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Langley Flying School operates a fleet of eight aircraft, including five Piper Cherokee Cruisers, a Cessna 150, and a Cessna 152 used for initial training, and a Piper Seneca that is used for advanced multi-engine and Group 1 instrument training. Langley Flying School also operates a multi-crew Elite Flight Simulator, which is actively incorporated into all programs. The Elite Simulator provides both single-engine and multi-engine simulation, and is the primary training device for Langley Flying School’s Multi-crew Standard Operating Procedures training program.
Langley Flying School was founded in the fall of 1994, and originated as a small single-instructor and single-aeroplane Flight Training Unit. The School received its Flight Training Operating Certificate, issued by Transport Canada, on January 17th, 1995 (see Langley Flying School Operating Certificate) and it has since grown to its current size, including the six aircraft indicated above, a staff of seven Flight Instructors, three administrative persons, and four Teaching Assistants. During its existence, Langley Flying School has conducted over 50,000 hours of flight training and has graduated hundreds of Private Pilots and Commercial Pilots, as well as pilots qualified with the advance Multi-engine Ratings, Instrument Ratings, and Instructor Ratings.
Langley Flying School is registered with the Government of British Columbia's (Minister of Advanced Education) Private Career Training Institutions Agency (Registration Certificate), and is certified by Government of Canada's Human Resources and Social Development Canada (Certification Certificate). Langley Fying School students may claim pilot training costs for the purpose of obtaining a tax credit.
The flight training and administrative operations of Langley Flying School conform with requirements established by Transport Canada and is authorized for training students for Commercial Pilot, Instructor Rating, Instrument Rating, Multi-engine Rating, Night Rating, Private Pilot, Recreational Pilot and VFR Over-the-top Rating.
The overall administration and operation of Langley Flying School (see Langley Flying School Administration ) is headed by the Office of the President and Chief Flying Instructor. Responsibilities for flight training operations and standards, aircraft maintenance procedures, as well as responsibilities for financial, corporate, and educational affairs, are combined into this one office.
The second layer of key supervision is provided by the School’s Associate Chief Flying Instructor, and the Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor.
The primary responsibility of the Associate Chief Flying Instructor is the supervision of flight training operations, with the responsibility of ensuring that all training is conducted safely and in accordance with the School’s Standard Operations and Procedures Manual, Flight Instructor Check Sheets, and in accordance with the qualitative standards of the School’s various student publications. The Associate Chief Flying Instructor position is normally occupied by the most senior staff Flight Instructor.
In contrast the Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor provides a second layer of supervision pertianing to the aircraft maintenance practices, with the primary responsibility of ensuring that all day-to-day maintenance practices, including the technical dispatch of aircraft, are in conformity with the School’s Maintenance Control Manual. This includes the daily monitoring and co-ordinating of aircraft scheduled maintenance tasks, as well as supervision of the daily reporting and rectification of aircraft defects. The Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor position is also occupied by a senior staff Flight Instructor.
At the core of the School's administration are the Staff Flight Instructors, who are responsible for the delivery of flight training to the School's individual students; their primary goal is ensuring that flight training are conducted safely and efficiently, and in accordance with the operational training standards standards of Transport Canada and Langley Flying School.
The President maintains a Senior Instructor Advisory Group, composed of the Associate Chief Flying Instructor, the Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor, and Senior Instructors, which meets regularly to evaluate and plan flight training operations.
The President consults directly with students on an informal basis. Periodically, the President convenes more formal meetings with students—referred to as Student Advisory Groups—which provides a round-table to address current issues affecting students. The goal of student meetings is to improve the student experience at the School.
Langley Flying School utilizes external companies for legal, and technical management. Legal services are provided by Hamilton, Duncan, Armstrong & Stewart, and accounting services are provided by Your Office Soulutions. Transport Canada Approved Aircraft Maintenance Services are provided by Valley Aero Engines (Langley Airport) and Firkus Aircraft Services (Chilliwack Airport).
Langley Flying School has developed and continually updates an array of student manuals and handbooks designed to enhance pre-flight and classroom student preparation. Exerpts of these publications appear in the Ready Room and the Classroom links of this website.
Langley Flying School, in conjunction with Misson Software Systems, has developed a fully dedicated and comprehensive computerized information system—referred to as Pilotlog—that records in detail the ground and air training activity of students. In addition to the standard training records required by Transport Canada, the program includes an Instructor Check Sheet feature which, utilizing an electronic signature system, facilitates quality assurance and standardized training for all students.
