READ WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...

Kyle Morton

When I got into aviation, I had no Idea what my best options were. When I arrived in Pitt Meadows Tom and Kristene immediately helped me feel at home as well as Tom was more then helpful to show me all the options that where available to me. He also introduced me to many of his successful students who have shared many stories on their growing success in the industry, mainly due to Tom's expertise and willingness to help others become successful in aviation. Taking Tom's 50 float course was the best decision I have made so far, he helped me improve my flying skills as well as perfect float and mountain flying, it was a great experience that I can't see anyone ever regretting.

Stephen Bursey

I am a 20 year old aspiring pilot. I completed the 50 hours Float program during my build up time for my CPL. When I was researching where to do my float rating, I came across Island Coastal Aviation Inc. and it was a pleasant surprise.  Instead of the sales pitch I was getting accustomed to, Tom informed me on what the program involved and what I would learn while I was there. When I arrived to start flying I was welcomed into Tom and Kristene’s home like I was family. The training was top notch, the plane was well maintained, and Tom’s calm personality and attention to detail made for an amazing learning atmosphere. The training started off slow to expose your weaknesses then built on them till your competent being behind the controls. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t dream of flying over the mountains and shorelines of the West Coast. There is no better way to be going to SCHOOL!!!

Evan Kolbuc
Parry Sound, ON

I would like to thank Mr. Drybrough for a great experience while I was doing recurrent training on Floats with him. I was able to learn and refresh on floats throughout my training time. What a spectacular place to fly floats! It was great to be able to fly on a tidal river with current and many challenges. It is also nice to fly in and out of controlled airspace at the Pitt Meadows location. Thanks Tom!

 

Theodore Penner
Hearst, ON

Island Coastal Aviation is a great company to do float training with. Training with Tom Drybrough was a real treat.  His in-depth knowledge and experience are fantastic, but even more helpful was the calm manner that Tom encouraged me and the straightforward techniques that he bestowed.  Tom is a genuine individual that seeks to develop quality, well-rounded pilots.  I grew a lot during my time with Island Coastal Aviation and would wholeheartedly recommend doing training here.  On top of the excellent training you get to experience fantastic scenery and a variety of flight conditions (tidal, river, lake and control zones).


Matthew Michayluik
Saskatoon, SK

I am 19 years old from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and studying towards a CPL. A dream of mine has been to get a seaplane endorsement and after I spoke with Tom on the phone for the first time, I realised it was within arms' reach. I took the 7 hour basic course and completed it in 4 days. Not only was the experience absolutely amazing, the gorgeous landscape, and the weather that I lucked out with. The instructing from Tom was second to none. Very thorough in every aspect of being on the water, looking for an appropriate landing spot, and which direction the wind is coming from. The friendship I made with Tom and Kristene as well will last a life time. Thanks for your instruction, help and knowledge. Thanks again, Tom and Kristene.
 

Michael Goehler
Chilliwack BC

I consider my self one of the lucky low time pilots in these hard times to have a job in aviation.

After finishing my 50 Hour Seaplane course at a school near Vancouver in May 09 I got my first job in the aviation world with Island Coastal Aviation as a fire spotter and then later they trained me as a fire patrol pilot. As soon as I arrived I felt like a family member.

When I did my company check-out with Tom, I soon realized I should have done my 50 hrs float/bush course at Island Coastal Aviation on their C172 instead of with another school on their C180, who I chose because it was closer to my home. It requires such finer skills to fly a C172 on floats, much more so than the C180. I share this opinion with many others in the industry. When you learn on a C172 you develop a much higher skill level which will be used all throughout your float flying career. It prepares you so much more for the real world out there, always flying close to, or at gross weight. Others have told me that learning on the C172 makes it so much easier to upgrade to larger aircraft later on, and I agree.

Tom has been a great employer/instructor for me and I'm really happy that I can profit from his experience. There is not one day that goes by where there is not a new situation. He's always willing to share his experience and makes you focus and aware of different scenarios. He doesn't just teach you how to fly floats; he goes the extra mile to turn you into a better pilot. As a past PPL and CPL instructor with thousands of instructing hours, he’s always on top of your flying and advises you how to fix things. Even on the way to our base and the drive home after work you get ground briefings…. I remember the days at my flight school all too well where I got charged big money for extra instructor time. I've also seen him doing it with students while on course, if you need a little more of his time, he won’t charge you more. Isn't that special?

