Expert: David A. NewMyer - 3/8/2006

Question
Hello David, My name is Nikita Travkin. I was born in Russia originally but i moved to Canada in 2002. I want to become a proffesional pilot in my life. I read all the question - answers on this web site about that e.g. eye site, how to apply etc... My question(s) is this:

I am currently in grade 11 and this 2006 summer is free for me. I want to get the feel of flying during summer, and i want you to recommend me something to do in summer that has to do with flying or/and getting flying hours toward Emby Riddle (Thats where i want to go to study for Proffesional Pilot). e.g flying summer camp, University flying camps, etc...
My second question is do i have to get the private pilot license in canada or i can do it in America?
Thank you and I will wait for an answer.

Answer
Hi, Nikita:

It is nice to hear from you.  I will try to assist.

As far as something to do this summer, there are several unversities and colleges that offer a summer aviation camp.  They include:

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Experimental Aircraft Association
Westminster University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale (which is where I work)

If you do a "google" search (at www.google.com) and simply type in "summer aviation camps" or something similar you will get a number of listings.  The contact for the camp here at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is the Office of Continuing Education, at 618-536-7751 or contact the camp director,  Professor Lorelei Ruiz, at lemiller@siu.edu

You can get your private pilot license anywhere you wish, but, it would depend on where you want to go to school and work.  If you wish to work/go to school in Canada, get the Canadian license, if you wish to work/go to school in the USA, get the USA (Federal Aviation Administration) certificate.  For example, if your goal is to attend Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, you would probably find it easier upon entry if you earned your Private Pilot Certificate in the USA.  

Finally, if you wish to research the availability of college and university aviation degree programs, you can order a publication called THE COLLEGIATE AVIATION GUIDE from the University Aviation Association.  You can contact them at 334-844-2434 or by email at uaa@auburn.edu or on the web at www.uaa.aero to order this publication.  The cost is around $25.

Best wishes to you,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu