Wchich way to choose to continue to fly?

Question

can someone tell me,suggest what to choose?,I was pilot in europe,about 120 multi turbine hours and 80 gliders,now i.m confused,what to do,I.m in canada and i want to start flying,but I don,t know,choose air force and spend 9 years before I can go to commercial flying or try private sector and spent a lot of money and time to do anything,I.m 28 now and don,t have money to invest into myself,so mayeby air force?

Answer 1

airforce!

Answer 2

Flying in Canada can be a tough go at things. Unlike in Europe where there are direct entry and cadet schemes for many airlines, in Canada the two ways to go about getting experience are as you suggested - private sector or through the Air Force.

Besides the approximately 9 year commitment with the Air Force, there are also a few other problems. First, the admission requirements are very strict. They require a 4 year University degree, higher health standards and you have to jump through a lot of bureaucratic hoops to be accepted. They also generally don't take into consideration your previous flying experience.

The general advice I've heard regarding joining the Air Force is: If you want to fly for the Air Force, join the Air Force. If you want to gain experience to one day fly for the airlines, go the civilian route. In the military you also spend a lot of time not flying and instead doing administrative duties. You're also required to learn either English or French (or both) depending on your mother tongue.

Civilian Flying, or private sector commercial flying, can also be quite challenging. You will first have to convert your licences to Canadian Licences. If you have a JAA commerical licence, this shouldn't be too difficult, but would cost a fair bit of money. Getting a job with a lower amount of hours will usually require moving into the Northern Parts of the country and possibly working a 'ramp' or ground job before getting a flying job.

Currently, Air Canada Jazz is looking for pilots in the roughly 1200 to 2500+ hours category.

That being said, right now is a good time to get started in the industry in Canada. It's just going to take a lot of work and may be a different type of flying than you're used to in Europe.

Good Luck!

James Ball

Author of "So, You Want to be a Pilot, Eh?"

http://www.piloteh.com

http://www.piloteh.blogspot.com

Answer 3

You must understand that the purpose of the Air Force is not to fly. As long as you understand what the purpose is, and as long as you agree that it is an honorable purpose, and as long as you share that purpose, then I would recommend the Air Force. I never regretted it, although I was USAF, not Canadian. But there is no significant difference in that regard.