By Cheryl Jahn

Could PG be home to a pilot school?

Jan 30, 2024 | 3:36 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – As with so many industries, COVID left its mark on the airline industry, with many pilots opting to retire during that period. As was seen during the resumption of air travel, the result was chaotic with delays and cancellations across the nation. And the concern is the shortage of pilots could impact this region profoundly. That’s why the City is weighing in.

“We are a hub city, not just for not just for rail and highways, but also for getting passengers on to further destinations,” says Councillor Garth Frizzell, Chair of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. “The Prince George Airport Authority is also concerned if an airline that is experiencing a pilot shortage on a particular route. What’s its recourse? Well, it’s obvious.

“You’re going to focus on getting those pilots the right hours and the right training to operate that larger aircraft,” explains Gordon Duke, President & CEO of the Prince George Airport Authority. “And it’s pretty pragmatic. What ends up happening is the medium-range carriers like WestJet, Encore and Air Canada Jazz are the ones that they’re pulling pilots from.”

But the challenge is huge. Becoming a commercial pilot is not cheap.

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“Unless your flight school is attached to an education institute, you will not be eligible for student loans. And that really causes people to think twice about entering the industry. So we would strongly support the establishment of a flight school here at Prince George Airport, as long as it’s attached to an education institute.”

Council’s Intergovernmental Affairs Committee has three courses of action it intends to pursue, beginning with the pursuit of student loan options. Council is looking at lobbying Transport Canada for improving student grants and working with the Airport Authority on that front, and looking to immigration.

“If we’re not satisfied with what comes back from the government, then we start marshaling all of the other communities that are affected and we aren’t the only one,” says Frizzell. “This impacts others all across BC, and any place outside of a major city is going to be impacted by this. It’s not going to be hard to find people who are willing to support this.”

Frizzell says the move starts with the North Central Local Government Association, followed by the Union and BC Municipalities and, if needed, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

by Cheryl Jahn

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Could PG be home to a pilot school?

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