Candace Pardo’s journey to becoming a Class 1 Flight Instructor and Assistant Manager of Flight Operations at Pacific Flying Club (PFC) was anything but conventional. Originally from Ontario, Candace first pursued a path in music. Her dedication to piano practice led to a repetitive strain injury, forcing her to reconsider her career aspirations. She sought a new challenge and explored different fields, including science and dance history. However, her passion for music made her realize that she needed an exciting and fulfilling career. That search led her to aviation.
A simple Google search on the cost of becoming a pilot opened her eyes to the possibility of flight training. She soon discovered that flying was not just a distant dream portrayed in movies but an attainable goal. A discovery flight at Brampton Flight Centre sealed her decision, and from that moment, her love for aviation took off. Today, she channels that passion into teaching and inspiring new pilots, ensuring they learn in a safe but enjoyable environment.
Candace’s flight training journey was shaped by experience at multiple flight schools across Canada. Opting for a modular, pay-as-you-go training structure, she balanced work and lessons while gradually working toward her qualifications. Training at different schools gave her a well-rounded perspective on instruction styles, helping her develop adaptability and a deep appreciation for diverse teaching methods.
One of the aspects she values most about PFC is its openness to different backgrounds and experiences. The club maintains high training standards that are aligned with Transport Canada while encouraging instructors to bring their unique approaches. Candace believes this philosophy played a significant role in her development as a pilot and instructor.
Candace’s journey in aviation led her to flight instruction, a role that provided her with invaluable experience across different geographic locations and flight schools. Her desire to gain diverse experiences ultimately brought her to the Pacific Flying Club, a nonprofit organization with a strong sense of community and inclusivity.
At PFC, Candace plays a key role in guiding students through the complexities of aviation training. She finds immense satisfaction in simplifying difficult concepts for students, transforming what initially seems overwhelming into manageable and logical steps. She especially enjoys conducting familiarization flights — introducing individuals to the magic of flying for the first time — and coaching commercial pilots as they transition into instructors.
As Assistant Manager of Flight Operations, she works closely with various departments, from dispatch to ground crew, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality instruction. Safety remains a top priority, and her role involves continuous improvements in training methodologies, instructor development, and operational efficiency.
Pacific Flying Club distinguishes itself through its dual training pathways: modular programs and post-secondary partnerships with BCIT. This flexibility allows students to choose between structured, full-time training and individualized, pay-as-you-go lessons. For working students, the modular approach allows them to schedule training around their commitments, much like Candace did during her own training.
The location at Boundary Bay Airport also offers unique advantages. The busy airspace challenges students to develop strong communication and situational awareness skills, while the proximity to scenic training areas allows for efficient practice of flight maneuvers. The club’s nonprofit status further enhances the learning environment by offering weekend seminars and additional educational opportunities.
The aviation industry constantly evolves, and PFC stays ahead by balancing traditional training methods and technological advancements. While advanced flight instruments and simulators play an important role, Candace emphasizes the importance of attitude flying — training pilots to rely on visual cues outside the aircraft rather than solely on cockpit instruments. This foundational skill improves problem-solving abilities and enhances flight safety.
Candace believes that flexibility and adaptability are key traits for any aspiring pilot. Flight training is a continuous learning process that requires both technical skills and mental resilience. Mistakes are part of the journey, and being open to different teaching methods and problem-solving approaches is essential. She encourages students to take an active role in their learning by identifying areas for improvement, collaborating with instructors, and balancing ground-based study with in-air practice.
She recommends breaking challenges into manageable parts for those struggling with specific skills. Some learning can take place on the ground through study and preparation, while other aspects must be practiced in the aircraft. Effective communication with instructors is crucial to developing a personalized strategy for improvement.
Looking back on her journey, Candace reflects on many memorable moments — from landing on grass runways to flying over breathtaking landscapes like Niagara Falls. However, what truly fuels her passion is the quiet beauty of early morning flights. The stillness of the sky at sunrise reminds her why she loves flying and why she is dedicated to sharing that joy with others.
Candace Pardo’s career in aviation exemplifies how passion, persistence, and adaptability can lead to incredible opportunities. As an instructor and mentor, she continues to inspire the next generation of pilots, ensuring they learn the technical aspects of flying and experience the thrill and fulfillment that comes with it.
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Candace Pardo’s journey to becoming a Class 1 Flight Instructor and Assistant Manager of Flight Operations at Pacific Flying Club (PFC) was anything but conventional.
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