EFC Alumni

Welcome to the EFC Alumni page, where we celebrate the outstanding individuals who have embarked on transformative journeys with us at the Edmonton Flying Club (EFC).

As you explore this page, you will discover a rich tapestry of stories from our esteemed alumni who have soared to great heights in the aviation industry and beyond. From pilots to aviation executives, engineers to entrepreneurs, our alumni embody the spirit of excellence, determination, and passion that defines the EFC community.

Join us as we showcase the remarkable achievements and contributions of our alumni, inspiring the next generation of aviation enthusiasts to spread their wings and reach for the sky.

Adam Kemp
Brede Rowe
Jonathan Lee
Rob Armstrong
Ryan Argue
Aaron Dittrich
Kristen Pearce
Carol Jones
Nick Anderson
Austen McDonald
Vin Ben B.
Alexander Harrison
Reese Failing
Angela Wasylowich

ALUMNI BIOS

1.WHO AM I AND WHERE AM I NOW?

I am a born and bred Alberta boy and lived in St. Albert from childhood until 2008. Currently, and since January 2013, I live in Hong Kong and work for Cathay Pacific as a Relief Command Qualified First Officer on the Airbus 350 and 330. I started flying at the age of 20 in 2005, undertaking the Grant MacEwan College (now University) Aviation Management Studies Program, and completed my PPL, CPL, and Multi-IFR at EFC. I finished my training in 2007 at EFC. Whilst I was training, I managed to get a job as a dispatcher at EFC and then eventually became Chief of Dispatch and Line. I then discovered and attracted a company called SkyWords to base their operations out of EFC at CYXD and was hired as their surveillance pilot. In early 2008, I left Canada to finish my Bachelor of Business degree in Australia and after converting my license I worked as a sky dive pilot in a beautiful slice of the world called the Sunshine Coast. In 2012, I was hired by Cathay Pacific and after a training program in Adelaide, Australia, I relocated to Hong Kong in early 2013 where I remain to this day.
Shameless plug – if you want to follow my career, find me on Instagram at adam.aeroplane

2. WHY DID I CHOOSE EFC?

I chose EFC because after some investigation with the competing flight schools in the area, I thought it was the best choice. EFC had a large fleet and adequate office, briefing and classroom space. The aircraft were well maintained by both maintenance and dispatch and line. The costs for the EFC rentals and programs were competitive. The last, best part about EFC was the people. Back in 2005, as I am sure it remains today, EFC hired high calibre people, not only when it came to awesome instructors, but also in dispatch, maintenance, and the office. EFC also had a great community atmosphere where employees, students and members did not just interact when it came to flying, but also acted as a genuine club or community for fly-ins, hangar hockey, BBQs, and opportunities to fly with many people in a number of club and private planes.

3. HOW DID EFC HELP MY CAREER?

EFC gave me all the tools I needed to be successful to get through my licensing. I was provided with great instruction from all of my instructors through all of the ups and downs, and was provided with all of the resources I need to learn and be successful. EFC gave me opportunities to work at the club itself, to network with many in the industry and to jump start my career by bringing in other opportunities, like SkyWords. I’m now operating one of the largest and most advanced airliners in the world, and I know I couldn’t have done it without the great start I received from EFC.

4. WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT EFC?

To be honest, there are too many to name, so I’ll just list a few:

  • My 300nm X-country to Seattle, WA, via Golden, Kelowna, and Vancouver
  • Joining a friend on their 300nm X-country to Idaho, via Montana
  • Hour building in all sorts of EFC aircraft with countless friends, pilots, and co workers in Alberta, BC and Saskatchewan
  • Early mornings in the summer working on the ramp before the club opened, pulling the planes out of the hangar in the quiet morning sun
  • Late winter nights stacking the hangar – like an intricate game of Tetris
  • Hangar Rash – hangar floor hockey tournaments
  • BBQs – including EFC 80th Anniversary and annual Wings Banquets
  • Mountain Endorsement and Night Rating
  • Ferrying aircraft for the club back from Springbank using my shiny new IR
  • Competing in the Webster Memorial

5.IF YOU HAD TO GIVE ADVICE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

The best advice I can give starting out is no matter what to persevere and keep trying. There are going to be all sorts of ups and downs ranging from passing a license or rating; to being unable master a technique as fast as you thought; to the cost of entering this profession (or hobby); to job opportunities and subsequent job losses – and then more job opportunities. Aviation is truly a fickle industry, but it is also incredibly rewarding. I have had so many amazing experiences and met so many great people that I could never regret the path I’ve taken in my life. I’ve also been incredibly lucky, but personally a lot of that luck depends on perseverance, so keep trying, and when times get tough, don’t give up. A mistake or error just means you are on your way to perfecting whatever you are trying to accomplish. You only fail when you stop trying.
Finally, be open to where this path takes you. I had never planned to become an airline pilot or ever live in Asia. I would have been more than content to work in corporate/executive aviation based in Canada, but here I am and I wouldn’t think twice about giving it back.

1. Who am I and where am I now?

My name is Brede Rowe, and I am currently a Q400 Captain at WestJet Encore. I have been working at WestJet for a little over six months and it has been an amazing experience. Prior to that, I was at Central Mountain Air for eight years flying the Beech 1900D and Dornier 328. I was born in Southern Alberta and grew up on the West Coast. Prior to discovering aviation, I was enrolled at the University of Alberta for a Bachelor of Science Degree. On a whim, I signed up for a discovery flight at the Edmonton Flying Club. After that first flight, I was hooked! I finished out my semester at U of A and signed up for my private license at EFC that summer. 2. Why did I choose EFC?
I was living in Edmonton at the time. After doing a bit of research, I found that EFC had been around for nearly a century, and had a great reputation within the industry.
3. How did EFC help my career? I was working full time while getting my license, so flexibility was key. I had very knowledgeable and understanding instructors that helped me craft a ground school/flying schedule that would keep me progressing without getting burnt out. 4. What is my most memorable experience at EFC?
Other than the big milestones such as going on my first solo, I would say my most memorable experience at EFC was when the Edmonton City Centre Airport hosted the Edmonton Indy. During the race one of the runways was closed for the Indy cars, and the other was used for arrivals and departures. Needless to say, my taxi times were substantially longer during the race… best seats in the house! 5. If I had to give advice to someone starting out what would I say?
We’re at a unique time in aviation history. For one of the first times, pilots are in short supply worldwide. For a young aviation enthusiast debating whether or not they should get licensed, I would say it is a no-brainer. It is not unrealistic for someone to go from their private license to a First Officer at a major regional airline within four to five years. Historically, this would have taken ten years or longer. I think the best part about this industry is how small it is. We are a close-knit group. Along my journey, I have made great friends, all from former instructors, peers, mentors, and people I have mentored. Everyone went separate ways to get experience and flight time, from working the ramp for a shot at flying a turboprop, to instructing, to flying the bush, or to those who were lucky enough to get a job at the airlines right out of school. Fast forward to today as I have the pleasure of seeing those same familiar faces at WestJet.
Having said that, people get worked up about chasing metal and trying to get to the airlines as fast as they can. Enjoy the journey. I definitely look back fondly on my training days and the many years I worked at CMA.
My advice is to be humble, be open to feedback, treat others as you want to be treated, and never rush to a decision. We all think we’re Top Gun pilots, but the best pilots are the ones who are willing to admit their shortcomings, who are open-minded and who work well as a crew

1. Who am I and where am I now?

Jonathan (Jon) Lee, Western Regional Manager, Transportation Safety Board of Canada (Aircraft Accident Investigation). Working in Edmonton, AB. First soloed in C-GRPQ in April 1988 at CZVL. Left the EFC as CFI in January 1995, chased various flying jobs around the country and eventually ended up back in Edmonton with the TSB in June 1999.
2. Why did I choose EFC?
 
I learned to fly in the mid eighties and the location of EFC at CYXD was the most convenient. They also had the best facilities and plenty of aircraft and instructors to choose from. Flying from CYXD was also challenging with all the airline traffic that was operating there. It gave you good experience at a busy airport – certainly wasn’t intimated going into other busy airports in Canada or the US.
3. How did EFC help my career?
EFC hired me as a class 4 instructor; it was my first job in aviation. Throughout my time instructing at EFC (which was 4 years due to a slow down in the industry) I was encouraged by management to get as much experience as I could. With their support, it was easy to upgrade through to my Class I instructor rating, teach in the ME/IFR department, teach commercial ground school and to fly charters under the EFC AOC. I always found my instructor experience helpful throughout my flying career and even in accident investigation today.
4. What is my most memorable experience at EFC?
In 1994 the EFC was very active in promoting the Edmonton Flight College and the Club. They decided to sponsor a booth at the Namao Airshow which included space on the static line for a C152. Terry Nickerson (fellow instructor) and I got to fly C-GYJJ into Namao the day before the airshow started and it was quite exciting to be in the pattern with all sorts of arriving military aircraft. How could you impress anyone with a C152? Since a high-speed pass was out of the question (it would take too long to do) our only strong point was the short-field landing capability. So we performed a short field landing into a 20 kt wind and we were able to get off the runway pretty quick compared to the F15s and F16s that were tearing up the airfield. We like to think the controllers in the tower were impressed!
5. If I had to give advice to someone starting out what would I say?
If you are pursuing aviation as a career, you may go through a few different flying jobs. Anywhere you stop, strive to obtain all that the company can offer in terms of duties, responsibilities, certifications, etc. Such as any OHS certifications, fork-lift ratings, training positions, writing manuals, etc.. There is much more to aviation than piloting an aircraft and if you can show an employer that you have multiple talents, you will succeed.
1. Who am I and where am I now?
After more than twenty years of working in the IT industry, I felt burnt-out. The daily rush-hour commutes, mandatory office hours, occasional boredom, and common project challenges were wearing me down. The IT industry had been a great career for me, however, more and more, I felt that I needed a new challenge – one that was completely different. Today, I work for Airco Aircraft Charters flying as a first officer on the King Air 100 and Beechcraft 1900D. We fly to many places in Canada that people haven’t experienced first hand. We see many of the small communities in Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan. It is great to get to see, first hand, how beautiful and vast the Canadian North is. Multi-day trips to the BC coast for fishing trip charters are my favourite. Variety is the best part of the charter business and aviation has been a perfect change for me!
2. Why did I choose EFC?
The Edmonton Flying Club was an easy choice for me. Its long history in aviation and the fact that it is a non-profit organization made me feel comfortable that safety and quality would be prioritized over profits. As soon as I started with EFC, the club atmosphere and staff friendliness made me realize I had made the right decision.
3. How did EFC help my career?
The Edmonton Flying Club provided me with great quality training. Beyond the actual training, they provided me with an environment filled with students and staff that were eager to learn and share
their experiences. The club atmosphere is essentially a network of people that love to share their experiences and help you achieve your goals.
4. What is my most memorable experience at EFC?
My most memorable experience is a group trip to Great Falls, Montana. We experienced what it is like to clear customs and what not to do:) The group was fun, and re-planning our return trip because of the weather was a great challenge!
5. If I had to give advice to someone starting out what would I say?
If you are looking for a career in aviation, get started today.

1. Who am I and where am I now?
I grew up (mostly) in Edmonton, and since getting into aviation I’ve moved around from Manitoba, to Southern Ontario, Northern Alberta, and now I’m living in Vancouver as DHC-3T Turbine Otter Captain for Harbour Air.

2. Why did I choose EFC?
I chose EFC because of its reputation and aircraft fleet. I was confident in the teaching that I would be getting at EFC, and the quality of the instructors. I started (very briefly) when EFC was still located at City Centre airport in Edmonton, and then got back into flying after EFC moved out to Parkland Airport.

3. How did EFC help my career?
EFC not only helped me earn my PPL, but also gave me my first job in aviation. I worked as a dispatcher at EFC in 2015 and 2016, and I have no doubt in my mind that the experience I earned working around aircraft has been invaluable in helping my resume stand out among other low-time pilots. I also can thank EFC and the staff there for pursuing my CPL, helping me switch careers into aviation.  I’ve kept in touch and worked with other EFC alumni and I’m grateful for everyone that’s helped me along the way.  I’ve made friends that will last a lifetime, and we all are in different areas of aviation now.

4. What is my most memorable experience at EFC?
Easy. Fairmont fly-in, 2016. Three 172s through the mountains into Fairmont Hot Springs. It was a weekend of good flying, great people, spectacular photos, and countless shenanigans. Anyone who was there that weekend will regale you with the stories, I’m sure.

5. If I had to give advice to someone starting out what would I say?
I would say the most important thing to know is to stay friends with the ones you make flying. Jobs are given to people with good references, and those people will be around for the rest of your career. Aviation is a small world, especially in Canada, and people saying good things about you are as valuable as the hours in your logbook.  You’ll make friends that’ll help you in new jobs, new companies, and everything else that comes your way. 

