FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
How am I charged for flying lessons?
You are charged by “flight time”. This is the time from engine start to engine stop. The hobbs meter in the aircraft keeps track of this time in .1 hour intervals (6-minute intervals). If there are long periods of engine warm up or mechanical trouble talk to the chief instructor and we’ll come up with a reasonable compromise.
Students and customers may “pay as you go”. Some students prefer to pay in lump sums so money doesn’t have to be handled after every lesson. It’s up to you. If you are working with a funding agency that needs to pay up front, arrangements can be made.
Students are asked to acknowledge their flights by writing their initials on the daily flight records. Invoices and statements are printed at the end of the month or on request.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Payment may be cash, cheque (check), money order, Visa, MasterCard, internact (bank cards), wire transfers, western union, or paypal (adam@harvsair.com) .
Wire transfer details: Swift code: ROYCCAT2, Transit number: 06117, Bank number 003, Account number: 1006956
Why do you allow students to “pay as you go”?
We trust the judgment of students. If something is not as promised, students have full control to leave or expect immediate improvements in their flight training experience. If you prepay a flying school, what incentive does the school have to serve you well or fix things? You are in control.
The flight training business is very unstable. Many schools are paying yesterdays bills with today’s money. Many schools lease the buildings, lease the furniture, and lease the airplanes. If the school has to be closed, there is nothing a student can do to get his/her money back. The rule is NEVER prepay large amounts of money to a flying school. We’ve seen many, many schools collapse after promising the moon and leaving students out of thousands of dollars.
When is a good time to start my training?
The time that suits you is the best time to start training. The best weather is from early March to November Winter weather allows for great flying as well, but of course it’s colder.
Do you have accommodations?
Yes. Located on the school property. We have room for 18 students at the school.
What courses do you offer?
Check out our complete courses page. We offer all types of fixed wing training available.
When can I start? How can you allow students to start anytime?
Anytime. Students can start any time because we conduct the flight training one on one with a flight instructor. You can’t teach a classroom of students to fly an airplane.
Currency
Currency at both schools can be counted as the same. Keep in mind that St. Andrews is a controlled airport and Steinbach South is a bush style airport. As always the Instructors will still have the final say.
Rates
The St. Andrews airplane rental rates will be $5/hour more then Steinbach. This is because the St. Andrews airport charges .06/litre for fuel, and an airport maintenance and rental charge for being based on the airport. We think being based on a controlled airport close to the city of Winnipeg is an excellent value. We do not offer block or discount rates, preferring to give all students the same rate.
How do I get to your school?
Visit our location page for airlines, routes, and maps.
What is the cost of your Student Pilot kit and what does it include?
Total kit is about $295 including tax. Includes:
High quality case (optional)
From the Ground Up
From the Ground Up Workbook
Flight Training Manual
Log Book
Pilot Training Record
Winnipeg VFR Navigation chart
Winnipeg VTA chart
Plotter Flight Computer
6 Government Publications
500 Practice questions booklet
If you have some of these books we can deduct them from your kit. We normally have these items in stock.
Do you offer block rates?
No. All students get the same rate. We keep the rate low for everybody.
Do you train in actual weather conditions?
Yes. We’ll fly with the weather at 200 overcast and 1/2 mile visibility. For our visual flight training we try to have the student fly in weather at the minima (1 mile). We really insist that students see less then ideal flight conditions with a instructor several times during the training. Better to encounter weather with a instructor, then the student by himself for the first time.
Don’t fly with a school that never flies in any wind, with only blue skies. You’re not getting the whole education.
How is ground school offered?
Group Ground School
5-6 Private and Commercials every year, thus a ground school is run almost continually. See the ground school schedule page.
One-to-One Ground School
Guided study program.
Based on your schedule.
Individualized
Online Ground School
Learn at your own pace and schedule!
http://www.pilottraining.ca
Do I need to complete ground school before starting my flight training?
No, the best way to complete ground school is at the same time as your flying. Ground school is not required to start flying.
How long have you been in business?
Since 1972. Same owner.
What is the atmosphere at the school?
Professional, friendly, relaxed is how some students describe it. No “boys club” atmosphere. No dress code, just comfortable.
Could I read your school rules?
Sure. Click here
Who do I get as a flight instructor?
You choose! We suggest trying a few flight instructors in the beginning, then based on schedules, experience, personality, and background, you choose the instructor you best get along with and learn from.
What are your instructors like?
I am proud to say that every instructor on my staff is an outstanding pilot, as well as an excellent instructor. Staff quality is maintained by a core of seasoned pilots and instructors who provide less experienced staff members with extensive professional developmental training. Check them out here.
Do we have a dress code?
No, we keep it casual. Students learn best when they are comfortable. Casual business wear is preferred. Winter clothing must be worn when flying.
Where do our graduates go after learning to fly?
Our students become commuter pilots, relief pilots, corporate pilots, bush pilots, ag pilots, mission pilots, airline pilots, instructor pilots, and recreational pilots. The sky’s the limit.
What are FTD (Flight Training Devices)?
Flight Training Devices are training aids for pilots. They are approved simulators based on personal computers. With a Flight Instructor, training on a FTD may be logged toward the instrument requirement of the PPL, CPL, and IFR ratings. Called a PCATD in the USA.
I’m very busy; can I still do the training?
Yes, we have enough instructors and aircraft to allow you to fly according to your schedule. Unfortunately, if you can only spend one or less days a week, you will be spending several minutes per flight just reviewing past lessons. As a result, you can expect your licence to take longer, and cost a little more as well. If you can live with that, then no problem. You can schedule lessons during the week, lunch time, evenings, or weekends.
I work two weeks on, one week off or I work shift work. Or I would like to do half the training this year, and then the remaining half next year. Can this work for learning to fly?
Yes, no problem. Expect to take some review when you start flying again.
What are your hours and days of operation?
Hours of operations vary depending on the time of year, weather, and demand. “Normal” hours are:
Monday to Friday: 07:30 to 21:00 (23:00 during the summer)
Saturday: 0730 to 18:00 (20:00 during the summer)
Sunday: 1130 to 1800
Rental and lessons are available outside of these times, but prior arrangements with dispatch or your instructor need to be made.
We are also closed during the following statutory holidays.
New Year’s Day
Good Friday
Christmas
Boxing Day
More Information
Quick Info
St. Andrews (Winnipeg):
St. Andrews Airport
601 Club Road, Unit 100
St. Andrews, Manitoba R1A 3P6
CANADA
Phone: +1 (204) 339 6186
Toll-free: 800 HARV AIR
Fax: +1 (204) 339 6289
email: StAndrews.HarvsAir.com
