Pilot instructor with a student in the cockpit of a Cessna 172

What Is Fam Flight: Your First Flight Experience.

Take your first step toward becoming a pilot with a Familiarization Flight (FAM Flight) at Pacific Flying Club (PFC). It’s not just a joyride — it’s a taste of real flight training and an introduction to our community, fleet, instructors, and facilities.

What You’ll Experience

  • 30–40 minutes, right-seat of a Cessna 152 or 172, departing from Boundary Bay Airport.
  • A pre-flight briefing with your instructor—covering walkaround checks, weight-and-balance, and flight planning.
  • During the flight: basic maneuvers, familiarization with instruments, and scenic views (White Rock, Boundary Bay, Vancouver region).
  • You get hands-on control — take the yoke, execute a climb, turn, or gentle approach.
  • A guided landing and post-flight debrief: instructors highlight what you did well and how to improve.

This flight bridges dreams and reality:

It gives you an authentic taste of what pilot training is actually like.:

  • Gives strong insight into PFC culture, training methods, and instructor support.
  • Counts toward Private Pilot Licence (PPL) requirements as a regulated training hour — a head-start in your flight journey.
  • Provides clarity on whether flying is your passion before committing time and resources.

As instructor Annika Sun shares:

“On a Familiarization Flight, a flight instructor will take you and show you how to do a proper walk around… Then we’ll take you over to… White Rock… We will give you control for a bit, and you can fly the plane.”  Click The full interview with Annika Sun.

Behind the Scenes at Pacific Flying Club

PFC is more than flights. You’ll become part of a historic, supportive, safety-driven hub:

  • Founded in 1965, it relocated to Boundary Bay in 1985.
  • A not-for-profit club: revenue reinvested into fleet, simulators, maintenance, and free seminars.
  • Largest active fleet in British Columbia: 30 aircraft and 3 simulators, including full-motion options and advanced Level‑2 devices.
  • Teaching excellence rooted in award-winning instructors and partnership with BCIT’s Airline & Flight Operations diploma program.
  • Trusted quality: first Lower Mainland flight school accredited by PCTIA/PTIB; designated learning institution for international students.

What You Can Do After Your Flight

After your Familiarization Flight, you can:

  • Enroll in PPL or Recreational Permit training, combining ground school (classroom or online) and hands-on flying.
  • Begin logging hours toward CPL, IFR, multi-engine, or instructor ratings, with simulator access and in-aircraft training.
  • Join as a PFC member, unlocking aircraft rates, free seminars (e.g., mountain and night flying), and access to the thriving pilot community.

Ready to Take Flight?

  • Age Requirement: Minimum age is 13
  • Aircraft Options:
    • Cessna 152 (two‑seater) — $150 (tax included)
    • Cessna 172 (four‑seater) — $175 (tax included)
  • How to Book:

What You’ll Gain

  • Firsthand experience in flight operations and cockpit environment
  • Insight into PFC’s approach — safety, instruction style, and aviation culture
  • Flight training credits that accelerate your path to licensure
  • Confidence to decide: Is flying for recreation or a career right for you?

Become part of our 60‑year tradition at Boundary Bay Airport. Contact us today to book your own FAM Flight!

Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone age 13 or older with an interest in flying. No prior experience is needed.

No. A medical is not required for a Familiarization Flight. It’s an introductory session, not a solo flight.

If you choose the Cessna 172 option, you may bring one guest. The Cessna 152 is a two-seater and cannot accommodate an extra person.

You can call us at 604‑946‑0011 or email info@pacificflying.com. We’ll schedule a time that works for you and assign an instructor.

  • The Cessna 152 is a smaller two-seat trainer—ideal for a solo introduction.

  • The Cessna 172 has four seats and slightly more cabin room and power.

Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Bring a government-issued photo ID and sunglasses if it’s sunny. We’ll supply everything else.

Please give us at least 24 hours’ notice to reschedule or cancel. Late cancellations may be subject to a fee.

Yes. The time can be logged toward your Private Pilot Licence (PPL) training if you choose to continue.

Your instructor will adjust the flight to your comfort level. The goal is a relaxed, educational experience.