Langley Flying School graduates come quite literally from all over the world— India, United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Pakistan, The Bahamas, Nigeria, Kenya, Jordon, Austrailia, South Africa, New Zealand, Mexico, Costa Rica, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and China. We take special interest in our success with students from India, and over the years have trained numerous Indian pilots who have successfully transitioned to airline pilot positions within a year of returning to Indian. Langley Flying School international graduates are flying with Air India (Mansi Bhatnagar, A320; Daisy Chacko, A320; Shalabh Tiwari, A320; Lester Mascarenhas, A320; Sandeep Singh, A320; Kunal Jukar, A320; Abhitab Dhillon, A320; and Nimish Bharne, A320), Jet Airways (Mehesh Kaushik, B737; and Manish Marwaha, B737), Kingfisher Ailines (Pradeep Nagabhuslian, A320; Sheroy Moos, ATR72-500; and Gobind Sandhanwalia, ATR72-500 ), Paramount Airways (Karan Khatri, Embraer E170); Korean Air (Seung-ha Lee), and Cathay Pacific (Michael Homes). See the link on this website—International Students.
Despite the prevalence of economic headlines that have been predominant in 2008—and seemly will continue in 2009—Langley Flying School staff have witnessed continuously over the the last two years 100% employment by our Canadian Commercial Pilots graduates working in Canada. That is to say, beginning in January of 2008, and continuining for the rest of the year, all of our Canadian graduates actively seeking employment as pilots were employed as pilots, with all of them working on twin engined turboprops. By comparision, in 2007, we started the year with two of our graduates working only on the ramp with air operators, but shortly after the start of 2008, both of these graduates moved into First Officer positions with their respective companies. Langley Flying School graduates are currently employed as pilots with Air Canada (Nic van Empel and Mark Cary), WestJet (Sheldon Pohl and Steve Klahm ), Air Canada Jazz (Jessica Hamstra, Patrice Gagnon, Feras Aboulhosn, and Glen Gorrie), Pacific Coastal Airlines (Ryan Gahan, Ben Orlowski, and Justin Chung), Central Mountain Airways (Tim Sawatzky), West Coast Air (Cullen Worth, Prayman Pillay, and Luke Howard) Voyageur Airways (Sean Larkin), Perimeter Airlines (Elbert Ryhorchuk and Darren Ferguson), and Summit Air (Peter Palme).
Langley Flying School maintains a student bursary program for which all students—including international students —are eligible. These awards are outlined as follows:
Samuel Ruiz Private Pilot Award
Dedicated to the memory of Samuel Ruiz, this award is given to Private Pilot Students who achieve a score of 90% or higher on the Transport Canada’s Private Pilot Written examination. The value of the Samuel Ruiz Private Pilot Award is $700, and is automatically awarded to qualifying students; the award must be applied towards flight training at Langley Flying School.
Adam Katagiri Commercial Pilot Award
Dedicated to the memory of Adam Katagiri, this award is given to Commercial Pilot Students who achieve a score of 90% or higher on the Transport Canada’s Commercial Pilot Written examination. The value of the Adam Katagiri Commercial Pilot Award is $700, and is automatically awarded to qualifying students; the award must be applied towards flight training at Langley Flying School.
Ed Huggett Instrument Pilot Award
Dedicated to the memory of Ed Huggett, this award is given to Instrument Rating Pilot Students who achieve a score of 90% or higher on the Transport Canada’s Instrument Rating Written examination. The value of the Ed Huggett Instrument Pilot Award is $700, and is automatically awarded to qualifying students; the award must be applied towards flight training at Langley Flying School.
General Geography. The beauty that surrounds Langley Airport is truly astounding. Only fifteen miles to the north of Langley Airport are the Coast Mountains, with their peaks extending between 6000’ and 8000’ above the Fraser River Valley. To the east, some thirty miles away, are the Cascade Mountains (including the 10800’ volcanic peak of the Mount Baker), while the south and west of Langley Airport are dominated by the multiple islands and clear Pacific Ocean waters of the Strait of Georgia, which separates the mainland British Columbia from Vancouver Island.
Proximity to Practice Areas. Langley Airport is seen by many as the “perfect” training airport. Langley Airport is directly adjacent to the primary airspace dedicated to flight training in the Vancouver metropolitan area (see Vancouver VFR Terminal) , and this has saved our students thousands of dollars normally associated with prolonged transition to the designation flight practice area. The same applies to IFR training facilities for advanced training (see Vancouver IFR Terminal Chart) —Langley Airport is equipped with published GPS/RNAV approach, which provide an MDA of 680’ (Langley Flying School’s Piper Seneca is equipped with an IFR GPS system, certified for both terminal and approach segments), and the ILS localizer, NDB transmitter, and VORTAC transmitter is located within 4 minutes flying time from Langley Airport.
Air Traffic Control Facilities. Langley Airport is both a controlled and uncontrolled airport (the operation of the Control Tower is limited to daylight hours), exposing our students to all variations in types of airport operations.
Grass and Pavement Runways. Langley Airport is equipped with both paved and grass runway, permitting regular and repetitive exposure of Langley Flying School students to the variety of speciality takeoffs and landings required for effective training.
