Current Students

Western University has partnered with MFC Training, one of Canada’s most respected aviation training organizations to provide enhanced flight training starting Fall 2025. Incoming students and those starting year two in the Flight Option of the CAM program will complete their flight training at the London International Airport (LIA) with MFC Training.

MFC Training is one of Canada’s most respected aviation training organizations, offering a comprehensive, Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Program (iATPL) that includes:

• Advanced simulator training
• Multi-crew resource management preparation for complex cockpit environments
• Structured, Transport Canada-approved training to fast-track your path to an airline career

About MFC Training

MFC Training (MFC) is a flight training unit which was first established in 1929 and is certified by Transport Canada to provide all levels of flight training, including the Intergrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence. MFC's London (CYXU) campus will be located at 2485 Aviation Lane at the London International Airport. With over 96 years of experience as an industry leader, MFC educates and develops aviation professionals with state-of-the-art curriculum, highly qualified instructors and modern facilities and equipment. These activities are carried out in a safety-oriented training environment. In addition to its operation at YXU, MFC also has year round operations in Moncton and Fredericton NB, as well as seasonal operations in Thompson and Rankin Inlet .

Facility

MFC's campus is a short drive from Western University. Upon first arrival, you will enter into a welcoming lobby and will be greeted by operational staff. You will have access to various briefing rooms, computer stations and Wi-Fi. On the upper level, you will have access to a student lounge area to catch up on the latest or to prepare for your flight. The area will also contain a flight planning and preparation area. You are encouraged to take full advantage of the facility for all of your training needs. The facility will also included dedicated space for classrooms, situational awareness trainers, and flight training devices. 

Staff

MFC will employ highly training and qualified staff required to operate both the Flight Training Unit and the Approved Maintenance Organization. MFC staffing will also include a team of Flight Safety Officers who will assist the SMS Manager in conducting Safety Investigations and scheduled Quality Assurance Audits. Each staff member under goes a rigorous training program and is held to the highest standards. Direct feedback from our group of aviation companies as well as our extensive Quality Assurance process allows MFC to continually improve its performance standards for all. 

Fleet

MFC Training has a fleet of 41 Diamond Da20's, 2 Cessna C172S, 5 Piper Seminoles and 3 King Air C90s. MFC also utilizes 3 Situational Awareness Trainers, 5 Level II Flight Training Devices (FTD), 1 Diamond Da40 Level V FTD, and 1 Level V King Air B200 FTD. Starting in September 2025, MFC's London operation will use the Diamond Da20 for all single engine training requirements as well as 2 Level II FTDs. As the program grows, MFC will add multi-engine aircraft to complete the multi and instrument requirements. MFC will also add an advance FTD capable of achieving the requirements of the iATPL program including introductions to Multi-Crew Concepts, Standard Operating Procedures, Crew Resources Management and Turbine Aircraft Operations.

CAM Flight Curriculum

DFC London has been approved by Transport Canada to offer an Integrated Commercial Pilot training program.  This condensed training program includes the Commercial Pilot licence as well as the Multi-Engine and Group 1 Instrument Rating. A CAM graduate can be assured that they will leave the program with all the necessary licences and ratings to commence a professional career in the aviation industry.

The training curriculum has been designed to reflect the needs of trainees while challenging them to apply complex problem solving techniques. Each year, trainees work toward fun and challenging objectives while also maintaining a full course load at the University. The training program is divided into stages with defined benchmarks and completion standards. UWO trainees will work through 15 stages over the three years of flight training while enrolled. Stages 1 through 6 are completed during the trainee’s second year at UWO and guide them toward completion of their Private Pilot Licence. Following this, trainees continue their training toward a Commercial Pilot Licence. The Commercial Pilot Flight Test marks the end of stage 10 and the third year at Western. Stages 11 through 15 are completed in trainees’ fourth year at UWO and  work through the challenges of multi-engine and instrument flying. Along the way, milestones are celebrated by achieving various Licences and ratings within the time allotted for each stage. With successful completion of stages 1 through 15, trainees will meet all requirements to apply for the Transport Canada Commercial Pilot Licence, Multi-Engine Rating and Group 1 Instrument Rating.

Year-by-Year Overview of CAM Flight Training

Trainees in the Commercial Aviation Management Program commence their flight training during their second year at UWO. Western University has partnered with MFC Training, one of Canada’s most respected aviation training organizations to provide enhanced flight training starting Fall 2025. Incoming students and those starting year two in the Flight Option of the CAM program will complete their flight training at the London International Airport (LIA) with MFC Training.
MFC Training is one of Canada’s most respected aviation training organizations, offering a comprehensive, Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Program (iATPL) that includes:

• Advanced simulator training
• Multi-crew resource management preparation for complex cockpit environments
• Structured, Transport Canada-approved training to fast-track your path to an airline career

This first year of flying begins with training towards the first solo flight. Following this achievement, training continues to further increase skill and knowledge while completing both local and cross-country flights.  DFC London’s two .  The first year of flying culminates with the Transport Canada Private Pilot written exam and Flight Test. Flight training during this year takes place in the Diamond DA20 aircraft from September to June.

