds at the CNE.

Video: Learn To Fly a CF-18 Hornet Fighter Jet!

CF-18 Hornet Flight Lesson with Captain Erick O’Connor of 409 Squadron

Fly-By-Wire (FBW)
The Canadian Forces CF-18 Hornet is filled with amazing onboard technology including some of the most advanced flight control systems and some of the most sophisticated weapons technologies. The CF-18 is all Fly-By-Wire (FBW). In a conventional aircraft, the flight controls are manually controlled using pulleys and cables. However, with FBW, the flight controls are converted to electronic signals. These signals are then transmitted by wires (hence the “Fly-By-Wire” terminology) to the flight control computers. These onboard computers translate the inputs to determine movements of actuators managing each flight control surface.

The FBW system greatly enhances performance, stability, and manoeuvrability. With all the advanced technology onboard, Captain Erick describes himself as “just a contributor to the computer”. (@ 6:40 in the video above) But, Erick is just being modest. Don’t be fooled… Captain Erick is an astounding pilot!

Insane “Dirty Roll” Takeoff!
When Captain Erick O’Connor performs his takeoff in the CF-18 Hornet, it’s absolutely insane!

From this picture, you can see the incredible takeoff climb angle, but he then performs a “Dirty Roll” within milliseconds of being airborne. The CF-18 rolls over and continues through 360 degrees of roll until the jet is “rubber side down” once again.

Dirty Roll
During the roll, the landing gear is down, flaps are lowered, and everything is hanging out. (i.e. the aircraft configuration is “Dirty”. In a ”Clean” configuration, the gear and flaps would be retracted)

You have to see this INSANE takeoff to believe it. (@ 0:07 in the video above, and also @ 7:04 in the video)

CF-18 Aerobatics
The CF-18 flown by Captain Erick dazzles audiences all over North America. Captain Erick performs astonishing aerobatics in the CF-18 Hornet including looping manoeuvres, rolling manoeuvres, High-G 360 turns (@ 5:25 in the video above), inverted flight, vertical climbs, hesitation rolls, and his signature “Dirty Roll” on takeoff.

High G Vertical Pull-Up
Here you see the CF-18 Hornet in a High-G vertical pull-up, as the Hornet climbs to a straight up vertical position. (Click on the picture for a close-up view)

Ripping the Air
The CF-18 Hornet pictured here is ripping through the air, and strong vortices are spawning that generate very turbulent air currents over the wings, and at the wing tips. Despite this ridiculously high angle of attack, the Hornet is still able to generate aerodynamic lift and rocket through the air.

White Vapour – Not Smoke
That’s White Vapour, or mist you see swirling around the jet. It may look like smoke, but it’s moisture in the air condensing into cloud. The extremely high angle of attack during this high g pull-up causes powerful vortices to form around the edge of the CF-18 aircraft.

Bernoulli’s Principle
Bernoulli’s principle states that for any increase in speed of a fluid (or in this case the air), there occurs simultaneously a decrease in pressure. As the air rushes over the wing, and around surfaces such as the leading edge of the wing, the wing tips, and the missile shaped fuselage, it is diverted around the contour or shape of the object. The air particles (or parcel of air), must increase in velocity to travel a farther distance than its counterpart air parcel on the other side of the obstruction. When the air particles meet together again, the parcel of air that has been re-routed around the surface has travelled a longer distance in the same amount of time. To do this, it had to increase in velocity or speed. With the increase of velocity, there is an associated drop in pressure. With the drop in pressure, there is a resulting drop in air temperature.

The vortices and resultant turbulent air, and re-directed air parcels have a large drop in pressure. Proving Bernoulli’s Principle, this results in an accompanying temperature drop in the air parcels. The air is instantly cooled, and the amount of moisture that could previously be held in the air drops suddenly. The previously warmer air could hold a higher percentage of water particles. However, the now cooler air can no longer hold all the moisture, and it instantly condenses into water vapour or mist.

Physics 101
With the cooler air, the severe drop in temperature is sufficient to condense the normally invisible air into water causing the white “vapour” to be seen. Typically, wing tip vortices and other air disruption would not be visible, but with the extremely high velocity of the CF-18′s manoeuvre, and the pressure drop of air parcels, the moisture in the air condenses and the smoke like white “vapour” (or cloud) suddenly appears.

The science is amazing, but seeing this happen around the CF-18 Hornet as it is ripping through the air is truly spectacular!

McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet
The CF-18 Hornet is based on the American McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet. The 2011 CF-18 Demonstration Pilot, Captain Erick O’Connor is from 409 Squadron of the Canadian Forces located in Cold Lake, Alberta. The CF-18 Demonstration Jet is maintained from two Air Force Wings.

3 Wing CFB Bagotville, Quebec
No. 425 Alouette Tactical Fighter Squadron
Supports CF-18 performances in Eastern Canada.

4 Wing CFB Cold Lake, Alberta
No. 409 Nighthawks Tactical Fighter Squadron
No. 410 Cougars Tactical Fighter (Operational Training) Squadron
Supports CF-18 performances in Western Canada.