Who am I and where am I now?
I was born in Smithers, B.C. but I spent most of my school years in Fort Vermilion, Alberta. After high school I attended the University of Lethbridge and University of Alberta where I completed degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science, respectively. Originally planning to continue with a Ph.D., I got a crazy idea in my head one evening while flying from Toronto back to Edmonton.
Aviation had always been something that fascinated me and the idea of getting a pilot license had been simmering in the back of my mind for many years. That evening I decided to completely alter my career path. After graduating from the U of A I worked for TELUS for two years while I completed my flight training at EFC.
Upon finishing my instructor rating I was hired by the club and worked in that capacity for one year before moving on to Nor-Alta Aviation as a Cessna Caravan pilot. I left there four years later as a King Air captain, spent the next two doing the same thing at Bar XH Air in Medicine Hat. I then accepted a position as a 737 First Officer for Canadian North Airlines, based in Calgary, which is where I have been employed since early 2013.
Why did I choose EFC?
I chose EFC based on its history and its reputation for quality instruction, as well as the fleet diversity that it had. Its location at the City Centre Airport (at the time) was also very convenient. Flying in and out of YXD was always a wonderful experience that I still miss.
How did EFC help my career or help me achieve my flying goals?
EFC jump started my career in that I was hired as an instructor minutes after passing my instructor rating flight test. Given the busy nature of the school, I was also able to get to know several people in the industry, one of which became my next boss when he hired me for my subsequent job.
What is my most memorable experience at EFC?
After the wings banquet one evening, when most people had long since left, the staff members who were still present all climbed onto the hangar roof and finished the party up there. The view of the City Centre Airport, set against the backdrop of downtown Edmonton that calm evening, and the great time we all shared together remains one of my fondest memories from those days.
If I had to give advice to someone starting out what would I say?
Networking is key. Don’t wait until you finish your CPL flight test to start applying for jobs. Get to know as many people in the industry as early as you can. Every employer in Canada that hires low time pilots has a stack of 100+ identical resumes, and the chances of yours being picked at random are slim. Employers tend to hire those people whom they know and can put a face to. In the end,an extra 2.7 hours of multi-PIC isn’t going to land you a job. It’s your persistence, positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Who am I and where am I now?
I am from Edmonton and started my flight training in the fall of 2000. I got all of my licenses and ratings at EFC except for my private. After getting my instructor rating in 2007, I was hired as an instructor in September of 2007. After working my way up the ladder and eventually teaching multi IFR and becoming the Chief Flight Instructor I ended my instructing career in the summer of 2012. After a year hiatus from flying I was lucky to get a job with Sunwest Aviation as a First Officer on the Lear 45. My goal as a student when I first started had been airlines, but as time went on that goal turned into corporate flying and am happy to be at the job I’ve been dreaming of for a long time. This plane and company allow me to see many new places that I’ve never been to before and I love it all!
Why did I choose EFC?
EFC has such a great reputation and an amazing history. After getting my private license elsewhere I felt that there was more to this flying thing, and decided to look at EFC. When I walked through the doors the staff was inviting and made me excited to continue my training there. Through all my years there, I had the same feelings and truly believe it is the best training school in the Edmonton area
What is my most memorable experience at EFC?
My most memorable experience was probably becoming CFI. I never went there expecting to become CFI but was sure happy I did. I learned a lot about myself and the industry. Such a great experience.
How did EFC help my career?
EFC helped my career in a way that it taught me discipline in my flying and allowed me to learn from many different people with different techniques. I went from instructing to the Lear 45 so it was a huge learning curve. I knew that what I had learned EFC I could apply there as well. I remember answering this question in my interview “coming from instructing to a jet, what skills do you think you can bring to this new environment?” I said, with instructing you have to understand not only the flying part but the theoretical part too. That stuff doesn’t change from aircraft to aircraft. Also with instructing you must try your best to show each exercise perfectly to the students so I feel that I Got the opportunity to do a great landing every single time etc etc for each exercise. There wasn’t a chance to do a bad demo. I believe that’s what made me a good pilot.
If I had to give advice to someone starting out what would I say?
Understand that your goals may change throughout your career. The best thing I did was make mini goals along the way. Once I was satisfied with one goal I would set another. This allowed me to accomplish things and be proud of them yet still strive for others.
I got my private pilot license in Dec 2012. My story is a little different than most pilots as I did not dream of flying all my life.
My story begins about 10 years before when my husband comes to me and asks if I want to do a “craft project.” His father (Tren) had bought a kit to build a Challenger Ultra light and needed a little help putting it together. It had always been his dream to fly and being 87 years old, we thought it was a good idea to help him build this aircraft. So my son Seth (age 14 at the time) and I began the task of applying fabric to the aluminum and putting together this aircraft in our garage. When fuselage was finish and the project became too large for the garage, we moved it to the back yard. We received many inquiries from curious onlookers as to what we were doing in our suburban yard, but it was an excellent experience for my son and I to work together.
When the ultra light was finished we moved it out to Snowbird Aviation (St. Albert, AB) to have help putting the Rotox engine and cables and braking systems in and readying the aircraft for Canadian registration. It was an exciting day when first test flight was done! Through this experience I learned about every piece of the aircraft and how it functioned. We moved the Challenger down to Moses Lake, WA where my 87year old father-in-law got his recreational pilot license. The same plane was used to train my son (when he turned 16) and my husband. I was only able to fly a couple times a year so it was not practical for me to get my license at this time.
When my youngest of eight children left home to go to college, I was at home one evening thinking that this would be a good time to learn to fly. So I looked up flying clubs in the Edmonton area and found the Edmonton Flying Club to be the most organized and professional approach to learning. Ground school was two evenings a week and I could study when I was not working as a medical assistant at a doctors office. My family has been very supportive of me and have been excited to watch me progress.
I feel that I have been well trained by the Edmonton Flying Club and staff continually are supportive and informative of changes to airspace and new airport updates, etc. One of my most memorable experiences was the first time I had a radio communication failure in my aircraft, and having my thoughts immediately going to the training I had grilled into me by Sophia as to emergency procedures. I was thankful I knew what to do.
My advice for other people is that, “You are never to old to Learn.”
Where are you now?
I am currently working as a Dash 8 Captain at Sunwest Aviation. I have been with Sunwest almost 3 years now.
Why did I choose EFC?
I chose EFC because of the people and the quality of the Aircraft that they operate.
What is my most memorable experience at EFC?
My most memorable experience from EFC would have to be the good times shared over a few drinks with the great people that worked there. EFC was a great place for me to get a successful start with more then enough work for you if you wanted it.
If I had to give advice to someone starting out what would I say?
Make the best choices on where you want to end up for more than a year or two and you will be much happier. If you want the airlines your time will come if you’re patient, but don’t be in a rush to get there. Some of the small operators will be the most enjoyable flying of your career.

1.Who Am I And Where Am I Now?

My name is Austen McDonald, and I am a Designer/Flight Validation Pilot at JetPro Consultants Inc and a Q400 First Officer with Jazz Aviation LP in YVR.

Everyone’s path in aviation is different and mine is no exception. I have wanted to fly since I could say the word airplane, but I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 14. At the time, this meant that a career as a pilot was prohibited. Despite this, I still wanted to pursue flying as a profession. I was able to get a PPL, Night, IFR, and Multi-Engine rating but the CPL was out of reach due to some antiquated Transport Canada Medical rules about Type 1 Diabetes.

While appealing Transport Canada’s stance on diabetes and flying, I completed a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the UofA while working as a RNAV Approach Designer with the family business. I was fortunately able to build a lot of my time in the companies Piper Seneca III flying coast to coast flight checking approaches in some challenging and remote areas of the country!

After a few years of advocacy, case studies, and meetings in Ottawa, Transport Canada changed their regulations to give individuals with well controlled Diabetes the opportunity to obtain a commercial medical certificate. Subsequently, I became the first person with pre-existing Type 1 Diabetes to receive a commercial pilots license in the world!

I was hired by Jazz Aviation LP in 2019 and continue to design and flight check approaches on the side.

2. Why Did I Choose EFC?

I had great recommendations from family friends about the fleet, instructors, and facilities at EFC! Unfortunately, I never got to experience flying out of YXD but I did get to see and experience what a new airport looks like while at the same time flying the unique DA20 to get my Recreational Pilots License back in 2014!

