Overview
BCIT, one of Canada’s largest aviation training schools, Pacific Flying Club, and Chinook Helicopters Ltd. have joined together their experience and expertise to offer a unique training opportunity for men and women who wish to become commercial rotary-wing pilots.
This fully integrated program brings fixed and rotary-wing flight training together with industry-focused academic training to provide learners with a strong set of aviation industry skills and knowledge. BCIT, Pacific Flying Club, and Chinook Helicopters are closely tied to the Aerospace Industry of Canada, Air Transport Association of Canada, the British Columbia Aviation Council, and the Canada General Aviation Association.
Pacific Flying Club (PFC) has been training pilots for over 50 years with a modern fleet of aircraft and simulator equipment. PFC is one of the premier flight training schools in Canada with students attending training from across Canada and around the world. PFC is located at Boundary Bay Airport in Delta, British Columbia.
Since 1982, Chinook Helicopters Ltd. has provided basic and specialized advanced flight and ground training to a local, national, and global community. It is Canada’s largest and most respected ab initio commercial helicopter flight school. In addition to training Canadian pilots, Chinook Helicopters has substantial experience training students from European, Asian, and Australasian countries. Chinook Helicopters is located in a large modern facility at the Abbotsford International Airport in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada.
Pacific Flying Club and Chinook Helicopters Ltd. hold accreditation with the Private Career Training Institutions Agency of British Columbia (PCTIA).
Learners in this program will complete flight training required to qualify for a fixed wing Private Pilot Licence (PPL) in the first two terms of study then proceed to the rotary-wing Commercial Pilot Licence training, all in concert with an aviation Diploma.
The program
The program is 57 weeks in duration and is offered over three terms of study. It is delivered at the BCIT Aerospace Technology Campus near Vancouver International Airport (YVR), the Pacific Flying Club at the Boundary Bay Airport, and at Chinook Helicopters Ltd. at the Abbotsford International Airport. This program is one of the fastest ways in Canada to qualify for a commercial rotary-wing pilot licence while attaining a post-secondary diploma. The program follows training standards prescribed by both Transport Canada and the aviation industry.
For more information
Discover the answers to your burning questions by watching the video below, where a recent information session has been recorded:
Entrance Requirements
We strongly recommend applicants complete the Transport Canada Category 1 Medical Examination first, as that process takes the longest time to process.
Application processing
Applications are accepted from June 1st* to January 15th.*
*or next business day
We recommend that you apply early. All supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline.
Entrance requirements
Competitive Entry: Two-step process
Preference will be given to applicants with:
- Academic grades above the minimum
- Requirements completed within the last five years
- Related experience
- Additional post-secondary academic courses
Applicants with preferred entrance requirements are to submit transcripts and supporting documentation with their online application.
Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English language proficiency: one of the following:
- Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent or
- BCIT English Trades Entry Assessment
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (50%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (50%) or
- Workplace Math 11 (60%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BCIT Math Trades Entry Assessment
- BCIT Abstract Reasoning Trades Entry Assessment
- BCIT Mechanical Reasoning Trades Entry Assessment
- Transport Canada Category One or Three Aviation Medical
- Valid passport and/or documentation allowing entry into the United States of America is required.
- Complete the following form for submission with your online application:
- Mandatory Applicant Questionnaire [PDF]: This form will be used with other entrance requirements in the competitive selection for the program.
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
Step 2: Requirements for selected applicants
All complete applications will be reviewed by the program and shortlisted applicants will be required to complete the following:
- Multiple Mini Interview Process (MMI)
During this process, applicants will be assessed for their suitability for this profession. Final selection into the program will be based on the results of the MMI assessment.
Note: Interviews are usually held the third week of January.
In order to prepare for their interview, applicants are advised to conduct their own research on the profession. Admission is competitive and will be offered to the most qualified applicants.
Recommended for success
- It is strongly recommended that all applicants attend an Airline and Flight Operation Information Session prior to applying for this program.
- A driver's licence valid in BC is an asset.
- A good understanding of MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) computer software is highly recommended.
- Applicants should also take a familiarization flight at any flying school that offers them.
Validation of previous Private Pilot Licence (PPL) flying time
Candidates that hold a full or partial Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or full Recreational Pilot Permit (RPP) may be eligible for an exemption from a portion of their flying time.
Exemptions from flying time are subject to the following conditions:
- You may apply for credit if you have a full and valid PPL, a full RPP, or if you have completed a PPL flight or written test.
- Your exemption will be determined for flight training and licensing courses in Term 1 and 2 only.
- If granted credit, you will still need to complete a minimum of 20 hours of flight training and a mock flight test with a designated flight test examiner
- The maximum flying time you can be credited is 45 hours.
