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Coast Helicopter College
1541B Kittyhawk Road
Sidney, BC
V8L 5V6

Tel: (250) 655-0416
Tel: 1-800-409-9270
Fax: (250) 655-6210
Cell: (250) 888-0171
fly@coasthelicoptercollege.com
flyindia@coasthelicoptercollege.com


More Information
  • Scenic Flights
  • Introductory Flights
  • Training Guide
  • Career Guide
  • Courses & Costs
  • Important Notes


    Training Available
  • Commercial Helicopter
  • Private Helicopter
  • JetRanger 206B Rating
  • Recurrent Training
  • ATPL Helicopter


    Useful Links
  • Victoria Airport
  • Transport Canada
  • Future Friends Bed & Breakfast



  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Why should I train at CHC?
    CHC offers training based on industry requirements and not training to get a license. We concentrate on working environment type training, that includes scenarios equivalent to heli logging support and mining exploration. You will be working with high time instructors that make a vast difference in your end result. In addition CHC charges for air time only, resulting in approximately 10 more hrs of actual flight time, compared to most other training facilities.

    Are all applicants accepted?
    No. Through interview screening we try to advise candidates we feel may have difficulty obtaining work, to avoid spending their money unnecessarily.

    Why does CHC use the R-22 and the Bell 206?
    Legally you can train on any helicopter type that is certified. We recommend that you do your basic training on the R-22. It is economical compared to doing all of your training on the Bell 206 or another light turbine. The R-22 is a safe, reliable helicopter and it is the most common piston machine around. It and its bigger brother, the R-44 are used more and more by operators in commercial operations. Its’ weight and power limitations makes transitioning to larger helicopter relatively easy.

    The Bell 206 is the most common light turbine and the type on which a pilot will most likely begin his career. This makes it the logical choice to complete your course on.

    Does the course include slinging, long lining or mountain training?
    The commercial course includes 3 to 4 hours of slinging and an introduction to long lining. None of the courses include any mountain training. Both long lining and mountain flying are skills that are beyond the scope of basic pilot training. These skills are best learned after obtaining a licence and gaining additional experience.

    Does CHC provide financing?
    No. Some assistance may be available from government programs depending on your personal circumstances.

    Is it easy to find work, once my course is complete?
    No. For some, employment will come easy. Generally, persistence is required to find your first job as an inexperienced helicopter pilot. Once you have a few years and over 1,000 hours of experience, employment opportunities become more plentiful.

    When does the course start and finish?
    The courses are conducted as a class and usually begin September 1st and February 1st. Students can plan to finish their course in 4 months.

    What kind of accommodation is available locally and how much does it cost?
    CHC is located at the Victoria International Airport near the town of Sidney. There is plenty of accommodation available within 10 kilometres. You can expect to pay about $650 to $750 a month for a one bedroom.

    Can I work in another country using my Canadian licence?
    That depends on circumstances such as what company you are working for and what country you are working in. The government of the country can best answer this question.

    Will I need additional training to fly different and especially larger helicopter types?
    You will require an endorsement for each and every type of helicopter that you wish to fly. As a commercial pilot, your progression to additional types will only come with time and experience. In other words, it is not realistic to expect to fly many different types and especially larger ones until you have gained some experience after you are licensed. Some larger helicopters require an Airline Transport Pilot Licence. This requires at least 1,000 hours of flying time.


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