The Co-Pilot Program starts out with a Fun & Interactive day on the ground followed by 2 flights.
 
On one flight you will be the co-pilot (and fly the plane) and on the other you will be an Auxilury Pilot (observer & assistant).
 
The Ground Day is a lot of fun - not your typical classroom experience. There's lots of group work, games, puzzles, and various outdoor activities. It even includes a free lunch (sandwiches, burgers, drinks, fries, salad, soup ..). You'll do a lot of laughing - ".. till your cheeks hurt!".
 
The 2 flights take place on a separate day. You and a partner will fly together to a nearby airport. There you will take a short break (and celebrate) before flying back.
 
In one direction you will be the co-pilot, in the other your partner will be the co-pilot. As co-pilot you will do all the radio communications (with Air Traffic Control), operate some of the instruments (radio, transponder, etc), and will do most of the flying.

No. Many people join the ground school, have a ball, but never book flights. It's entirely up to you. It's also OK to take the whole course and decide about flying afterwards.
 
However: You'll get much more out of the experience if you complete the flights as well. It is, after all, kind of the point.

The expensive part (flying) is free. Yes, really!
 
We cover the cost of the instructor, classroom, food and snacks, aircraft, fuel, equipment, props, insurance, taxes, etc. It costs us around $170 per participant to provide all of this.
 
You sometimes have to pay for Personal Supplies. The kit of materials you need costs around $40 - however: 9 times out of 10 we get sponsors to pay for this too.
 
Some classes are marked as By Donation. This means that we ask you to go on-line (after the class) and make a donation to Air Time Canada. The minimum is $2 (yes, two) and we don't really keep track of who donated or not.

Yes. At the end of the ground school portion of the program you will have earned your Souvenier Co-Pilot License as shown here.
 
You won't be able to go work for Air Canada with your new Co-Pilot's License. It is a souvenier after all. You can, however, use your Co-Pilot's license to get discounts at many flying schools, and to book additional flights with various pilots and organizations around the lower mainland.

You have to sell Amway.
 
(Just kidding)
 
We don't sell Amway or anything else. We don't work for a flying school or any other organization that wants something from you. Nobody will try to sell you anything - before, during, or after the course. Your name and personal information will remain confidential and will not be shared with anyone.

Safety is the predominant theme of the program.
We've been operating since 1994 with a perfect safety record.
 

Our pilots are well trained and undergo regular flight reviews.

Our aircraft are maintained to strict commercial standards.

We conduct our flights only during daylight and in good weather.

We operate with support from Transport Canada ATC and ATS.

And, of course, all aircraft and participants are fully insured - including 3rd party liability.

No. In fact, our belief is that we have a moral and legal responsibility for the safe outcome of every flight.
 
Participants under the age of 18 will need to provide a signed consent form, but nobody has to sign a waiver.

The Co-Pilot program is open to anyone 13 years of age or older.
We have two stipulations:

1. The participant must desire to be in the program.
    
   Parents: Please do not push your kids into this program
   "for their own good". Participants who do not want to be
   in the class will gain nothing from the experience, and will disrupt the program for everyone else.
    
   
2. There is a Weight Limit.
    
   In order to comply with Transport Canada regulations, we must limit the weight of participants to 170 pounds. We know that this restriction leaves some of you out - but we have to be strict about this rule (and do weigh everyone).

The Ground School is a full-day - usually 9 to 5 (includes lunch). It can take place at various locations - but usually at the Boundary Bay airport. You'll learn aviation basics, airport procedures, radio communications, and how to operate some of the aircraft instruments.
 
It's a fun day - lots of activities, games, groups work, time outdoors. You'll learn a lot and have fun. Check out what some of our grads have said about the ground school:
 
    Testimonials

The flights generally take place on Saturday Mornings and Early Afternoons. Some flights are also scheduled on Weekday Afternoons and Early Evenings (when the days are long).
 
Both of your flights will normally take place on the same day. After graduating from the classroom, and earning your co-pilot's license, you will receive a 'Token' (password) which will allow you to go on-line and book a flight date/time that suits you. Your 'Token' will be valid for up to 3 months - so you can book your flights anytime within 3 months of completing the ground school.

We use the Cessna 172 (also known as a Skyhawk) for all of our training flights. Since we don't own aircraft of our own, we rent from fleets of Commercially-Maintained Cessna Aircraft operated by local flying schools.
 
The Cessna 172 is a 4-place high-wing piston-powered aircraft with one of the best safety records of any civil aviation aircraft in the world. It cruises at almost 200 KPH, at altitudes up to 4000 meters, and has a range (with reserves) of over 800 KM.

Yes. You will go on 2 flights. You will be the co-pilot on one of those flights and will be flying the airplane (except for takeoff and landing).
 
As co-pilot you will also be responsible for operating some of the aircraft instruments and will be handling radio communication with Air Traffic Control.

We run 8 to 10 Co-Pilot classes every year.
 
As you can probably imagine, they are very popular.
 
There are a few different ways to get invited to a class - and you can even arrange a class/group of your own.
 
The first step is to get on our mailing list. Follow the How to Register link for details:
 
    How to Register

We will be happy to answer your questions (assuming you've taken the time to read this page first).
 
Your best best is to contact Susan Wood by email:
 
  email: susanwood@airfun.org
 
 
You can also reach the boss (David Black) by email or telephone:
 
  email: davidblack@airfun.org
  telephone: 604-574-1526 ext 8625 (David's day job)
  cellular: 604-351-6851