Whether you are flying small charters through the Canadian Rockies, piloting airliners over North America, or flying for a mission organization through the plains of Africa, PATC’s flight training will help you excel as a mature, skilled, and competent commercial pilot.

Why Prairie Aviation Training Centre?

PATC offers comprehensive flight training across various aircraft types and environments, including cross-country flights, mountain flying, tail-wheel challenges, and aerobatics, equipping students with advanced skills in precision, navigation, and upset recovery, while exposing them to diverse flying conditions such as grass airstrips and U.S. airspace.

Experienced Instructors:

  1. Not only do we have an average student instructor ratio of 4:1, but our unique relationship with mission organizations has allowed us to provide our students with an exceptional crew of experienced pilots who have worked all over the world.
  2. Our 2023 instructor team has a combined experience of 50,000 flight hours and over 120 years in the aviation industry in Canada, Africa, Asia and Asia-Pacific.



Our Fleet:

Our diverse fleet of aircraft provides our students with an industry leading depth of experience:

  • 3 Cessna 172M
  • 2 American Champion Citabrias (7GCBC)
  • 1 Cessna R182
  • 1 Cessna 210L
  • 1 Piper Seneca II (PA-34)
  • 1 Redbird FMX Full-Motion Simulator
  • 1 Redbird Crosswind Traine

Program Partner

We are pleased to offer our program in partnership with MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship of Canada).

Do you have questions? Let's chat...

Kalvin Hildebrant

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES / FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

Kalvin Hildebrant

  • In many aircraft types: basic trainers, tail-wheel and advanced single and multi-engine aircraft.
  • In different flying environments: broad prairies, mountains, grass runways, controlled airspace and border crossings into the US.
  • Tail-wheel aircraft (Citabrias) challenge pilots in their precision, coordination and overall control of aircraft through various flight exercises.
  • Advanced aircraft, like the R182, introduce students to aircraft with retractable landing gear that fly faster, higher and further.
  • Airplanes are meant to go places, so our students complete many “cross-country” flights around Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan in order to gain flight experience away from the comforts of their home base. A unique part of this training is the “650” that takes 2 or 3 students and an instructor on a multi-day excursion far from our local airport. This often includes the experience of a US border-crossing and flying in American airspace, opening up the option of visiting Alaska, Arizona, California or even Florida.
  • Most schools train students to operate primarily from paved runways. PATC grads will have gained exposure to the challenges of operating on grass airstrips, both in the prairies and in the Rocky Mountains.
  • Our breath-taking Mountain Flying module equips pilots to operate safely in mountainous terrain where the environment and conditions can be very unforgiving. Students complete both dual and solo flights in the Canadian Rockies where they will strengthen their skills in navigation, decision making and aircraft handling as they fly through deep, narrow canyons, land on mountain airstrips and cross high altitude mountain ridges.
  • Upset Prevention and Recovery Training is a truly unique component of PATC’s flight training. Training with a fully qualified instructor, students are introduced to aerobatics and given the opportunity to become comfortable with the uncomfortable while doing loops and rolls! This module is crafted to teach upset recovery skills.
  1. In many aircraft types: basic trainers, tail-wheel and advanced single and multi-engine aircraft.
  2. In different flying environments: broad prairies, mountains, grass runways, controlled airspace and border crossings into the US.
  3. Tail-wheel aircraft (Citabrias) challenge pilots in their precision, coordination and overall control of aircraft through various flight exercises.
  4. Advanced aircraft, like the R182, introduce students to aircraft with retractable landing gear that fly faster, higher and further.
  5. Airplanes are meant to go places, so our students complete many “cross-country” flights around Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan in order to gain flight experience away from the comforts of their home base. A unique part of this training is the “650” that takes 2- or 3 students and an instructor on a multi-day excursion far from our local airport. This often includes the experience of a US border-crossing and flying in American airspace, opening up the option of visiting Alaska, Arizona, California or even Florida.
  6. Most schools train students to operate primarily from paved runways. PATC grads will have gained exposure to the challenges of operating on grass airstrips, both in the prairies and in the Rocky Mountains.
  7. Our breath-taking Mountain Flying module equips pilots to operate safely in mountainous terrain where the environment and conditions can be very unforgiving. Students complete both dual and solo flights in the Canadian Rockies where they will strengthen their skills in navigation, decision making and aircraft handling as they fly through deep, narrow canyons, land on mountain airstrips and cross high altitude mountain ridges.
  8. Upset Prevention and Recovery Training is a truly unique component of PATC’s flight training. Training with a fully qualified instructor, students are introduced to aerobatics and given the opportunity to become comfortable with the uncomfortable while doing loops and rolls! This module is crafted to teach upset recovery skills.