Trainees return to DFC London during their third year at UWO and continue training toward the Commercial Pilot Licence. Trainees may transition to the Diamond DA40, enhancing skills and knowledge to Commercial Pilot standards over the course of the year.  Along with the DA40, trainees will also have the opportunity to use both the CR12 and DA42 Flight Training Devices. These devices allow trainees to gain experience and proficiency with navigation, instrument flying and operation of the Garmin G1000.  Trainees demonstrate their skill and knowledge by successfully completing the Transport Canada Commercial Pilot written exam, Navigation Progress Flight Test and Commercial Flight Test. Training towards the Night Rating is also completed during this year of the CAM program where trainees will be exposed to the pleasures of flying after sunset. This will include both dual, solo, and cross country time. Training during the third year at UWO runs from September to June.

When trainees arrive for their fourth year, they look forward to operating the Diamond DA42-TDI. During this final year of the program, training focuses on multi-engine and instrument flying proficiency. DFC London’s DA42 FTD plays an important role in both multi-engine and instrument training.  This level-5 Flight Training Device provides an extremely accurate representation of the DA42-TDI aircraft and allows trainees to achieve a high level of proficiency with aircraft systems and operation, even before their first flight in the real aircraft.  Multi-engine proficiency is demonstrated through successful completion of the Transport Canada Multi-Engine Rating flight test. Following the completion of the Multi-Engine Rating, focus shifts to instrument flying skills and procedures. Trainees achieve their Group 1 Instrument Rating through successful completion of the Transport Canada Instrument Rating written exam and Flight Test.  Flight training in this final year takes place from September to June.

Trainees’ dedication, worth ethic and passion for flying are celebrated at the end of their four years with the CAM program by achieving all of the requirements for the Transport Canada Commercial Pilot Licence, Multi-Engine Rating and Group-1 Instrument Rating.

What happens if I already have a Private Pilot Licence? 

The Commercial Aviation Management program is also open to individuals with previous flight training experience. Trainees who enroll in the CAM program having already accomplished the Private Pilot Licence will continue training and building flight experience towards a Commercial Pilot Licence. These trainees may, at the discretion of the Chief Flight Instructor, receive a 30-hour flight time credit towards the requirements of the Integrated Commercial Pilot Licence. These trainees are required to demonstrate the same level of ground knowledge as non licenced trainees and thus are expected to attend the private pilot ground school lectures to ensure a satisfactory level of knowledge is maintained.

The previous experience these trainees possess is recognized by DFC London, and as such their training syllabus has been modified to reflect that experience level.  Trainees can expect to commence their training with a DA20 check out so that they become accustomed to both  the aircraft’s flight characteristics and avionics. Following the check out, trainees can expect alternating dual and solo flights to further enhance flight proficiency. In preparation for the CPL and Night Rating requirements, proficiency in instrument flying and radio navigation will be developed through dual practice both in the aircraft and simulator. A portion of the PIC time will be used to enhance navigational techniques and gain valuable experience navigating to and from various aerodromes across South Western Ontario.

Employers

Organizations benefit by:

• Gaining access to academically well-qualified students
• Recruiting students with practical/field experience to work on special projects
• Extending the work term length, allowing students to participate in projects from beginning to end
• Evaluating potential future employees
• Having returning students act as ambassadors for their organization

Ontario employers who hire students in "degree-related work opportunities" are eligible for the  Co-operative Education Tax Credit (CETC). Under this incentive, employers may receive 10% of eligible expenditures, to a maximum credit of $1000 for each qualifying 4-month education work term.

Internships

The BMOS Internship Program, which the non-Flight Aviation Management students are eligible to take part in, includes a series of preparatory sessions, an 8 to 16 month internship in a relevant employment setting, and a post-internship component.

Basic eligibility criteria for participation:

• Enrolment in the 3rd year of the Aviation Management program
• Academic average of at least 70% in 2nd year
• Successful completion of Business Administration 2257

More details about internship options.

History

The Commercial Aviation Management Student Council (better known as the CAM Council) was founded by a group of students in the summer of 2005. The goal of the Council’s formation was to better connect CAM students with the University, the flight school, and other program stakeholders. Along with this, the Council would seek endeavours to help promote the program and students to a greater extent wherever possible.

Activities

With its existence so far, the CAM Council has proven to be a successful and valuable student organization. CAM Council initiatives have included organizing clothing sales, hosting student social gatherings, inviting guest speakers to talk to students, organizing excursions, and distributing the student newsletter. Of most significance is the CAM banquet which is an a annual event that celebrates and rewards the students of this great program.

Organization

The Council consists of year representative and social representative from each class, a Vice President, and a President from the senior year who presides over the Council. Although official positions exist within the Council, all students are encouraged to become involved. The Council constantly receives valuable input from students in every year of the program. With the sustained support from energetic and dedicated students, the CAM Council will continue to thrive long into the future.