3. How Did EFC Help My Career?

EFC helped fuel that fire known as “the flying bug” as I was still on the fence about wanting to try and make flying my professional career. My instructor, Brad Keats, was extremely patient and understanding in dealing with the struggles I had with Transport Canada getting my initial medical certificates. EFCs tried and true program built the strong foundation that I used to launch my career from.

4. What Is Your Most Memorable Experience At EFC?

Must be my first solo and the water bucket treatment after I landed! It was the middle of July, so the water bucket was a nice cool off. Years later I came across the same airplane (G-FEFZ) flying in Moncton. I still have the first solo t-shirt but years (and in-flight snacks) later I’ve “out-grown” it.

5. If You Had To Give Advice To Someone Starting Out What Would You Say?

  • Patience and consistency! Not everyone’s training or career path is the same nor should it be, but what you can control is how you approach your training and outlook you have going into it.
  • Make as many friends as possible – you never know when they might be able to help you get a job!
  • Participate in club social events – one of my biggest regrets was not going to the club BBQs or club nights throughout the years! Great way to network, make new friends, talk about airplane. What more could you want?!
  • Most importantly – never stop learning!

1.Who Am I And Where Am I Now?

My name is Austen McDonald, and I am a Designer/Flight Validation Pilot at JetPro Consultants Inc and a Q400 First Officer with Jazz Aviation LP in YVR.

Everyone’s path in aviation is different and mine is no exception. I have wanted to fly since I could say the word airplane, but I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 14. At the time, this meant that a career as a pilot was prohibited. Despite this, I still wanted to pursue flying as a profession. I was able to get a PPL, Night, IFR, and Multi-Engine rating but the CPL was out of reach due to some antiquated Transport Canada Medical rules about Type 1 Diabetes.

While appealing Transport Canada’s stance on diabetes and flying, I completed a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the UofA while working as a RNAV Approach Designer with the family business. I was fortunately able to build a lot of my time in the companies Piper Seneca III flying coast to coast flight checking approaches in some challenging and remote areas of the country!

After a few years of advocacy, case studies, and meetings in Ottawa, Transport Canada changed their regulations to give individuals with well controlled Diabetes the opportunity to obtain a commercial medical certificate. Subsequently, I became the first person with pre-existing Type 1 Diabetes to receive a commercial pilots license in the world!

I was hired by Jazz Aviation LP in 2019 and continue to design and flight check approaches on the side.

2. Why Did I Choose EFC?

I had great recommendations from family friends about the fleet, instructors, and facilities at EFC! Unfortunately, I never got to experience flying out of YXD but I did get to see and experience what a new airport looks like while at the same time flying the unique DA20 to get my Recreational Pilots License back in 2014!

3. How Did EFC Help My Career?

EFC helped fuel that fire known as “the flying bug” as I was still on the fence about wanting to try and make flying my professional career. My instructor, Brad Keats, was extremely patient and understanding in dealing with the struggles I had with Transport Canada getting my initial medical certificates. EFCs tried and true program built the strong foundation that I used to launch my career from.

4. What Is Your Most Memorable Experience At EFC?

Must be my first solo and the water bucket treatment after I landed! It was the middle of July, so the water bucket was a nice cool off. Years later I came across the same airplane (G-FEFZ) flying in Moncton. I still have the first solo t-shirt but years (and in-flight snacks) later I’ve “out-grown” it.

5. If You Had To Give Advice To Someone Starting Out What Would You Say?

  • Patience and consistency! Not everyone’s training or career path is the same nor should it be, but what you can control is how you approach your training and outlook you have going into it.
  • Make as many friends as possible – you never know when they might be able to help you get a job!
  • Participate in club social events – one of my biggest regrets was not going to the club BBQs or club nights throughout the years! Great way to network, make new friends, talk about airplane. What more could you want?!
  • Most importantly – never stop learning!

WHO AM I AND WHERE AM I NOW?

My name is Vinodh Benjamin Bastiampillai and I’m currently a Captain on the CRJ with Jazz Aviation, flying for Air Canada under the Express banner. I’m based in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, where I’ve been for the past 5 years. I spent the majority of my life in Edmonton and then later Calgary, where I spent 5 years flying for two other operators. I initially started with Kenn Borek Air as a flight follower and then transitioned to the Twin Otter as a First Officer for a couple years. I then flew for a company called Aries aviation as a Captain on a Navajo for over three years doing survey work in the U.S., South America and all over Canada. I got on with Jazz in February of 2017 and have been enjoying every second of it!

WHY DID I CHOOSE EFC?

After getting my Private Pilots License in Calgary via a scholarship back in 2001, it confirmed that I wanted to definitely do this as a career. Once I got back home to Edmonton where I was living, I looked around at the flight schools and flying clubs available and it was quite an easy decision to go with Edmonton Flying Club. With it’s professional atmosphere and rich history, based out of the Edmonton Municipal Airport at that time, I knew I was in great hands. Soon after, as a back up, and post secondary schooling given a preference for hiring in aviation, I went to the University of Alberta in Edmonton to do a 4 year Bachelor of Physical Education degree in 2002. I kept my flying currency at EFC and did the occasional scenic city tours with family and friends with a bit of time building over the next few years while in School. After University, I went full tilt into starting my Commercial License in 2007 with EFC and building up my time and ratings.

HOW DID EFC HELP MY CAREER?

Just like any new skill learned, the importance of mastering the basics is the foundation to where you can build going forward. It should be a fundamental requirement to get proper training in order to set you up for future successes, and create good/safe habits for the rest of your career. With EFC’s knowledgeable staff and experienced flight instructors, I went through their excellent ground school and successfully passed the written exams and flight test! I also had the pleasure of getting some Multi IFR instruction on their state of the art Flight simulator with EFC’s wonderful addition to the staff and current CFI of EFC, Sophia Wells! The quality of instruction and tools available to better yourself as a pilot are top notch at EFC!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT EFC?

Sad to say, but a very memorable experience with EFC was the day of 9-11. If old enough, we all remember where we were and what we were doing on that terrible day. 18 years old and a newly minted Private Pilots License in hand, I had just joined EFC and had my first flight/initial checkout scheduled at 2 pm that afternoon. Along with the rest of the world, I watched in shock and horror at the events unfolding all morning. Just after noon, I got a phone call from my instructor saying that my checkout flight was cancelled as all aircraft in the world are being grounded. Understandably so, that day is forever etched in my mind.

IF YOU HAD TO GIVE ADVICE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

Be humble and don’t ever give up! For most of us, this career trajectory is not a straight line up. There are lots of dips and sometimes massive blows to our hopes and confidence. The key is to trust that your hard work and sacrifices, sometimes for many years for some of us, will eventually get you to where you want to go or be. If you have a serious passion for flying and can’t shake off that urge to get back in the sky every time you’re on the ground for a bit, then you are in the right place. I wake up everyday that I have to go to “work” with a huge smile on my face and thankful I get to call this my career!

I am Alexander Harrison and I flew with EFC for my private licence and later on as a flight instructor. Recently, I have been hired as a first officer with CanWest Air. CanWest Air is a great company that does medivac and cargo operations.

I chose EFC for my training based on their fleet and word of mouth. EFC does excellent discovery flights that allow you to get a taste of what flying is like and that’s what got me hooked. Their aircraft systems are great for moving forward within aviation, they allow you to see how more advanced aircraft function and prepare you for the industry.

