Academic Instruction

The CAD’s academic component – supplied by Okanagan University College (OUC) – typically consists of three academic courses per semester for a total of twelve courses over two years. While OUC enrollment must be concurrent with the flight-training portion of the CAD program, these twelve courses may be taken in any sequence so long as course prerequisites have been satisfied. Geography 111 and Computer Science 122 (CoSc 111 or 113 may be substituted for CoSc 122) are mandatory. Students are advised to take their twelve academic courses as sequenced pairs (e.g.: History 112 and 122) to maximize credit towards a potential, subsequent degree.

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Flight Training

The CAD program’s flight-training component is offered at Carson Air’s modern Flight School and consists of Transport Canada prescribed flight training, aviation theory and exams. Carson Air has the largest training fleet in the BC Interior. Students who successfully completethe two-year program receive an OUC Diploma in Commercial Aviation in addition to the Transport Canada Commercial Pilot Licence with Multi-Engine, Instrument and Night Rating.

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Prerequisites

Prerequisites for the CAD program are:

• B.C. Secondary School Graduation (or equivalent).
• English 12 (or equivalent).
• A Private Pilot Licence (which may be obtained at the Flight School prior to the program’s commencement).
• A Letter of Recommendation from the Flight Centre confirming satisfactory completion of – aptitude testing, Category 1 Aviation Medical testing and a personal interview.
• Additional, OUC prerequisites may correspond with the student’s chosen program of study.

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Fees

OUC’s normal fee structure applies to the academic component of the CAD program. Details are provided in the OUC calendar. Training at the Flight School is not subject to OUC controls, regulations or fees. Cost for the program’s flight component averages $9,000 per semester, but varies with the number of hours required to complete the flying and training requirements. Students pay tuition fees and associated costs for flight training directly to the Flight School. OUC transcripts officially record a student’s participation in the flight-training portion of the program. Additional costs for books and supplies, Transport Canada medical insurance, in-flight and written examinations, as well as licence processing fees, may apply.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance may be available to qualifying students. For further information, please contact the Financial Awards Office at OUC’s North Kelowna Campus at (250) 762-5445, local 4119.

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Graduation

A Commercial Aviation Diploma is awarded to students who successfully complete 36 OUC credits and present a letter from the Flight School indicating satisfactory completion of aviation theory courses, Transport Canada Commercial Pilot certification, Multi-Engine Instrument ratings, and the IATRA written exam.

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Career Opportunities

All surveys and indicators point to a worldwide shortage of qualified commercial pilots well into the new century. Prospects for graduates of the CAD program are outstanding as most airlines only hire diploma or degree students. With an 88% job placement rate, grads have found exciting work opportunities with charter companies, regional carriers and major airlines. Carson Air offers graduating students the opportunity to become Flight School instructors or pilots on their Charter, Courier and Air Ambulance operations.The training capabilities and expertise of Carson Air are endless as it is an experienced, multi-functional Airline Company.

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Location

Located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, which has long been known as “Canada’s Four Seasons Playground,” Kelowna has a special, relaxed ambience and one of B.C.’s most pleasant climates. The city receives 2,000 hours of sunshine and only 13 inches of precipitation annually. Long sunny summers, short mild winters, and the perfect level of air traffic density, make Kelowna an excellent environment for aviation training. 

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Housing

On-site student residences are located at OUC’s Campus’. A housing registry of apartments, basement suites, residential motel units, and room and board facilities are available from the OUC Student Association.

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Contact

For further information about the CAD program, please contact the Commercial Aviation Diploma Program Director at 1-800-765-7779, ext.233 or (250)765-7776, ext. 233.

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