Fake Canopy
Painted on the bottom side of any Canadian Forces CF-18 Hornet is a “Fake Canopy”. (@ 3:09 in the video above) The outline of the canopy is painted in a black paint to create the illusion of the cockpit canopy on the grey underside. From a distance this looks remarkably like the real canopy on the reverse side. The strategy is to confuse the enemy with regard to the orientation of the aircraft, to give the Canadian pilots a slight advantage over enemy pilots and enemy ground personnel.

Paint Scheme
Pictured here, you see a pair of CF-18 Hornet Fighter Jets. The CF-18 in the back has the typical, mono colour, military grey paint scheme. In the front, however, we see the custom painted 2011 CF-18 Demonstration Jet.

The 2011 CF-18 Demonstration Team Jet has been specially painted to commemorate military families. The jet is adorned with a brilliant dorsal and tail artwork. The freehand airbrush and paint gun murals are beautifully painted in reds and blues.

Yellow Ribbon
This special design is accentuated by the iconic military yellow ribbon. This swirling yellow ribbon design loops around the cockpit, and extends down the jet’s back and wraps the twin tails.

Supporting Military Families
Painted on the red tail, you see a family. (@ 5:46 in the video above) The family theme is a big part of the CF-18 Demonstration Team’s work. The tail flash also displays the three elements of the Canadian Forces including the Air Force, Navy and Army. (@ 5:56 in the video above)

CF-18 Hornet Cockpit
I love the cockpit in the CF-18 Hornet. As a Fly-By-Wire aircraft, the cockpit is primarily a computer centre.

For the younger generation, the cockpit feels like home. A familiar looking Joystick greets you instead of a traditional Yoke. The joystick control is centred, and the front panel has three, colour, digital displays surrounded by buttons.

The Joystick control includes a mouse-like interface allowing the computer user (a.k.a. Pilot), to move the “cursor” around to the different display screens to select options and controls, and cancel or select functions. (@ 1:28 in the video above)

Fully Customizable
The CF-18 Cockpit digital displays are fully customizable allowing the pilot to configure the displays for his or her personal preferences. For instance, the Targeting Pod, Radar, Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI), and Situational Awareness System (a.k.a. “God’s Eye View”) may be moved to any digital display for optimized viewing and accessibility.

Multiple Contributors
Amazingly, there can be multiple contributors where information and data from multiple, external sources (i.e. other aircraft in the formation) can automatically transmit critical data (such as radar activity) directly to the CF-18 screens. The pilot now has data augmented from multiple sources and integrated into his onboard display in the cockpit.

JHMCS
The CF-18 Hornet has the standard Heads Up Display (HUD) mounted in the pilot’s line of sight above the cockpit panel. But, the CF-18 is also equipped with JHMCS – Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System.

Pictured here, Captain Erick O’Connor is seen wearing the Helmet and Goggles that make up the JHMCS system. Those are not large sunglasses, but an incredible and sophisticated piece of technology. JHMCS enables the pilot to acquire targets via turning his head and looking at the target location as important cockpit information continues to be displayed before his eyes.

Boeing Technology
Developed by Boeing, the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) is a multi-role system that enhances pilot situational awareness and provides head-out control of aircraft targeting systems and sensors, accelerating the acquisition of enemy targets. (@ 3:25 in the video above)

The CF-18 Hornet is configured with both JHMCS and AIM-9X missile. This effective combination forms the High-Off-BoreSight (HOBS) system. HOBS is an airborne weapon-interception system enabling the pilot to accurately direct, or “cue” onboard weapons against enemy targets by merely pointing their heads at the target. The HOBS system guides the weapons, allowing the pilot to perform High-G flight manoeuvres during the attack.

Remarkable Aircraft
The Canadian Forces CF-18 Hornet is a truly remarkable aircraft. According to Hornet Pilot, Captain Erick O’Connor, “flying the CF-18 Hornet is easy”.

My First Lesson
After my personal tour of the CF-18 fighter jet, and my first in-cockpit lesson, I began to realize just how advanced this amazing aircraft truly is.

Transitioning from a Cessna 172, to a CF-18 should be the next rating every daring pilot should pursue

Learn To Fly a CF-18 Hornet
Special thanks to Captain Erick O’Connor of the 409 Squadron, the 2011 CF-18 Demonstration Team, and to the CIAS for making this day possible.

It was a great opportunity for LearnToFly.ca Editor, Geoff McKay, to receive a personal cockpit lesson in one of the most advanced aircraft in the skies today.

Dirty Roll
Lessons over… It’s time for a “Dirty Roll” on take-off in the Canadian Forces CF-18 Hornet!

For more photos from this adventure, visit our CF-18 Hornet Photo Album on the LearnToFly.ca Facebook Page. (Don’t forget to “Like Us” on FB)