EFC helped me in a variety of way to help me advance my career. The team instructors at EFC helped me gain experience through answering my questions and helping me with hard to solve problems. Instructing was also a great way to gain hours as an low time pilot. I really enjoyed watching my students succeed and adapting to deferent learning styles.

My memorable experiences with EFC would be the ones around the hanger. EFC has a wide verity of students, instructors, and renters that all have great advice if your new or just getting started. If your just looking to get started with aviation I would highly recommend a discovery flight and come with lots of questions to see if its for you.

1.WHO AM I AND WHERE AM I NOW?

Reese Failing and I’m living in thunder bay as a pilatus pc-12 first officer for north star air

2. WHY DID I CHOOSE EFC?

The initial draw to EFC was simply proximity to my home. I only really had two options one operated at villeneuve and the other was EFC. I actually had done a discovery flight with the other school prior to signing up at EFC. I decided to check EFC because I wanted to make sure that I was exploring all my options. After parking at the airport and seeing EFC for the first time I knew it was a better choice due to parkland being a quieter, simpler airport to operate out of but mainly due to the people that were working that day. Everyone was very friendly and willing to help and answer any questions I had, and they were all smiling and saying hi. It was a much better atmosphere where I felt I would be more comfortable and I was right.

3. HOW DID EFC HELP MY CAREER?

The main thing that EFC taught me was how to prepare and give myself the best possible chance of success. They showed me how to prepare with very thorough studying which meant examiners would have to work hard to find questions I couldn’t answer. EFC also taught me to be comfortable outside my comfort zone. When you’re learning to fly you are going to have many times where you are flying outside your comfort zone but that is wear you will be doing your best learning.

4. WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT EFC?

How dare you make me choose one. There really are so many, but I think I can’t of anything more pivotal than my first solo. This was truly the first moment where I realized that I am capable of this, flying and operating an aircraft solely on my own. It was an amazing moment that gave me the confidence and the drive to power through the rest of my training.

5.IF YOU HAD TO GIVE ADVICE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

The best piece of advice I’ve gotten was from my uncle, he would always say. “You’re never ready, it’s just your turn.” That phrase really stuck with me and you will realize how very true it is as you start out. When it’s your turn you will never ever feel ready, but you just have to go and give it everything you’ve got. 

1.WHO AM I AND WHERE AM I NOW?

I am Angela Wasylowich, and I am currently flying an Embraer Praetor 500 and a Cessna TTx for a private organization here in Calgary, AB. I started my initial private training at EFC in July of 2018 and went on to finish my commercial/multi-ifr and, finally, my instructor rating by July 2020. I also graduated from Grant MacEwan University, completing a Business Management Diploma Majoring in Aviation. Those two years were a complete whirlwind! Afterwards, I worked as an instructor at EFC until transitioning into my current position!

2. WHY DID I CHOOSE EFC?

I chose EFC after making a last-minute decision to start my flight training and found that Parkland (CPL6) was the closest airport with a flight school to where I lived. I booked a discovery flight, and the rest is history!

3. HOW DID EFC HELP MY CAREER?

EFC helped my career by allowing me to complete my initial training at my own pace while guiding me toward the next steps of my career. Initially, I didn’t consider the possibility of becoming a flight instructor until I had the opportunity to get my instructor rating and ultimately instruct at EFC. Looking back, I’m glad I had this opportunity as I don’t know where I would’ve been after all my training, and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today.

4. WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT EFC?

One of my most memorable experiences at EFC was finishing my commercial flight test. As a student, it felt like a long-time coming, and it was such a relief and sense of achievement when my examiner, Sophia, said I’d passed! Another memorable experience at EFC was the great company and atmosphere built between students, instructors, and other staff members!

5.IF YOU HAD TO GIVE ADVICE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

If I could give advice to someone starting out, I’d recommend two things: patience and consistency! Everyone’s paths are different. Be patient with yourself and stay consistent in your goals/training, and you’ll succeed.

