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 […]
Inside Garmin Avionics: Revolutionizing Navigation in the Cockpit
Image courtesy of garmin.com In the world of aviation, where precision and reliability are paramount, Garmin has emerged as a trusted leader in avionics technology. For decades, Garmin has been revolutionizing navigation in the cockpit, transforming how pilots interact with their aircraft and enhancing flight safety, efficiency, and enjoyment. From intuitive glass cockpit systems to […]
From Aspiration to Aviation: Nicholas Cooper’s Journey with BCIT and Pacific Flying Club
Embarking on a journey to become a pilot is a thrilling and challenging adventure, and Nicholas Cooper’s story is a testament to that. Currently enrolled in the BCIT and Pacific Flying Club (PFC) partnership program, Nicholas has made significant strides toward his dream of flying professionally. Here’s a closer look at his inspiring journey, training […]
The Piper PA-34 Seneca: Versatility in the Skies
The Piper PA-34 Seneca is a testament to innovation in general aviation. With its origins in the 1970s, the Seneca has become a symbol of reliability and adaptability for pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Its combination of performance, comfort, and practicality makes it a popular choice for private owners, flight schools, and charter services. This article […]
An interview with BCIT airline and Flight Operations Program graduate Nick Williams.
Q: When did you realize that being a pilot is your calling? My passion for aviation started from actually quite a young age, when I was flying between Prince George and Vancouver regularly enough on regional q4 100, I always had the opportunity to go into the flight deck, talk to the pilots, and they […]