For the highest quality mountain flight training in a professional, relaxed and fun environment, no other flight school in the Sea-To-Sky Corridor provides such a complete, full-service training experience.
At Glacier Air, we pride ourselves in providing student pilots with the safest and most fulfilling learning experience. Our skilled and friendly staff are second to none, and our well-maintained aircraft and facilities provide an exceptional training environment. Glacier Air instructors are also active charter pilots, so they are very familiar with “real world” flying outside the training environment. You will learn the skills needed to be confident and safe once you’re on your own! Based at the Squamish Municipal Airport (CYSE), Glacier Air offers all you need to fulfill your flight training needs, from private to commercial, to aerobatics, including VFR and IFR.
Glacier Air’s flight training facility is based at the Squamish Municipal Airport at 46001 Government Road, Squamish, BC, Canada. We are located 50 minutes north of Vancouver and 35 minutes south of Whistler, BC.
Transport Canada regulations require that a student must be at least 14 years of age to Solo an aircraft. You can start flying at any age as long as you are mature and dedicated and tall enough to reach the aircraft controls. We have had students as young as 12 begin flight lessons and those “young at heart” beginning at age 71!
In order to get your pilots licence, you must take a medical exam from a Transport Canada approved Aviation Doctor. If you have a history of heart problems, epilepsy, Type 1 diabetes, head trauma, uncorrected vision or hearing problems, you may not be able to pass a pilot medical. Please check the Transport Canada Civil Aviation Medicine web page and/or talk to one of our instructors if you are unsure if you are fit to fly.
The cost to complete your Private Pilot training and any other flight training will vary. Every student learns at a different pace. We have provided average costs for training on this web page for your reference. Glacier Air does NOT require that you pay for your training in advance with the exception of Ground School, which you pay at the commencement of the course. All flight training is pay-as-you-go and each lesson is invoiced and paid at the end of each lesson. Glacier Air accepts Visa, MasterCard, Debit, and cash. All prices indicated on this web page are in Canadian currency.
Transport Canada requires a minimum of 45 hours of flight training, including both dual flying with an instructor and solo flight; however, the national average to complete the PPL training is over 80 flight hours. In addition to flight training, each student must also complete a minimum 40 hours of ground school and pass written and practical exams. Most Glacier Air students take approximately 60 flight hours to complete their licence within a 6 to 12 months time period. For every hour in the air and in ground school, anticipate putting in an additional 3 hours of self study to succeed. The length of time, flight hours and money it takes you to learn to fly will depend entirely on the time and energy you devote to study and practice.
LOCATION |
We are very close to the training areas and to a variety of different airport types for students to experience. As students progress in training we introduce them to busier, more congested controlled and uncontrolled airspace in a safe, less overwhelming manner so students are able to comfortably fly the aircraft while maintaining situational awareness of other air traffic and radio communications. |
FACILITIES |
Glacier Air’s training facilities include a large classroom, private briefing/exam room, pilot lounge, tour office with huge sundeck and a hangar to keep all our aircraft protected from the environment. Our relaxed friendly atmosphere is not only ideal for learning but also welcoming for your family and friends. |
INTRODUCTORY FLIGHT |
Not sure if flying is for you? Try an introductory flight for only $135. After a brief introduction on the ground, your instructor will take you for your first flight lesson! With your hands on the controls, your instructor will introduce you to the basics of flying from takeoff to elementary flying techniques and landing. Please note, passengers are NOT permitted on this flight. |
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS |
All pilots are required to hold a valid aviation medical certificate. Overall good health with no history of heart or lung problems, severe head trauma, epilepsy or mental disorders is the general rule. Yes, you can become a pilot if you wear glasses or if you are colour blind, but some limitations may apply. We encourage you to complete your aviation medical immediately upon enrollment to avoid delays in your training. |
Glacier Air is registered with the BC Government’s Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) and is the only full-service flight school in the Sea-To-Sky Corridor. This means upon completion of your Private Pilot training, Glacier Air is able to provide a T2202 Tuition Receipt for income tax purposes for those who choose to continue training towards a Commercial Pilot Licence.
Download our PTIB Student Handbook & Policy Manual for more information.
DOWNLOAD MANUAL
Glacier Air is also a female-friendly training facility where girls and women of all ages are encouraged to participate in aviation! As participants in Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week, each year Glacier Air offers one day with free flights for girls and women who have never been in a small airplane, to introduce them to the joys of flight.
IMPORTANT: this Flight Training request does not confirm your reservation. We will contact you once we receive your Flight Training request.
Transport Canada’s Air Personnel Training and Licensing information portal.
Transport Canada’s criteria for identifying the right pilot school.
Transport Canada’s Canadian Aviation Regulations.
Transport Canada’s Aeronautical Information Manual.
Transport Canada’s Civil Aviation Medicine web page for everything you need to know about medical exams.
Transport Canada’s Medical Standards for Physical and Mental Requirements.
Transport Canada’s Civil Aviation Medical Examiners search engine.
Nav Canada’s weather forecasts and observations in both alphanumeric and graphical weather data.
Computerized weather forecasts for the Pacific Northwest provided by the University of Washington.
Current conditions include a 7-day forecast and historical data provided by the Government of Canada.
NavCanada’s north and south webcam views of Squamish Airport.
Many of these organizations offer training scholarships.
Women In Aviation International
Women of Aviation Worldwide Week
The Ninety-Nines, Inc.
Canadian Owners and Pilots Association
British Columbia Aviation Council
International Aerobatic Club
Experimental Aircraft Association
Recreational Aircraft Association
BC Floatplane Association