Also, he doesn't have hidden charges when you do your float plane training with him, fixed price that's it, not like most places with extra fuel, insurance surcharges and so on.

You can also use the float/ bush course for time building towards your CPL. It makes you such a better pilot. You get so much more knowledge and experience out of it. Besides, it's fun to fly through the mountains.
I recommend to every one who wants to get float training to see Tom at Island Coastal Aviation.

Last but not least, make sure you choose a school like Island Coastal Aviation that can issue you a tax receipt at the end of your course. At the end of my 50 hour course I found out that the school I attended could not issue me a tax receipt.…that cost me thousands of $$$.

Thanks again to Tom and Kristene!"

Eric Hung
Markham, ON

"My name is Eric Hung, I am currently a flight instructor in training. I came out to Canada's West Coast to get my 7 hour basic float endorsement so I could add to my flying experience. I certainly wasn't disappointed. Tom is a very experienced instructor and I definitely learned a lot from him. I also appreciated the hospitality offered by him and his wife Kristene. Thank you Tom and Kristene for everything!" (picture at right: "Eric Hung, Air Canada Flight Attendant, Caracas, Venezuela")
 

Marina Droogers
London, Ontario

 

"I always dreamt of flying a floatplane; however, after completing my CPL last fall it seemed easier to get my instructor's rating and find a local job. I soon realized I had made a big mistake and should have followed my dreams. A friend of mine told me about the awesome experience she had with Island Coastal Aviation. I emailed Tom and immediately received a friendly response. A few weeks later, I headed west to beautiful BC to take the 50 hour course. Tom, along with his wife, Kristene, welcomed me with warm hospitality. Being introduced to float flying on BC's West Coast is an experience any person who is passionate about flying would both appreciate and love. Tom works patiently with you on an individual basis to hone your flying skills and to give the best float training possible. Along with the training I learned valuable insights about the industry which ultimately helped me get that first job. I cherish the memories from my training and the amazing views the coast has to offer. Thank you Tom, for helping me establish solid direction in my aviation career! Thank you, Tom & Kristene!"

Garett Overmars
Fredericton, New Brunswick

Flight Instructor
Moncton Flight College

"Thanks Tom, for all of your patience and expertise. Flying on the West Coast of Canada was some of the most memorable that I have experienced. Like you said, it was both a float rating and mountain flying course in one! Thanks again for your patience and assistance, I strongly recommend Island Coastal to anyone else looking to get their float rating."

Scott Neuman
Edmonton, Alberta

"My name is Scott Neumann and I'm a flight instructor at Centennial Flight Centre in Edmonton, Alberta. I had the privilege of receiving training from Tom and his flight school in the early part of 2007. I came out for the 15 hour float training course to see how I'd like it. Throughout the whole time I was there, the service was great! Tom really cared about his students. When the training started, I was amazed on how well the aircraft maintenance was kept and how the aircraft sparkled in the sunlight each morning. The training was tough and Tom definitely pushed you to be the best that you could be. After the 15 hour was completed, I just had to do more...it was addicting, fun, intensive and it gave you that freedom of flying in between the valleys! Less than a month later, I came back and finished another 35 hours of float training for the professional float course that he offered. It was great value and I was able to see a lot of the West Coast as well as the BC lower mainland. While I was there, I was exposed to a lot of like minded people which made the training that much better. I had an amazing experience and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Thanks Tom, for everything!"

Sheldon Larkin
Northern Manitoba

"I had only started my aviation career and I knew that it would be hard to break into the aviation field with only a handful of hours. I also knew that becoming an instructor wasn't the path for me. I needed adventure and so I considered the float aspect of it all.

It took me months to find a float school that could give me the edge. I needed a school that would make me more attractive then the other hundred pilots graduating that year. I had contacted Island Coastal and my conversation with Tom helped my decision.

Tom just doesn't let you glide through the training and then take your money like most schools do. He takes the time to get to know you, find you weakness and makes them a strength. He really makes you think about what your doing and ultimately this makes better decisions in which could save your butt!

When I had completed my training, I knew that float driving was a career that I would be happy doing for a long period of time. I enjoyed it immensely.

Shortly after leaving Island Coastal I found my first job. My boss could not believe that I was a low time pilot and thought that I had been flying floats for years. My aviation career is taking off and this I owe all to Tom. Thank you!"

