The Airlines and General Aviation are hiring consitantly despite some recent downturns in the Canadian economy and the events of September 11, 2001. The following information on jobs includes aircrew, maintenance and air-traffic control and support services information.
Pilots
Pilot hiring tends to be cyclical and will often follow the general economy closely due to airline travel demand. The exception to this rule is when exploration, mining and petroleum companies are active. General aviation (aircraft carrying fewer than 19 passengers) tends to flourish in these conditions. Another area of opportunity is tourist transport into fishing and hunting sites.
In order to be a commercial pilot, you will require about 6 months to one year of flight training. The cost can range up from $12,000 and total more than $25,000 depending on ratings and qualifications. Student loans etc. are available. As well, some schools offer individual financing aid or can arrange bank credit.
Although pilots at major airlines earn the most money, the average pilot has to "apprentice" for a few years in order to gain enough experience to fly the bigger aircraft. Typically, bush flying, Flight Instructing and working for air taxi and charter air services are the most common ways to develop this experience. If you are serious about an airline job, a University degree or College diploma will give you an significant advantage. Several colleges offer aviation diploma programs, however, a practical diploma or degree in an applied discipline such as business, marketing or management is considered far more valuable and will have the added benefit of offering secondary job skills, should you ever loose your medical qualifications.
Here are a few of the career salary expectations (in Canadian Dollars). The ranges are wide due to the variation within the industry and regions. Annual Rates are for Captains. Co-pilot/First Officers earn from 50% to 80% of the Captain salary. The rates do not include bonuses and profit sharing.
K=thousands.
A great way to get started, is to talk to a Flight School, read aviation magazines and search the net. Look for Flight Schools that offer programs which follow a structured syllabus that is published and practiced. If you already have post-secondary education, look for a school that offeres accelerated programs. If not, consider one of the many colleges across the country.
In Canada, too many flight schools and colleges follow the outline suggested by Transport Canada. The TC minimum requirements barely meet the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and will not adequately prepare you for the rigors of practical commercial aviation. There are some excellent schools in Canada that concentrate on providing very high quality training on relevant aircraft types and by Flight Instructors that have practical work experience. Look for schools that have programs in aerobatics, upset recovery, tail-wheel aircraft and floatplanes. These schools will likely have the most experienced and qualified instructors. Also pay close attention to the quality of their Flight Instructor training program. Many schools hire the majority of pilot instructors from these programs.
The Cessna Aircraft company has authorized several Cessna Pilot Centers in Canada. Since the reintroduction of the new SKYHAWK aircraft, they have produced an industry leading, multi-media based, ground and flight instruction programs that are considered the best training products available at a consumer level. If you are considering an accellerated program, this could be a good route to follow.
Prior to committing to any flight school or college, ask to see the training program and graduate referrals.
Aircraft Maintenance is growing in proportion to the airline travel. At this time there is a distinct shortage of qualified Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. Recent growth has exceeded the output of many of the training facilities. In Calgary, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology operates one of this country's best programs.
Wages vary widely depending on qualifications. It takes four years to complete training and qualify as an AME. Additional ratings for turbine, avionics, engine overhaul etc. will give the AME greater employability as well as pay. Working for a larger air carrier on transport category aircraft usually is among the higher compensated jobs. Salary ranges vary widely depending on size and type of aircraft, location and position.
First, second year apprentice: From $8.00 hr to 12.00hr
Third year or new AME: From $10.00 hr to 16.00hr
Up to 5 years experience and general qualifications:from $28 to 48K per year
Additional qualifiactions and/or more than 5 years experience: from $35 to 65K per year.
For more on information training and education, check out the SAIT website.
For country-wide job information check out the JOB MART(Electronic Labour Exchange) at the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council site.
In 1998, Transport Canada handed over the responsibilities for Air Traffic Control and the coordination of flight planning and weather information to a non-profit organization called NavCanada. Career requirements for air traffic control are very demanding and there is a permanent recruitment policy in place. Applicants should posses a University Degree or equivalent. Other jobs such as a weather technician or flight service station operator may require less education as an initial requirment but the screening process is equally challenging. NavCanada has a website featuring job opportunities at NAVCANADA.
Last updated March 15, 2002