ALUMNI BIOS

I have been flying for 42 years. When I was just a whippersnapper I used to spend the summers on my grandparent’s farm. As it turns out, the farm was on the V302 airway between YEG and YRM and I would watch with envy as the dozens of planes flew over every day. Then one day a little Piper Tri-Pacer landed in a field next to our farm and I was over like a shot to meet the intrepid aviator and his amazing flying machine. He turned out to be a really nice guy and even let me sit in the cockpit and touch the controls. To this day I am still not sure why he stopped that day. But, from that day forward, I was hooked. Within a few years I was old enough to get into Air Cadets and 504 Squadron provided the opportunity for my first time at the controls of a real airplane, a Beech 18 Expediter, which became the launching platform for my aviation career.
I joined the EFC in 1973 and have had so many wonderful memories but the one that stands out the most is my first solo! I can remember it like it was yesterday. My instructor said it was a good day for practicing some circuits. Little did I realize that after two circuits he was going to push me out of the nest, so to speak. He asked me to taxi back to the club. That was all – just taxi back to the club. I wasn’t sure if I’d really messed up and that was the lesson for today or what. However, when we got back to the club he said he had to go to the washroom and I could do the next circuit on my own. On my own!!! Are you sure??? I was both excited and nervous at the same time.
The takeoff and flying part didn’t bother me – it was the landing part that had me a little apprehensive. But I rationalized to myself, “What the heck, if the landing doesn’t look good I will just go around and try it again. I had lots of fuel and even if it took me five or six tries, one way or another I would get this aircraft back on terra-firma.” As it turned out the first landing attempt was all I needed and taxiing back I was rather proud of myself. Although, when I got back to pick up my instructor my cheeks hurt – apparently, from the big smile I was sporting all the way back to the club.
I have always flown just for fun as my main career has always been in IT (Information Technology). However, my license has given me the opportunity to fly all over the world. Here are just a few flying adventures: Cook Islands – buzzing the tropical shores of Rarotonga, Hawaii – soaring the up drafts over Haleakala National Park in Maui, Victoria and Vancouver Island, Fullerton California – Top Gun Air Combat, NWT – Search and Rescue, Oshkosh, Rhinebeck New York, Sun ‘n Fun Lakeland Florida and Camrose Fly-In breakfasts.
My advice to anyone bitten by the flying bug – don’t let time or money get in your way, just do it!
Special thanks to all the patient and professional instructors at the Edmonton Flying Club who helped me obtain all my licenses and ratings over the years.
Who are you and where are now?
I was hired at EFC in August of 2012 as a class 4 instructor, and eventually became a class 3 teaching on EFC’s fleet as well as private aircraft. After a little over 2 years of instructing, I took the next big step in my career and got hired on at Alberta Central Airways, flying a King Air 200 for medevac operations out of Lac La Biche.
What’s been my most memorable experience with EFC?
The most memorable experience would have to be being at the City Centre Airport until the very end, and helping to start the new adventure at the Parkland Airport. There were many more throughout my time at EFC, the mountain trips, landing on the lake in Lac La Biche for the Festival of Speed (In the winter of course), but being apart of the new start is definitely the most memorable.
How did EFC help my career?
EFC gave me that “first job” in starting my career. With instructing, you get to fly with numerous types of people and personalities which down the road, will happen often, and “teaching it right, the first time” plays a big role in honing your skills as a pilot.
If I had to give advice to someone starting out what would I say?
The airlines may be your long term goal, but don’t rush to get there. The fun and experience come with the journey. There are many types of flying opportunities you can do before the airlines, which is where you will get those stories you will tell for years.
Who am I and where am I now?
I am currently working as a first officer on a Dash 8 for R1 Airlines. We are a charter company who does mostly flying for oil companies throughout Alberta and British Columbia. We do crew changes for many of the camps in the oil sands. We also do contract flying for non-government organizations in places such as Afghanistan or other countries around the world as they come up.
I am originally from Barrhead, Alberta and moved to Edmonton for University in 1999. I took a bachelors degree in Physical Education at the University of Alberta. After a few years of working in that industry, I decided I wanted to change fields and try out aviation, which had always been what I really wanted to do the whole time.
I went to EFC where I obtained my PPL, CPL, Multi-IFR and instructor rating. I worked as instructor at EFC for approximately 3 years, and then after a while up north found my current position in Calgary.
Why did I choose EFC?
When I was selecting where I wanted to take my education I spent a fair bit of time checking out the local schools, in the end I chose EFC because the fit was right. I spoke with a couple of instructors at the time at the clubs in Edmonton and did a fair bit of research. What finally made me choose EFC was the staff, I was impressed with all the people I met through the club. All of the personalities and knowledge of the people I had the opportunity to meet made it an easy decision. I was also impressed by the quality of the fleet and the facilities the club used for its operation.
What’s been my most memorable experience with EFC?
My most memorable experience at EFC was the time I spent there as instructor. I was very fortunate to have worked with very bright and talented group of people. I feel extremely enriched both professionally and personally because of the opportunity I had to work with such a strong group of colleagues. I am also very proud to look at many of my former students and see how they are progressing in their careers. To see a student who you remember their first flight, and to years later see them at the beginning of a career they love feels truly rewarding.
How did EFC help my career?
EFC did much more then just help my career, it gave me the foundation I used to develop my career into what it is. Whether it’s from the high standard of flying I learned, to the interpersonal skills I developed while teaching and working with many different personalities, to the relationships I developed. There is no question EFC was the perfect place for me to start my aviation career. Many of the individuals who were in my original PPL ground school course, and people I had the opportunity to work with at EFC, are the professionals and friends who are in the field presently that I chat with daily. Whether it’s just for meeting for coffee, or to talk about career opportunities, or sharing our flying stories, the relationships I developed at EFC continue to be one of best part of my flying career.
If I had to give advice to someone starting out what would you say?
I would give two pieces of advice to somebody who was starting out.
First, make sure the only reason you get into this line of work is because of a true love of flying. I honestly couldn’t imagine ever doing anything else and truly love getting paid to fly all day long. That being said, for the people who think the life of a pilot is the image of a 1960’s PanAm pilot, things have changed. If your image of a pilot is traveling the world while making a small fortune, and that is why you are interested in being a pilot, this might not be the right field for you. However, if the flying is why you are here and genuine love of aviation is why you want to be a pilot, you couldn’t ever ask for a better job.
Second, enjoy the journey. Don’t rush through your career expecting to be flying a 777 around the world tomorrow. You will get there, but have fun along the way. Don’t look at your early jobs as stepping-stones and be looking for whats next. Take the time to develop your skill and learn every day. See every job as an opportunity to grow and enjoy it as you go. One day you will be on a 777, but don’t be in a rush. The jobs many people are often in a rush to move on from are often the most enjoyable and beneficial phases of your career. Take the time to enjoy them.
Who am I and what made me decide to get into flying?
 
Flying was something I have always wanted to do. As a teenager I inherited training books, letters and photos from my uncle who had flown during World War 2. Unfortunately he never came home. This instilled a great interest in Canadian Aviation history and wanting to learn to fly.
I grew up in Winnipeg not far from the airport, I used to go down there and watch Voodoos be test flown from Bristol Aerospace. Sometimes late at night we would sneak on to the RCAF base so we could get up close and touch the Starfighters, CF 100s and CF5s; security was a whole lot simpler in those days.
Summers were spent working at a fly-in fishing camp near Red lake in Northern Ontario, nothing but Beavers, Norseman, Beech 18’s, Otters and the odd PBY. A great way to grow up.
Why did I choose EFC?
I chose EFC because of the history of the organization followed up by a visit and first class tour (from Bill D.) as well as the location in the city. Loved the idea of learning from a busy airport and one that years ago my uncle flew out of.
What is your most memorable moment from EFC so far?
Without doubt the most memorable moment would be the spirit, camaraderie and the strength of the people involved in teaching/training/learning/fixing/dispatching. These people simply love to fly
Now that I have my license what do I use it for?
Right now it will be for personal use to acquire hours and experience. Looking forward to getting my night rating once the lights are in and continuing to grow from there.
If I had to give advice to someone starting out what would I say?
Don’t wait for “someday” to accomplish your goals. Make someday today
Who am I and what made me decide to get into flying?
By day I’m a professional engineer, specializing in micro electronics and embedded OS/device driver/low-level software. My earliest memory is watching the launch of a Saturn V, and ever since, I’ve wanted to fly (and go to space).
What is my most memorable moment from EFC so far?
The Great Falls mountain rating flight. A group of 4 planes were supposed to go to Great Falls, then Glacier Intl Airport, and return through Cut Bank. Due to weather, the trip diverted East to Regina. I think it was because we had a number of people all traveling together in small planes that the trip was memorable.
Now that I have my license what do I use it for?
 
Aerobatics! And the occasional flight to EAA Airventure in Oshkosh, to learn more about aerobatics.
If I had to give advice to someone starting out what would I say?
 
