Aviation Pathway Program
The Sky's The Limit
Is your head in the clouds?
If you’ve always dreamed of soaring in the skies above, Blyth Academy Burlington has the perfect program for you!
In an exciting new partnership, we’re now able to offer our students the unique opportunity to combine top-tier private education with the ability to earn a pilot’s licence and even become an instructor themselves – all before entering university!
Our four-term structure and flexible scheduling enable us to continually find new and unique paths to provide our students with individualized tools to prepare themselves for successful post-secondary lives. And starting this September, Blyth Academy Burlington students in Grades 11 and 12 can combine their full-time studies with flight training at Spectrum Airways, earning a high school education at the same time as a Commercial Pilot Licence.
Spectrum Airways, based out of Burlington Executive Airport, has been in the business of pilot certification for more than 40 years, and provides flight training programs including the Private Pilot Licence and Commercial Pilot Licence, along with several specialized training programs like Night Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, Instrument Rating/Multi Instrument Rating and Instructor Rating. Students enrolled in our program will be provided transportation between the Blyth Academy Burlington campus and the airport, provided by Spectrum Airways.
By the end of Grade 11 (year one), students will have had the opportunity to earn their Private Pilot Licence (PPL) along with eight Ontario high school credits. In Grade 12 (year two), they will work toward completion of their Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and OSSD. Upon completion of the program, students will have the opportunity to return to Spectrum and receive their Instructor rating and take their first step towards a career as a Pilot in the Aviation Industry.
This program will also provide graduates with continued advantages after completion: options after graduation include direct entry into the MIFR and Instructor Rating programs, with the opportunity to work for Spectrum Airways! As an Instructor employed with Spectrum, you will be able to earn the additional hours required to become an Airline Transport Pilot. Many of Spectrum Airways’ Instructors have moved on to careers with regional airlines such as WestJet and Porter in as little as one year post-CPL. This pilot training pathway is the first of its kind for high school students and is set to generate expert level pilots to fill the demand of the emerging Aviation industry.
Students will be required to complete and pass the Civil Aviation Medical Exam in order to enrol. Other conditions and stipulations may apply.
If you’re interested in taking flight this fall, contact us below to attend an Info session and/or go on a Discovery Flight!
With Blyth Academy and Spectrum Airways, the sky’s the limit!
Year One
In Year 1 of the Aviation Pathway program, students will be studying full-time at Blyth Academy Burlington, and will be working towards their Private Pilot Licence (PPL) with Spectrum Airways. Full-time studies will run from September to June. In July and August, flight times may be required with Spectrum Airways.
Year Two
In Year 2, students will study full-time at Blyth Academy Burlington, working towards their Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with Spectrum Airways. Full-time studies will run from September to June. In July and August, flight times may be required with Spectrum Airways in order to complete the CPL. Applicants will have the opportunity to receive an Instructor Rating, which is the first step towards a career as a Pilot in the aviation industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will this cost?
You will receive two invoices: one from Blyth Academy, and one for Spectrum Airways.
Click here for Spectrum Airways' tuition and fees.
What do I need to apply?
In order to apply, you will need to complete the following:
- Online application form
- Supplemental documents:
- Student transcript containing courses and grades from the past 12 months. If one is not available, a Credit Counseling Summary or the student’s most recent report card is required to begin the application process
- Individual Education Plan (IEP), if the student has one
- For students whose first language is not English, a copy of IELTS or TOEFL (minimum 6.5 IELTS or equivalent)
- Aviation Medical, if you have one (can be completed after application)
- Interview with the Principal of Blyth Academy Burlington
What's involved in an Aviation Medical?
To get a Private Pilot License, you will need a “Category III” Medical. This must be conducted by a Transport Canada approved Civil Aviation Medical Examiner (CAME). This medical is generally a half an hour to ensure you are “fit to fly” for recreation. To get the Commercial Pilot’s licence you will need a “Category I” Medical. It is in your best interest if you intend on completing the entire Aviation Pathway Program that you ask for you Category I medical initially to ensure no unbeknown medical issues may hinder you from receiving the “Category I” in year 2. The fees vary from doctor to doctor, but are generally around $150.00. We have a list of doctors in the area available for you otherwise you can search for local CAMEs here.