Patrick Rogers
Creston, BC

"I began my aviation career over 34 years ago as a bush pilot in northern Canada where I flew Cessna, Beaver, Otter, Beech 18 and Twin Otter seaplanes over a span of 5 years then had an enjoyable 27 years with the airlines. I simply wanted to renew and relive the memories I had of those early days on the lakes and rivers, the sense of freedom I felt with a seaplane, the daily exposure to magnificent scenery and the hourly personal challenge of this type of flying. I was surprised how quickly the old instincts returned under Tom's easy going, patient manner. As has already been stated by many others, the aircraft are indeed clean and well maintained and you will be thoroughly checked out on floats! I can also guarantee you will find the West Coast of British Columbia a challenging and beautiful place to fly! Tom and Kristene, all your hard work has paid off, I thank you and can't wait to return for my annual review!"

Alex Jones
United Kingdom

"I just wanted to thank you both for making our stay so enjoyable. The location is quite stunning, and the Seaplane Rating is one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done. I have been in aviation all my working life--41 years, to be exact--and have amassed over 16,000 flying hours on many types of aircraft, including Vickers VC-10, Lockheed Tri-star, Boeing 747 and the Concorde, as well as light aircraft ranging from Cessna and Piper single- and twin-engine aircraft, up to Short 360 and Cessna Citations.

Tom, thank you for your very nice style of instructing, it certainly makes for a very relaxing introduction into this wonderful world of Floatplane flying.
Both Auli and I really enjoyed our stay with you and of course beautiful Canada.
I am now well and truly hooked on Float-plane flying and will be back for more in the future."

Josh Penner
Chilliwack, BC

"I came to do a 50 hour seaplane course as part of my time building towards the commercial license, but left with much more. The course was excellent, and the skills taught by Tom have been a great aid in working towards the commercial license. Tom did not just teach me how to fly floats, but about all aspects of the industry. Always professional, yet friendly and accommodating, I can't think of a better place to learn to fly floats."

Stephen Witherly
Ontario, Canada
"For anyone considering a 50-hour professional floatplane course, the professional and calm instruction provided by Tom and the beautiful & spacious accommodation (provided by) Tom and Kristene really makes you feel like you are at your own home. The training environment on BC's West Coast is second-to-none. From coastal harbours, mountain terrain and beautiful freshwater lakes, this is the only place a pilot wanting to do their seaplane training should consider."

David Brant
Manchester, United Kingdom
50 Hour Seaplane Course

"Many thanks to Tom and Kristene for your kind hospitality and expert, patient instruction. Your aircraft are all in great shape, and together with the beautiful BC scenery it all adds up to a fantastic experience. The accommodation is comfortable and well appointed. The floatplane instruction is of the highest standard and I can recommend Tom's services to anyone wishing to fly in challenging terrain."

Lawrence Foster
Manchester, United Kingdom
50 Hour Seaplane Course

"As part of my hours building towards a JAA ATPL, I travelled to British Columbia from the UK to experience the thrill of float flying. The photos and information prepare a pilot somewhat for what will greet them on arrival here... but do not portray the feeling of flying in such beautiful countryside. For that, one must simply visit and experience. Tom, in common with all his staff, is both professional and friendly - be it in the cockpit or away from flying altogether. With his wife, Kristene, their efforts make the student feel very much at home. The aircraft is very well maintained and a pleasure to fly - the scenery makes any flight an experience in itself, but the floatplane has the capability to show the pilot places otherwise inaccessible. I would strongly encourage any pilot considering advancing their training to come and see a different side of flying and experience the very best of Canada."

Ben Peck
United Kingdom
Mountain & Bush Course, 50 Hour Seaplane Course

Mountain and Bush Course: "Navigating through the maze of steep sided valleys, maneuvering amidst canyons and glaciers, not only felt like flying through Jurassic Park but proved an invaluable experience for the world of bush flying. Thanks to everyone for a totally enjoyable and informative course."