Get started! Make several bookings a week and fly often, and enjoy each and every flight. Master the slips, and at all other times, keep the tail behind the nose.
Who am I and what made me decide to get into flying?
I am a retired telecommunications installer for Telus. My job took me around the world twice with a large amount of that time spent in the air flying. After retiring early (age 58) I needed something to keep me busy so I decided to get my pilots license, thinking I could fly south for the winters.
Why did I choose EFC?
The closest and most convenient flying school was the Edmonton Flying Club based at the City Center Airport, so I enrolled in 2010 and after 10 months I received my pilots license. The staff at EFC were very friendly and the instructors were very helpful with any problems you might have. I liked it so much I became a dispatcher myself. Great place to visit or work.
What is my most memorable moment from EFC so far?
I have two very memorable moments with EFC. The first big moment is going solo, hoping you don’t damage the plane and knowing that there are people watching so you aren’t going to be able to make up an excuse. My second big moment was a dead stick landing one week after getting my license. I know that the hours of training paid off when I was able to land at the City Center without any problem even though the engine had failed but the prop was still windmilling. Thanks to the training there was no panic, just do what you had been trained to do.
Now that I have my license what do I use it for?
Now that I am licensed I have no intention of upgrading to commercial or going for my IFR rating as I am just a recreation pilot who enjoys watching the countryside from a few thousand feet above the ground. I did the mountain course last year and I intend to do more flying into and along the mountain ranges just because it is a nice change from the flat prairie. I am currently building my own aircraft and once completed I intend to fly it south for the winters and during the summers take in as many fly-ins as possible.
If I had to give advice to someone starting out what would I say?
My only advice is don’t wait to get started flying. If you ever thought you would like to try it, then find a way to go for it. The new aircraft that the flying club has added to their fleet and the excellent instructors there is no better time than now.
Who am I and what made me decide to get into flying?
My name is Don Riep, I’ve been a local Edmontonian all my life, and the co-founder of a testing and training company, Yardstick, with my good friend and fellow pilot Chris LaBossiere. How did I decide to get into flying? Golf. That’s right, golf. I was on a course out at Toefield, and on one of the holes, there was a sign on the fairway that said “Yield to airplanes”. Moments later, a beautiful yellow taildragger landed right there, 50 feet in front of me. That was it. I told myself I need to try this out. I booked my first discovery flight at the EFC, and never looked back.
Why did I choose EFC?
The Edmonton flying club had the best local training program, years of history, friendly, encouraging staff, and right at the heart of tower / terminal controlled Edmonton Class C airspace. What better place to learn to fly?
What is my most memorable moment from EFC so far?
The most memorable moment in my aviation career and at the EFC thus far, hands down, was my first solo. That bright, sunny day out at Villeneuve airport when my EFC instructor, Christine Gallagher, hopped out of the right seat in the small classic Cessna 152, engine running, and that vivid image of the empty brown, worn out seat beside me on my first solo climb-out. What a rush that was.
Now that I have my license what do I use it for?
Today I hold my instrument rating, and try and use my airplane for both business and personal use. I wanted a Cross-country machine that could go the miles, and make business travel in a small airplane somewhat practical. At 200 knots, FIKI ice protection and 25,000’ ceiling, it’s getting there.
If I had to give advice to someone starting out what would I say?
Go for a discovery flight. If you really like it, and can see yourself in the left seat, be committed. I hear so many stories of people that ‘almost’ get their license. It’s an expensive, taxing exercise…but hugely rewarding. Do the research, understand the costs, plan for it, then go hard! You won’t ever regret it.
Who am I and what made me decide to get into flying?
I am originally from Bridgewater, Nova Scotia and moved to Edmonton when I was assigned as a platoon commander to the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in 2008. I obtained my PPL from just outside of Montreal, Quebec in 2005 but felt I should get current again in 2009 prior to my deployment to Afghanistan so I went to EFC. I retired as a Captain from the Canadian Army in 2013 and chose to pursue a career in aviation.
Currently, I am a First Officer on the DHC 6-300 Twin Otter at Alberta Central Airways in Lac La Biche, Alberta. I feel very lucky to have this job as I can say I’m a “bush pilot” – something I will undoubtedly look back upon if I move on to fly 705 type operations in the future. We primarily fly into the Oil Sands area conducting crew changes for operators from Eastern Alberta and Saskatchewan which is more of the routine airport to airport type 704 flying. Then we switch it up and fly into unprepared grass/snow covered strips for crew changes and cargo runs, operating under 703 west/northwest of Fort McMurray.
Finally, our company is moving forward with a medevac contract for the Twin Otter which will serve all of Alberta. I’m lucky to say I get to do all types of flying.
Why did I choose EFC?
When I walked in for my first check-on-type in 2009, I felt welcomed by the pleasant dispatch staff who made me comfortable in an unfamiliar environment. The instructor assigned to me made me feel welcome and provided both positive reinforcement of my skills and professionally critiqued my areas I was very, very rusty on, having not flown for 3 years.
Even after I completed my CPL with EFC (thanks Niall), I shopped around for my next step with the Multi-IFR and found that the other schools had a different atmosphere so I returned to EFC knowing that I would continue to enjoy the environment.
What’s been my most memorable experience with EFC?
My most memorable experience at EFC was being an instructor at both CYXD and CPL6; specifically teaching the mountain rating. Although I only had the opportunity to complete a few during my time at EFC, I thoroughly enjoyed teaching the students the theory associated with mountain flying and seeing them “get it” because it builds on all facets of aviation – air law, theory of flight, meteorology, and navigation. And flying in mountains is an absolutely breathtaking experience – one that any picture or video on this site cannot do it justice.
How did EFC help my career?
Firstly, EFC enabled me to obtain my night rating, CPL, Multi-IFR, and Class 4 instructor rating and then subsequent employment to upgrade me to a Class 3 instructor. These were crucial goals I wanted to obtain as a professional pilot. As an instructor at EFC, I learned how to deal with different personalities every 2 hours throughout that day. This skill has helped me when flying with various Captains at my current job and has undoubtedly formed the basis for working in a 2-crew environment throughout the rest of my career.
Additionally, being an instructor is a very demanding job. Every flight needs to be your best so that your students get the most out of the training. This requirement took my previous Army experience of maintaining mental agility to a whole new level in aviation; it has enabled me to remain focused on the mission as we fly for extended periods in my current job.
If I had to give advice to someone starting out what would I say?
From the first moment you’ve parked your car in the EFC parking lot you’ve started your aviation career. How exciting!! Enjoy every step of the way! Becoming a professional pilot is a lot of hard work and requires self-study skills and perseverance! None of us are Chuck Yeager or Neil Armstrong and we’ve all had bad flights – those are the days you learn the most, so embrace it! Know your limits, push yourself further than yesterday, embrace the challenge of aviation, and persevere. A day you learn something new, no matter how life-altering or small, is a day worthwhile. You will get there – enjoy the journey. Carpe Diem!
1.Who am I and where am I now?
 
 My name is Jim Spalding. I am a retired Professional Engineer (electrical), who spent most of my career as a salesman/sales manager in the computer industry. Other than a flight that I took (with a check pilot) on my 80th birthday, I have not flown a plane in over 50 years. After I quit flying as a hobby, I took up car racing at the long since defunct Edmonton International Speedway, which I soon discovered is an even faster way to spend money than flying. I only raced cars for a couple of years but I still own a few collectable cars such as a couple of Porsches and a 1969 Pontiac GTO convertible.
 
2. Why did I choose EFC? 
 
At the time that I started flying, I am not sure if there was any choice as far as a flight school. I had heard of the Edmonton Flying Club so that is where I went in the summer of 1966 to take a familiarization flight, which resulted in taking lessons. This was a year before the old Second World War hanger that was the home to EFC burned down. My instructor was a retired RCMP member named Garth Hope. The aircraft that EFC mainly used for basic instruction in those days was a “taildragger” known officially as a Fleet 80, more commonly referred to as a Fleet Canuck. This was about as basic an aircraft as you could get. It was a high wing two seater (side by side) with the gas tank just behind the firewall with a float with a wire sticking out through the cap as a gas gauge. It did not have a wheel. It used a control stick. It had no flaps so “side slipping” was the accepted way of losing altitude when landing. Its cruising speed was about the same as a car travelling on the highway and slightly exceeding the speed limit. With a head wind, it would be slower than a car.
 