Restaurant Facilities. Two restaurants are located at Langley Airport, one directly adjacent to Langley Flying School, and the second only a few minutes walk.
Climate and Weather. In the summer, Langley’s weather is dominated by the clear and warm air associated with high pressure systems that migrate to the west from off-shore North America; in the winter Langley experiences moist, air masses warmed by the Japanese Current that flows off-shore British Columbia. Winter weather is the most varied and exposes students to varied VFR conditions of flight. The freezing level during the winter months typically remains above published IFR approach and en route minimum altitudes, making it especially appropriate for IFR training. Flight Training is conducted at Langley Flying School throughout the year.
The School’s facilities consist of a reception area, a Ready Room for dispatching flights, four Flight Instructor offices, a Simulator Room, two classrooms, a storage room, a utility room, the Chief Flying Instructor’s office, and two bathroom facilities. The School’s accounting office is located in an office located in an adjacent hangar. All offices, the reception area, and the Ready Room are equipped with computer terminals that enable access to a centralized computer network that contains centralized documents, flight training records, and the internet.
Flight Instructor offices serve as pre-flight and post flight briefing rooms, and contain tables, chairs, white-boards, personal storage facilities for flight instructors (such as drawers, file drawers, and shelves), and a computer terminal
The two classrooms contain tables and chairs (to facilitate up to 40 students), white boards, an overhead projector, and one of the classrooms is equipped with an overhead television display with an attached VCR player and a DVD player. The classrooms serve as student study areas when classes are not in session.
The reception area is equipped with a couch, chairs, a coffee table, and the reception desk. The School’s coffee machine is also located in the reception area, as well as a fridge for student and staff use. Coffee is complimentary.
Next to the reception area is the Ready Room where students prepare the dispatch of training flights. The Ready Room is equipped with telephones and has two computer terminals that are utilized by students to connect with the School’s aircraft and flight training records, as well as Nav Canada’s website for pre-flight pilot briefings. The Ready Room also contains the School Flight Operations Board, which displays the current operational training status of the School’s aircraft, including aircraft crew, fuel status, time of departure, routing, exercises, and estimated time of arrival.
Adjacent to the Ready Room is the office of the Chief Flying Instructor. It is equipped with a desk, a table and chairs, as well as a white board. The Chief Flying Instructor’s office also serves as a briefing room.
The utility room is accessible to all students and staff and contains a second fridge and a microwave.
In 2002 an audit of Langley Flying School was conducted by the Ministry of Advanced Education for the purposes of Accreditation.
The Accreditation Audit Report recommended that Langley Flying School be accredited, making us one of the few privately funded and operating flight schools in British Columbia having this status. Below are some of the comments contained in the audit report:
“I would like to thank the staff, students and the President of Langley Flying School for the cooperation and support during the audit. The School was a pleasure to work with and there are many exciting things happening at LangleyFlyingSchool. . .”
“I would like to applaud LangleyFlyingSchool for the undertaking of writing their own manuals to provide more efficient and effective delivery of the specialized curriculum. . .”
“Very warm, friendly atmosphere that is conducive to a positive learning environment. I would like to commend the President on his complement of staff, who are caring, informative, and professional. . .”
“. . it is commendable that most instructors attended the Annual Instructor Refresher Course. This is very encouraging as it is a great form of Professional Development . . It shows that that the instructors at Langley Flying School are interested in bettering their abilities as aviation professionals. Langley Flying School has a variety in instructor experience . . I believe this is of benefit to all who attend LangleyFlyingSchool.”
“The students were randomly polled during the on-site visit day and all comments about the instructors where highly commendable and positive. There is a caring attitude towards the students that became quite apparent when the team had discussions with the students. There were many references to the instructors going beyond the call of duty to help students understand trouble areas in and out of the classroom. The students were unanimous in their comments about the warmth when they walked through the front door. The students also commented on the calming effect and professionalism of the instructors and the administration. . .”
“Upon completion of any of the courses, LangleyFlying School distributes a certificate for the course and posts the certificates on their information boards. This is commendable, as it gives the students a sense of accomplishment along with their fellow students, as well as proof of program completion for employer..”
“Langley Flying School has a pleasant facility that houses two classrooms, seven instructor briefing rooms, one Flight Training Device room and a relaxing entry area. The atmosphere is very friendly and all rooms have natural light as well as ample lighting. There are seven computers in the facility that are available to all staff and students at anytime. The computer system was recently upgraded by the Associate Chief Flying Instructor and is interconnected to an in-house website that allows students access to files and data with point and click accessibility. LangleyFlying School also has a website on the world-wide web . . Although there is no formal area for eating there is ample space in the building for students to eat their lunch. There is also a pop and juice machine and complimentary water in the classroom for students. A medium size fridge is available and there is also a coffee machine in the entrance. For hot meals there is a restaurant within three minutes walking distance. . .”
Pilot: Gerry Unger
