Why Weather Delays in Flight Training Help You Become a Better Pilot
Every student pilot faces weather delays in training, often sooner than expected. You plan your day around the lesson, arrive ready, and check the weather one last time, hoping it’s improved. Instead, the ceiling is lower than forecast, visibility hovers near limits, or winds don’t cooperate. Staying on the ground feels like stalled progress. Early […]
Multi-Engine Rating Explained: The Day Flying Stopped Being Casual
Piper PA-34 Seneca at Boundary Bay Airport. The Day Flying Stopped Feeling Casual Let me tell you something most pilots don’t usually talk about. The first time you climb into an aircraft for your multi-engine rating, it doesn’t feel like a milestone. It feels routine. Two throttles instead of one. A few extra checks added […]
The Evolution of General Aviation Aircraft: What’s Changed Over the Years?
Piper J-3 Cub: distinctive yellow, high-wing light monoplane with tailwheel; trainer and sport aviation; Continental A-65, 65 hp engine. Photo courtesy of National Air and Space Museum Walk onto any general aviation ramp today, and you’ll see aircraft that span decades. A Cessna 172 built in the 1970s might sit beside a modern composite Diamond […]
Top 5 Most Scenic Flights in North America
Photo of Clayoquot Sound by Jordan Giesbrecht courtesy of Tourism Tofino. Scenic Flights in North America offer more than just impressive views — they offer perspective. From the cockpit, the landscape changes. Rivers become threads. Mountains form patterns. Forests stretch in every direction. No road trip or hike compares. For pilots, these flights aren’t just […]
What It’s Like to Fly in Northern BC: Challenges and Rewards
You lift off from a small airport, climb above the trees, and head toward the mountains. Below, rivers wind through thick forests, and narrow gravel roads disappear into endless wilderness. The land feels untouched. And once you leave the circuit, the radio goes quiet. Flying in Northern British Columbia is a different kind of experience. […]
Boundary Bay Airport: From Wartime Airfield to Canada’s Busiest General Aviation Hub
Historical Background Boundary Bay Airport was constructed in 1941 as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, one of the largest aviation training programs in history. The Royal Canadian Air Force used the site for pilot training during the Second World War, operating the No. 18 Elementary Flying Training School and later a bombing […]
The Canadian Snowbirds: Precision, Passion, and Patriotism in Flight
Who Are Canadian Snowbirds? Officially known as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds (431 Air Demonstration Squadron), they’re more than just an air show attraction. The Snowbirds represent excellence in aviation, precision flying, and the spirit of Canadian pride. They are a team of highly trained pilots and support personnel from the Royal Canadian Air Force. Their […]
How to Make the Transition from Private Pilot to Commercial Pilot
You’ve earned your Private Pilot Licence (PPL), built confidence in the cockpit, and logged some great hours. Now you’re asking: what’s next? If you want to turn flying into a career, the next step is to get your Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane (CPL-A). At Pacific Flying Club, we help pilots make that leap every […]
The Evolution of the Piper Cherokee: A Pilot’s Favorite
Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee C. Image courtesy of Wikipedia. For decades, the Piper Cherokee has remained a staple in general aviation, admired by flight students, instructors, and private pilots. Its reliability, affordability, and ease of handling have made it a go-to aircraft for flight training and personal flying. The Cherokee series has evolved significantly from its […]
A Pilot’s Journey: Gavin Niblock’s BCIT/PFC Experience
A Lifelong Dream Takes Flight Gavin Niblock, a Vancouver native, always knew he wanted to become a pilot. Reflecting on his early dreams, Gavin says, “I knew I wanted to become a pilot when I was very young. Around six years old.” Fast-forward to May 2023, when Gavin started the BCIT/PFC program. Now, he’s successfully […]