3. How did EFC help my career?
 
This is a hard one to answer because quite simply it could  not; as you read on, you will understand why . When I first got my license, I was employed by what is now The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) as the Assistant Registrar. This job included attending council meetings in Calgary and Edmonton and numerous committee meetings in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, as well as the occasional meeting in Grande Prairie and out of province locations. It was useful to be able to fly myself to these locations. This took less time than driving and the cost was comparable to flying on a scheduled airline. Soon after I received my private license, I joined a group of people who owned a 1960 Cessna 150. This was an older 150 that looked in profile more like a 170 as it did not have a rear window. It was a slightly different 150 as it had originally been built as a pipeline patrol plane. It had fuel tanks that were 50% larger than the standard 150 and the doors were plexiglas right down to the floor for better viewing of the pipelines. If I was attending a meeting alone or with just one other person, I usually used this plane. One day, I was at a meeting at NAIT and I had a meeting in Calgary that evening. There was one other person, at the meeting, who was also planning to attend the meeting, in Calgary so I asked him if he would like to fly down in a small plane. He said that he would. Keep in mind that to the average person who only flys on scheduled airlines that an average airplane would be a  707 or a DC8 and that a small plane might be something like a DC3 or at least a Beach 18 or maybe a King Air.  We met at the Muni and I went into the Esso station and came out with what looked like a handle for a child’s wagon. He asked what that was for and i told him it was to tow the airplane. I was pleasantly surprised that he not only flew down with me but also came back with me the next morning. I also used this plane to qualify for  my night endorsement. If I had more than one passenger, I would usually rent a piper Arrow 200. This was a new plane, at the time. It was basically a Piper Cherokee but with retractable landing gear. It also had slightly more horsepower and a constant speed propeller. It was quite a pleasant aircraft to fly and made the trip to Calgary reasonably quickly and enjoyable. One thing that I did not like about this plane was that it had throttle controls like a multi engine plane, which of course it was not. One added bonus was that occasionally, I would schedule a meeting at the Calgary Flying Club. The members from Calgary would just drive to the club and I would fly in from Edmonton.
 
This all changed in the spring of 1969, when I was hired as a Computer Time Sharing Specialist by Canadian General Electric. This company had a policy that an employee could not fly on company business, except in a scheduled airline. This was unfortunate because in the fall of 1973, I became the acting manager of CGE’s Calgary office , while still remaining manager of its Edmonton office. For the next year and a half, I was either driving or flying commercially between Calgary and Edmonton on a weekly basis. Being able to fly myself would have been more enjoyable and a great time saver. I kept my medical up for a few years but after a number of years of not flying, I let it lapse.
 
4. What is your most memorable experience at EYC?
 
There are a couple of incidents that I would like to relate. One one occasion, I was out in the practice area with an instructor named Vera Dowling. She was a no nonsense type of person who had been a ferry pilot during World War II, flying damaged war planes of all kinds from the airstrip where they landed back to the factory where they were rebuilt. I will admit that I am a natural born chicken and when we were practicing incipient spins, I would be taking the plane out of the spin before it even started to get into it. Vera did not like that so she nosed the plane up into a stall, slammed on one rudder pedal, putting the plane into a full spin and she held it that way until we had rotated around a few times. Then she told me to take it out of the spin. when you are recovering from a night of drinking, this is not a pleasant experience.
 
Some time later, when I was ready to take my in-flight examination for my license, I once again drew Vera as a test instructor. I was so nervous that when we came in for a landing, I landed too short and almost wiped out the lights on the end of the runway.
 
In 1971, while I was employed by Canadian General Electric, I and my small group of employees were housed in some rented office space on Kingsway, just a few doors east of the Edmonton Inn. We were very close to the Edmonton Flying Club so we used to go there quite often for lunch. One day in February, I stuck my head into the office of one of the owners of the building and asked him if he would like to go for lunch. He said, “Sure, let’s take my airplane and have lunch at the International”. This person was very interested in flying and in fact owned a plane but he had a serious vision problem and could not get a license. He said, “I’ll fly it down and you fly it back”. My first clue as to how bad his vision was when he dipped his finger into the gas tank rather than looking into it when he did his walk around. When we got airborne, the tower told us to keep our eyes open for a 737 at our altitude. He did not see it at all! When we got to the International and lowered the gear on final, he cupped his hand around the three indicator lights and put his head right down on the panel so that he could be assured that the wheels were down. There was a road grader clearing the snow on the far left side of the very wide runway. The tower told us that we were cleared to land and land to the right of the road grader. Of course, my friend could not see the grader. He asked the tower to remove the grader as we retracted the wheels and flaps and went around for another try. He landed the plane by reducing power to the point that we slowly settled down on the runway. After lunch, we got back into the plane and he asked me why I was not taxiing for take off. I informed him that we had a white- out and that I had no horizon. In a few minutes, the sky cleared and we took off back to Edmonton.
 
5. I certainly do not regret spending the time and money to get my license. I would however caution a prospective trainee to think about what they would use their license for and how useful (or not) that it would be. I did get a night endorsement but I came to the conclusion early on that to be truly useful and safe I would need an instrument rating  and to be safer still, a multi-engine instrument rating. I discussed the possibility of getting an instrument rating with the CFI at that time and he advised me against getting it. He said that I would be spending more than my entire budget for recreational flying on he and I flying with me “under the hood “, just to keep my rating current. 
 
One final story: When I had my license, I always wore my wings on my lapel when ever I was flying commercial. I guess I fantasized, like in the movie, that I might be called upon to help fly the plane. One day while flying in the Airbus a flight attendant came to me and asked if I was Jim Spalding and if so, the captain would like me to come up front. I thought “ahah they need me to help fly the plane”. It turned out that the captain was a former flying instructor of mine, Joe McGoldrick, and he just invited me to sit in the third seat on the way back to Edmonton.

I am Eric Folk and I am currently flying for Integrated Sensing and Surveillance, a pipeline survey company operating out of the hangar next to EFC. I flew at EFC for all my training, right from my private license to commercial. I also had the opportunity to work as a dispatcher at the club for a little over a year and a half starting in 2020.

I chose EFC because of all the recommendations I heard from past students. The staff all seemed inviting and willing to help, and after being there for a while I can say it’s more of a family among everyone than simply a flight school. Especially after working at EFC I can guarantee it’s a great place to learn how to fly and soak up as much information as you want, while also hearing a few stories of course. EFC also offers an excellent fleet of aircraft that are well maintained in-house.

EFC helped me see all the opportunities there are for pilots, allowing me to fly commercially for pipeline surveys. The staff also gave me tools not only to be a safe pilot, but also to be a smart pilot, giving a glimpse into what commercial flying is actually like. The connections and friends I made at EFC will always be something important to me as well.

Although it’s hard to point out one favourite memory at EFC with there being so many, one that stands out would have to be flying with Justin in the Piper Navajo. We flew down to Calgary, up to Bonnyville, then spent a few hours there before dropping passengers off in Calgary and coming back home. It gave me a real feeling of what it’s like to fly as a job, such as the planning and coordination it takes. I had a ton of flying with Justin and getting to know him better. All the memories you can make by simply being in the hangar are also worth mentioning!

Gary Sorge
Brad Keats
Niall Tymkow
Dave Wilson
Robert Austen
Bob Huntingford
Don Riep
Shawn Veinot
Jim Spalding
Eric Folk