Current Students

About Diamond Flight Centre

Diamond Flight Centre London Inc. (DFC London) is a flight training unit located at the London International Airport (CYXU).  A short drive from the University of Western Ontario campus, the facility provides trainees with the opportunity to fly in a dynamic environment amongst major carriers such as Air Canada Jazz and WestJet. When walking through the front doors at DFC London, trainees are greeted by staff, and are encouraged to use all resources available to prepare for their flight lesson.

Facility

The facility at DFC London is equipped with classroom space and individual briefing rooms, all with computers and Internet access. These areas allow trainees to participate in both group and individual instruction before and after flight lessons with DFC London instructors. The London Flight Information Centre (FIC) is located upstairs. This facility, operated by Nav Canada, provides flight planning and weather information services to Ontario and western Quebec.

Staff

DFC London employs a group of highly trained Flight Instructors and Flight Operations personnel. Each staff member is held to the highest industry standards while conducting their duties. Many of the instructors are graduates of the Commercial Aviation Management program, allowing a common bond to form between instructors and trainees. All instructors possess a high degree of technical and practical knowledge with respect to the equipment operated by DFC London.

Fleet

DFC London’s fleet consists of four different aircraft types; Diamond DA20, DA40, DA42, and Grob 115C. The facility at DFC London is also equipped with three Flight Training Devices including a Level-5 Diamond DA42 simulator. This type-specific Flight Training Device is utilized throughout different stages of training ranging from Garmin G1000 orientation to multi-engine and instrument training.

The Diamond DA20 is a two-seat, single engine aircraft used primarily for initial training toward the Private Pilot licence.  DFC London operates two variations of the DA20, one with standard analog flight instruments, and the other with the Garmin G500 digital flight instrument display.

The DA40-Diamond Star is a four-seat, single engine aircraft equipped with more advanced systems, including the Garmin G1000 integrated avionics system, autopilot, radio navigation equipment and a constant-speed propeller.  This aircraft is normally used during the Commercial Pilot licence training.  Along with the more complex systems, the increased performance also challenges trainees.

The DA42-TDI is a four-seat, multi-engine aircraft equipped with the Garmin G1000 integrated avionics system.  This aircraft is used during the multi-engine and instrument flying stages of training.  The DA42-TDI is unique among multi-engine training aircraft because it is equipped with diesel engines - powered by jet fuel - as well as full authority digital engine controls.  This aircraft provides a further increase in performance and complexity, including retractable landing gear.

Why we use Diamond aircraft

DFC London’s fleet is comprised of predominately Diamond aircraft. Training within the CAM program is conducted in Diamond aircraft because of their high degree of safety and reliability.

Diamond DA20-C1 models are used primarily for Private Pilot training. The DA40-Diamond Star allows trainees to enjoy the advantages of the aircraft’s G1000 glass cockpit and increased performance. The multi-engine DA42-TDI provides the opportunity to fly an aircraft with complex systems, such as retractable landing gear. The modern equipped avionics in our fleet is technology that is rarely seen in training aircraft. This gives invaluable experience to CAM trainees as the future of aviation is the “glass cockpit”. Becoming competent and comfortable with this technology will  help prepare CAM graduates for the industry and assist them in beginning a successful career as a professional pilot.

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. 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 CR12 Flight Training Devices are used in this first year of flight training to strengthen navigation and instrument flying skills.  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.