Local doctors:
Dr. Sansome, Burlington
905-632-7818
Dr. Mastrangelo, Burlington
905-599-0657
Dr. Karpilow, Hamilton
905-526-6250
When can I apply?
Students can apply as soon as they have all of the prerequisite documents for this program. Deadlines are by June 1st. Applications received after this date will be reviewed if space is still available in the program.
How many applications will you accept?
The cohort will be seven students in the first year. We anticipate this to grow in subsequent years, aircraft and instructor availability dependant.
What does one year of tuition get me?
- Tuition at Blyth Academy, with eight (8) high school level courses, to put towards the completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Year 1
- You will receive all of the Transport Canada (TC) required PPL training to a flight test standard
- You will receive above and beyond the TC required hours for PPL ground school
- 75 flight hours
- Year 2
- You will receive all of the TC required CPL flight training to flight test standard
- You will receive above and beyond the TC required hours for CPL ground school
- 110 flight hours
Students will only receive these certifications if they pass all of the required course work, and abide by the Code of Conducts, etc.
It is also important to note that Spectrum Airways cannot issue a Private or Commercial licence. TC is the governing body that is able to issue licences after the successful completion of flight tests once we have prepared a student through all of the training requirements.
What if I’m unsure whether I want to be a pilot?
Aviation isn’t for everyone, and we understand that this can be a big commitment. If you’re interested in taking flight this Fall, contact us to attend an info session and/or go on a Discovery Flight! The Discovery Flight can be done before or immediately after the application is submitted.
Do I need to do anything in advance to take a Discovery Flight?
No, there are no prerequisites for a Discovery Flight! Just give us a call at 905-336-4010 as you will need to make a booking (we are open 7 days a week), and dress for the weather! You do not need a medical or any permits to be able to do the discovery flight.
What if I’m not accepted to either the Aviation Pathway Program or to Blyth Academy Burlington?
Applicants who are not accepted to the Aviation Pathway Program have the option to continue their education with Blyth Academy Burlington.
Applicants who are not accepted to Blyth Academy Burlington will still have the opportunity to continue flight school at Spectrum Airways.
What are my career options after the program?
With us – the sky’s the limit! Our Aviation Pathway Program will provide graduates with continued advantages after completion. Options after graduation include direct entry into the MIFR and Instructor Rating programs, with the opportunity to work for Spectrum Airways! As an Instructor employed with Spectrum, you will be able to earn the additional hours required to become an Airline Transport Pilot. Many of Spectrum Airways’ Instructors have moved on to careers with regional airlines such as WestJet and Porter in as little as one year post-CPL. This pilot training pathway is the first of its kind for high school students and is set to generate expert level pilots to fill the demand of the emerging aviation industry.
How would you describe the student body at Blyth Academy Burlington?
Blyth Academy Burlington’s student body is made up of high achieving, dedicated students who thrive in a fast paced environment. Many of our students have demanding extracurriculars and take advantage of our flexible schedules to balance their school work and other activities.
Can I study at a location other than Blyth Academy Burlington?
Based on the location of the airfield, students can also study at Blyth Academy Mississauga or through our virtual campus, Blyth Academy Orbit.
Are international students eligible for the program?
Yes. International high school students may apply to the program. In addition to the standard Blyth Academy admissions requirements, students in the Aviation Pathway Program must prove English proficiency: a minimum 6.5 IELTS or equivalent at the time of application is required.
Do you offer busing?
Spectrum Airways will provide transportation from Blyth Academy Burlington to the Burlington Executive Airport for students enrolled in the Aviation Pathway Program during the school year. This is included in tuition fees.
Learn more about the program