All exemption assessments will be evaluated on an individualized basis by the program selection committee.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
April or May each year.myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Additional fees (subject to change)
- Examination and licence fees: $1,885.00 plus applicable taxes.
Note: Flying fees have been estimated for an industry average qualifying time. If more flying hours are required for a student to demonstrate competency in flying, then the flying fees increase accordingly. Pacific Flying Club reserves the right to apply an insurance and fuel surcharge should increases exceed a base rate.
Tuition fees for terms two, three and four are to be paid by the first day of the term in order to commence flying.
Commitment fee
Applicants must confirm their acceptance into the program by paying a non-refundable, non-transferable commitment fee to secure their seat.
The commitment fee is $1,000 for domestic students or $6,000 for international students.
This fee is payable within 14 days of acceptance. Failure to meet the 14 day payment deadline may result in the applicant's acceptance being cancelled and their seat offered to another qualified applicant.
Books & supplies
Terms 1 and 2: $2,000
Term 3: $400
(general estimated cost, subject to change).
Additional costs such as travel expenses for field trips and cross country flights are the responsibility of the student.
Students are required to supply their own coveralls, if desired. A supply of coveralls are available through the BCIT Bookstore. Please check the uniform authorization voucher [PDF] to determine the type of coveralls appropriate for your program.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Class hours
0800-1530, Monday through Friday
Flexibility may be required for flight training due to weather and air space restrictions.
Program matrix
| Term 1 (19 weeks) | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| AIRC 1004 | Introduction to Airport and Airside Operations | 4.0 | |
| AIRC 1005 | Air Navigation and Air Traffic Services | 3.0 | |
| AIRC 1007 | Occupational Health and Safety in Aviation | 2.0 | |
| AIRC 1008 | Introduction to Safety Management Systems | 3.0 | |
| AIRC 1009 | Introduction to the Airline Industry | 4.0 | |
| AIRC 1100 | Aviation Communication Skills – Crew Resource Management | 2.0 | |
| AIRC 1105 | Aviation Technical Writing | 2.0 | |
| AIRC 1110 | Enhancing Student Success | 2.0 | |
| AIRC 1150 | Leadership in Aviation | 3.0 | |
| AVFO 1035 | Private Pilot Ground School 1 | 3.0 | |
| AVFO 1145 | Private Pilot Flight Training 1 | 4.0 | |
| AVFO 2045 | Private Pilot Flight Training 2 | 5.5 | |
| Term 2 (13 weeks) | Credits | ||
| AIRC 2126 | Aviation Safety and Risk Management | 4.0 | |
| AIRC 4420 | Community and Public Relations for Aviation | 3.0 | |
| AVFO 2010 | Airline Ground Handling Procedures | 2.0 | |
| AVFO 2030 | Meteorology for Private Pilots | 1.5 | |
| AVFO 2035 | Private Pilot Ground School 2 | 4.0 | |
| AVFO 2060 | Private Pilot Flight Licencing | 1.5 | |
| AVFO 2102 | Meteorology for Commercial Pilots | 2.0 | |
| AVFO 2106 | Air Carrier & Airport Security Systems | 2.0 | |
| AVFO 2132 | Aircraft Maintenance for Pilots | 3.0 | |
| AVFO 2165 | Survival Skills | 3.0 | |
| Term 3 (25 weeks) | Credits | ||
| AVFO 3116 | Crew Resource Management 1: Human Factors for Pilots | 3.0 | |
| AVFO 3165 | Commercial Rotary-Wing Ground School 1 | 6.0 | |
| AVFO 3175 | Commercial Rotary-Wing Ground School 2 | 3.0 | |
| AVFO 3185 | Commercial Rotary-Wing Ground School 3 | 6.0 | |
| AVFO 3205 | Commercial Rotary Flight 1 | 6.0 | |
| AVFO 3210 | Commercial Rotary Flight 2 | 3.0 | |
| AVFO 4050 | Commercial Rotary Flight 3 | 6.0 | |
| AVFO 4150 | Commercial Rotary Flight 4 | 6.0 | |
| AVFO 4155 | Commercial Rotary Flight 5 | 6.0 | |
| AVFO 4165 | Rotary Flight Licensing | 4.0 | |
| AVFO 4305 | Aviation Career Planning | 1.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 113.5 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program length
57 weeks, full-time
The program consists of three terms and is delivered over 15 months with scheduled breaks for flying during each term to accommodate possible inclement weather. Each term must be passed to progress to the next term.
The fixed and rotary wing flight training portions of the program are competency based. However, a minimum number of flying hours is required to qualify for the Transport Canada written exams and flight tests.
