WIDER HORIZONS

What is Wider Horizons?

Wider Horizons is a program for pilot members of the Rockcliffe Flying Club, who would like to 'Widen their Horizons'. Trips completed so far have been to Toronto Island, Montreal Dorval, and Quebec City, with plans to explore more destinations such as but not limited to North Bay, Boston and Burlington Vermont. Participants have so far become more experienced at busy airports, and learned simpler navigation methods. The Club provides an experienced instructor at no charge to the participants to act as a safety blanket, and offer suggestions as the trip progresses.

Why is the Instructor pilot-in-command?

There are a few reasons:

• Some pilots in the Wider Horizons Program are Recreational Pilots. Therefore, because they are restricted to only one passenger, they can not act as the pilot-in-command.
• As we will be flying into airspace and airports that Wider Horizons pilots may not normally fly into on their own, we want to ensure the instructor can take command should a scenario or situation arise that is beyond the capability of the less experienced pilot.
• In order to provide an instructor at no charge there needed to be an incentive for the instructor to get involved in the program. Cross-country pilot-in-command time is the incentive.

Why can we not use the Wider Horizons Program to complete our cross-country training towards the Private Pilot Licence?

The Wider Horizons Program has been set up specifically for licenced pilots who are looking to obtain more experience and / or gain exposure to other navigational methods, more complex airspace and larger or different airports. It is not set-up for basic one-on-one type instruction.

Transport Canada guidelines require that while under training, a Student Pilot must fly a pre-approved route. The RFC's pre-approved routes are Cornwall and Kingston.

Can we log the time that we fly on the Wider Horizons Program?

Absolutely. The time can be logged as Dual cross-country day or night.

How often can a pilot participate in the program?

Each pilot can use the program to fly for a maximum of three flights, each to a distinct destination.

Can we use the Wider Horizons Program toward our required dual cross-country time for the night rating?

Yes. If you hold a Private Pilot Licence and as long as you have been properly briefed, reviewed and prepared the flight in advance with the instructor and are willing to pay for the briefing time and the dual rate when in the air.

Do we have a choice as to the method of navigation used on the flight?

Yes. You will be asked in advance the method you prefer. In the early stages of the program you will have the choice between map reading, traditional navigation aids (VOR and ADF) or GPS. Of course we can always combine these. As we develop the program a number of software applications will be introduced and we will take some of the easier ones and demonstrate how they can be used.

Can my wife, child or a friend come along?

Anything is possible. Talk to your fellow Wider Horizons Program pilots and instructor to see what can be arranged.

Can we use the Wider Horizons Program to be dropped off for a business trip?

Again, anything is possible. Talk to your fellow Wider Horizons Program pilots and instructor to see what can be arranged.

Are we responsible for the instructor's expenses (eg: lunch, coffee, etc.)?

No. But keep in mind the instructors have devoted time and effort to the program and the Club has provided the instructor at no charge, so any gestures in this regard would certainly be appreciated.