Aviation Schools and Programs in Canada

Aviation Studies in Canada

Study aviation in Canada at Conestoga College.Do you have a fascination with aircraft and aviation, so much so that you’re considering pursuing an education in the field?  Did you know that there are now many study abroad programs that allow you to study aviation while living in a foreign country for a time—a country such as Canada.  Canada is not only a vast and beautiful country, but a great place in which to pursue an education, particularly in the scientific and technical fields, including Aviation.
 
Occupying all of the northern part of the North American continent, Canada consists of ten provinces and three territories.  The country extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west and northwards to the Arctic Ocean, encompassing nearly 10 million square kilometers of total land area, making it the second-largest country in the world, after Russia.  Canada’s southern border is shared with the United States, forming the world’s longest land border between two countries.
 
The government of Canada is organized as a federal parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II of England serving as head of state. Canada is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The country is officially bilingual (English and French) at the federal level, and is one of the world's most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations, the result of large-scale immigration from many countries around the world, with a population of approximately 35 million as of the 2012 census.  Its advanced economy is one of the largest in the world, relying chiefly upon its abundant natural resources and well-developed trade networks.  Canada's long and complex relationship with the United States has had a significant impact on its economy and culture.  Much like the U.S., Canada relies on its excellent system of education to train its diverse workforce.

Aviation Education in Canada

There are many schools of Aviation scattered throughout Canada, including several in the country’s larger cities, such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary.  Courses are taught by expert pilots and support staff that together provide a comprehensive course of study in aviation for students of all levels.  Aircraft type-specific courses are available for a wide range of commercial and independent aircraft types, and include ratings, abbreviated type ratings, recurrent training, refresher training and instructor training courses.  All courses are delivered by schools that are governed by Canada’s aviation authorities. These schools use a fleet of full flight simulators, with courses that can be customized to an airline’s specific requirements, including their SOPs.
 
The majority of Canada’s aviation schools welcome international students into their programs, assuming these individuals meet the basic physical requirements.  These schools work collegially with other schools around the world, offering exchange programs and providing a number of services that help students rapidly acclimate to their new surroundings.  Each and every instructor at these schools is a working, licensed pilot and play an important role in maintaining high-quality, reality-based aviation training.  Students learn all of the specifics involved with comprehensive aviation training and are given all the help and guidance they need to succeed.
 
There are a variety of different components that make up the aviation education program, including full cabin crew training and detailed safety classes.  Each of these courses is approved and recognized by the Canadian Civil Aviation Authorities.  Safety training is one of the most heavily-stressed aspects of any trainee’s education, with classes that cover topics such as a cabin crew member’s discipline and responsibilities, handling passengers, dangerous goods training, security training, medical emergencies and first aid, survival training, water survival training, fire and smoke training, crew resource management and communication.

Why Study Abroad in Canada

Whether you enjoy the cosmopolitan life of the big city or the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors, Canada has exactly what you’re looking for in a study abroad adventure.  With a number of highly-rated aviation schools, students are guaranteed an excellent and comprehensive academic experience, with training from licensed instructors who are also pilots.  Outside of the classroom, students will find hundreds of things to do and see in this multicultural nation, including a bevy of museums and galleries and a countless number of historical landmarks and protected parks.  Below we have listed just some of the ways students can fill their free time when they elect to study aviation in Canada:
 
Carnaval de Quebec
 
Students taking a winter break from their studies in the largely French-speaking province of Quebec would be remiss if they failed to take part in the world-famous Carnaval de Quebec.  For roughly ten dollars (Canadian), students can get a full 17-day pass allowing them to fully experience this exciting winter celebration, giving them access to over 300 activities and exhibits and some of the best food Canada has to offer.  This two-week-plus party is held annually beginning in January, with events that include concerts, dogsled rides, snow baths, skating and parades.
 
Whistler Blackcomb
 
As experienced Canadian skiers will tell you, you cannot call yourself a skier in Canada until you have glided down the famous peaks of Whistler Blackcomb.  A site of the 2010 Olympics, Whistler Blackcomb is one of the largest ski and snowboard resorts in the world with around 8,000 acres of terrain.  Thousands of skiers and snowboarders flock to Whistler, British Columbia each year to take part in the world-class snow conditions and challenging ski runs. In addition to the amazing slopes, top-notch hotels, restaurants, spas and shopping make this locale one of the best places to visit in Canada during any time of the year.

Okanagan Valley

For students that enjoy wine, the Okanagan Valley should definitely be considered a must-visit destination.  The Okanagan Valley put Canada on the vintners’ map by producing outstanding wines with authentic British Columbian flavor.  This popular region of Canada is rapidly gaining a reputation as the “California of the north,” largely for its production of outstanding vintages, both red and white. The arid climate and terraced landscape of the Okanagan Valley make it an ideal region for wine production. During the spring, summer and fall, wine festivals and tasting opportunities abound in this region, and the public is welcome at most wineries for tours and tasting.  Visitors may even be able to see the entire process of winemaking, from crushing to labeling.  Set in a picturesque mountain setting, the Okanagan Valley vineyards and wineries are definitely at their best when the weather is warm.