Fixed-wing flight training (Terms 1 and 2)
Most learners can expect to qualify for their Private Pilot Licence (PPL) in Term 2 after flying between 45 hours (Transport Canada minimum requirement) and 65 hours (the average for most people). Cost for Terms 1 and 2 cover 65 flying hours. The Private Pilot Licence course allows for a maximum 80 flying hours. Any flying to qualify for the Private Pilot Licence that is over 65 hours will be at an additional cost to the learner.
Rotary-wing flight training (Term 3)
Most learners can expect to qualify for their Commercial Rotary Wing Licence in Term 3 after the completion of 100 hours of training (Transport Canada minimum). Any flying that is over 100 hours will be at an additional cost to the learner.
Grading
A 70 percent pass mark is required for each course. The exception to this rule is that a minimum of 90 percent is required to qualify for a Student Pilot Permit.
To obtain pilot licences and ratings, students will be required to complete Transport Canada examinations and flight tests. If students do not complete the examinations and flight tests within the hours allotted, they will be involuntarily withdrawn from the program.
Note: Students must pass all courses in a term to successfully complete the term. Students who fail or withdraw from one or more courses in a term may be prohibited from continuing in the program and be required to apply for re-admission. When students are permitted to continue in the program, it is their responsibility to present evidence of successful completion of the failed course(s) to the Registrar's Office either before the end of the next term or before the credential is awarded, whichever condition is specified.
Program delivery
Blended: This program is delivered partly on campus and partly online.
Program location
Aerospace Technology Campus
3800 Cessna Drive
Richmond, BC
Pacific Flying Club
Boundary Bay Airport
4 - 4335 Skeena Street
Delta, BC
Rotary-wing ground school and flight training will also take place at:
Chinook Helicopters
30720 Rotor Drive
Abbotsford, BC
Graduating & Jobs
Continue your education
Graduates of this program may continue their studies to complete the BCIT Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Technology Management. The BTech program provides you with the flexibility to start your new career and complete your degree part-time within 3 to 5 years.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty & staff
- Stephanie Bendickson, Faculty
- Cornelis “Hoefie” Haupt, Faculty
- Carol Liber, Faculty
- Agnes Ranoa, Program Assistant
Advisory committee
- Glenn Oerzen (Chair)
- Clark Duimel
- Cathy Press
FAQs
- How do I complete the Transport Canada Category One Aviation Medical?
- Do I need to be financially prepared?
- How can I strengthen my application?
- What is the Multi Mini Interview (MMI)?
- If accepted, how can I be successful in the program?
How do I complete the Transport Canada Category One Aviation Medical?
- It is preferred that candidates submit a valid Transport Canada Category One aviation medical. An approved Transport Canada Civil Aviation Medical Examiner (CAME) must complete the physical examination. Go to the Transport Canada webpage for the list of approved CAMEs in Canada or abroad.
- If you cannot obtain the Category One aviation medical then you may submit a Transport Canada Category Three aviation medical with a letter from the CAME stating that the medical will be converted to Category One at the time of renewal.
- A Category One medical is required for Terms 2, 3 and 4.
- Due to Transport Canada’s lengthy processing times, please start this process as early as possible. Once received, submit your Transport Canada Category One Medical Certificate with your online application.
- CAMEs can submit the documentation to Transport Canada using an electronic system called Medical Examination Reports (MERs). It is advisable that you check with the CAME that you are booking your medical appointment with to ensure they submit all documentation electronically. If they send via Canada Post or facsimile, it may result in delays.
Do I need to be financially prepared?
Yes, it is important to explore additional funding options including but not limited to Student Aid BC or Student Line of Credit (banking institution). Be financially prepared for the cost (tuition, books, uniforms, flying fees and other expenses) of this program.
How can I strengthen my application?
- Attend an Information Session prior to applying for this program
- Study mechanical and abstract reasoning
- Book a familiarization flight with a local flying school of your choice
- Elaborate in the Mandatory Applicant Questionnaire
- Show passion for the industry by conducting some research related to industry trends
- Excellent written and oral English skills
- A valid driver’s license in BC
What is the Multi Mini Interview (MMI)?
Each interviewee will meet four different interviewers over a period of one hour. Each interview is 15 minutes in duration. This will be repeated four times. It is important that the interviewee listens to the questions and responds without going off track. The questions are behavioural based focusing on communication, leadership, teamwork, ethics, problem solving and decision making. The interview team consists of faculty, program administration and industry partners.
If accepted, how can I be successful in the program?
- Demonstrate good working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) computer software
- Strong hand and foot skills
- Familiarization with mechanics (motorized vehicles)
- Be familiar with airport operations
- Basic knowledge of physics
- Be prepared for academic rigour
- Excellent organization and time management skills
- A love of learning/studying/being curious
- Comfortable accepting constructive feedback
- Strong attention to detail
- Confident but cautious
- Can follow standards and rules
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