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A breakfast bagel in Banff, lunch on the sands of Waikiki Beach or dinner overlooking Niagara Falls, all within the span of a week.
These aren’t far-flung scenarios confined only to actors or athletes, but rather a tangible reality for learners across Metro Vancouver.
And Western Community College can provide a first-class ticket to make it happen.
Launched two years ago, WCC’s aviation program has established itself as one of the best and most affordable options for all kinds of career types in aviation: commercial pilots for regional carriers, charter services and cargo companies; flight instructors at aviation schools across Canada; airline cabin crew members for domestic and international airlines; or private pilots who own or operate smaller aircraft for personal use. Private pilots cannot operate for business use.
The program is split between two locations: practical, in-flight training happens out of Abbotsford International Airport, while the theoretical and ground training components take place in Abbotsford and Surrey.
“When you join us at Western Community College, we show you the career path in terms of how to get from point A to B and then from B to C,” explains Raj Hundal, WCC’s director of strategic partnerships.
“Students can begin with zero flight experience and can go on to lead very successful careers in the future.”
Ithan Moreira and Muhammad Kadri are both WCC aviation students on the cusp of taking their careers skyward.
Moreira is in the process of completing his private pilot licence and training for his first cross-country flight.
“WCC has given me a strong aviation knowledge and the confidence to continue with my career as a pilot,” he says. “I’d recommend WCC because of the supportive instructors, practical training and the opportunities it provides for the students.”
Like Moreira, Kadri is also knocking on opportunity’s door and in pursuit of his first pilot’s licence.
“The best thing about WCC is that it’s affordable and with the most experienced instructors,” Kadri says. “And we get to fly the Cessna 172, which is known for its stability.”
At the heart of the program’s success is a team of expert instructors who know aviation, planes and the pursuit of excellence like few others.
Heading up the roster of instructors is Alistair Beaton, who was recently introduced as the program’s new chief flight instructor. Beaton boasts an impressive 30-year tenure in the aviation sector, including an extensive background encompassing not just piloting but also in-depth knowledge of aircraft maintenance and repair. Under his mentorship, students gain a 360-degree perspective of aviation, benefiting from his extensive knowledge and passion for flying.
“We have very knowledgeable and caring instructors,” Hundal says. “Students walk in and they immediately know when they sign up with us that they’re in expert hands.”
That WCC has recently launched a government-recognized, in-house aircraft maintenance company, known as an Aircraft Maintenance Organization, or AMO, is a massive boon for the program.
By having its own AMO approved by Transport Canada, WCC is able to bring on board an aircraft maintenance engineer and a number of apprentices to repair and maintain aircrafts in house, rather than relying on third parties.
“We operate 365 days a year, seven days a week, from morning till evening,” Hundal says. “We're able to support students who are working part time or others who need practice on weekends, to accommodate our students’ schedules.”
With the right training and support, students are already on course for tomorrow’s careers in the sky.
For more information on WCC’s aviation program, visit wcc.ca/programs/aviation. ![[Tyee]](/design-article.thetyee.ca/ui/img/yellowblob.png){kind=small}
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