50 hour Seaplane Course: "Prior to commencing the course I had heard many good reviews of the 50 hour floatplane course. It exceeded all my expectations. It didn't take long to see why the West Coast is regarded as one of the best places for float flying. Tom and Kristene really made me feel at home and not having my own transportation proved not to be a problem. The course was very much geared towards getting that all important first job. Tom is a very experienced, committed instructor and easy to get along with which made the flying great fun. I would recommend float flying to anyone in aviation, whether their ambition is the airlines or becoming a Blimp pilot. Float flying really refines the skills and tests your ability to read the weather. I'm personally now hooked on flying floats."

Ian Beatty
Armstrong, BC
50 Hour Seaplane Course

"Going to Tom to learn floats was the best training decision I made.  Doing the 50 hour seaplane course during the winter prepared me to get a float job in Ontario the following spring.  My new employers were impressed with the level of float knowledge I had when I started flying that spring.  Doing 50 hours was also a wise decision, as they were considering other pilots with less float time. 

The training was thorough and enjoyable, and the setting was second to none.  Being right next to the ocean as well as numerous fresh water lakes provides lots of variety during the course.  Tom has got lots of knowledge to pass along and keeps the atmosphere in the cockpit relaxed and easy going.  He and Kristene were great hosts as well, as I stayed in their house while doing the training.  A thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience from start to finish."

Bob Reid
Yellowknife, NWT
7 Hour Seaplane Course

"I was looking for basic (seaplane) flight training, and I found excellent flight training coupled with hospitality and service to match the training.

The employees and students went out of their way to make every part of the training fun and easy. The top notch instruction, equipment and accommodation makes for a package that puts them ahead of the rest in flight training in Canada."

Matthew Tinker
Burns Lake, BC
50 Hour Professional Seaplane Course

"Thank you for the excellent training experience.  I found the staff to be extremely helpful and dedicated to providing the best training possible.  Tom and Kristene went the extra mile to meet my training needs and schedule.  Their aircraft were clean, well maintained, and always ready to go.  

The terrain on the West Coast was both spectacular and challenging for any pilot.  The skills I learned while flying with Tom are helping me greatly as I begin my new career as a professional pilot.

I would recommend you as a top notch training facility to any pilot. Thanks again!"

Marco Spadafora
Comox, BC
Recurrency Seaplane Training

"I could not believe that in only one hour of instruction, you had helped me to be successful with my docking and fixed the left-turning tendency I had on my take-offs. I learned more from you in that one hour than I had in all the hours of float training I had previous to that. So I would just like to say Thank-You.

 

I also like the bush and charter programs you offer, those beach landings sound like a very creative way of making a landplane flight a lot more exciting."

Sanjay Sharma
Bombay, India
15 Hour Seaplane Proficiency Course

"I was relaxed from the very first day, I never felt like I was out of my country. I flew 15 hours with Tom Drybrough. Flying with him was an unforgettable experience.

I came to know that Tom is one of the best floatplane instructors in Canada. He is the best training according to me."

Melvina Nicca and Matthias Steiner, Switzerland
7 Hour Seaplane Rating

"The float training we did with Tom was a unique and fantastic experience, even for us as Commercial pilots. They treated us like friends!"


Robin is now a commercial pilot with a major airline.
 

Robin Kilroy, Ireland
50 Hour Professional Seaplane Course

"I did my 50 hour Professional Seaplane Course as part of my hour building towards my JAR commercial licence. Starting out with very little idea of where to train on floats, Canada seemed an obvious place to start as float planes and Canada are synonymous with one and other.

Typing in 'Float Planes Training Canada' in an internet search came back with many schools. Very few were as helpful as Tom over the email. There were obviously many questions to be answered before I came here as a foreign student. They also seemed to have the best deal as accommodation and transport were included and course availability was good.

I was left with no worries except to go and fly. The float flying is mostly done in an area with a lot of remote lakes situated between the highest mountains along the beautiful west coast of BC. There are also a number of coastal islands which are explored during the course in the hunt for a good spot to do some circuits.

Tom is a very thorough instructor who keeps on top of all your mistakes and bad habits whilst keeping the cockpit an enjoyable place to be. At this stage in my flying, this meticulous approach is important to me if I am to reach the commercial standard.

In summary, the course was all I hoped it would be and the fifty hours on floats over BC's West Coast was one of the most memorable months for me so far - not to be missed."

Home | Flight training | Seaplane Training | Mountain training | Air Patrols | Accommodation |
International | Weather | Convert Currency | Links |  About Us | About Nanaimo, Canada | Testimonials | Photo Gallery | Careers | Contact Us