Aviation

All courses are three credits unless shown otherwise.

Non-Technical Courses (33 credits)

NT 112 Reading the Gospels and Acts

In this course, students are introduced to the story of Jesus Christ and his earliest disciples as told by the four Gospels and the book of Acts. Students will grow in their understanding of who Jesus is as well as in their ability to interpret the bible by attending to its literary, historical, and theological character.

NT 221 Reading Paul’s Letters

This course is an introduction to the life and letters of the apostle Paul. Students will gain a basic understanding of the historical, literary, and theological characteristics of each of Paul’s letters, and in the process will further develop their skills in attentive and critical bible reading.

OT 112 Reading the Torah

A study of the first five books of the Bible, focusing on the historical, literary and theological features of these books as well as establishing a strong grounding in Torah principles as preparation for interpreting the rest of Scripture.

OT 221 Reading the Historical Books

A study of the books of Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings and Ezra-Nehemiah in their cultural, historical, and literary setting. Brief interaction with Ruth, Esther, and 1-2 Chronicles as they relate to the books associated with them. Focuses on interpretive and contextual issues, historical setting, cultural concerns, and their relevance in developing a strong biblical theology in today’s world.

ST 105 The Christian Quest

The Christian life is the experience of God drawing us into a relationship that is nothing less than the believer’s participation in the life of God through union with Christ. This is the Good News (i.e. Gospel) that takes root through sola scriptura (Scripture alone), solus Christus (Christ alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone), and soli Deo gloria (glory to God alone). The transformative participation in Christ and His purposes gives this present life value, direction and hope. The believer is called to the quest of faithful discipleship in this participation and engagement with Christ.

The course is an exploration of and involvement in that quest. You will be challenged toward intentional participation in the life of God through your faithful discipleship response to His person and work. The content will explore a Christian spiritual theology and practice of participation with Christ. The theological approach to this participation is as a transformational relationship with the triune God in which you have both responsibilities and privileges. The course is designed to stretch beyond a cognitive/intellectual exercise and therefore you will be encouraged to actively engage in whole-hearted participation with God, both inside and outside of the classroom. The desired result is that you will know God more deeply, relate to Him as one intimately known by Him, and desire to make Him known to others.

TH 100 Introduction to Christian Theology

This course introduces students to the biblical, doctrinal, philosophical and historical “big picture” outlines of the Christian faith. The course aims to equip students with the skills to develop a Christian mind by assisting them in constructing a theological foundation for thinking and dealing with life’s most important issues. This course will also enable students to begin to think theologically and to construct a Christian worldview for the edification of the community of faith and to the glory of the almighty God whom we serve.

HF 111 Thinking & Writing

This course focuses on a variety of aspects of academic research. The student will critically assess a variety of sources that mostly pertain to the task of apologetics. The primary focus of this course is research and writing, and the secondary focus is apologetics. This means that the student will assess, analyze, summarize, and review source documents that pertain to apologetics. The student will learn how to write academically and how to properly paraphrase source documents in order to enhance their critical thinking skills. Additionally, the student will be familiarized with the library and information literacy. In sum, this course is designed to introduce the student to the task of sound research and proper academic writing.

IS 140 World Religions

A basic understanding of the beliefs, doctrines, and practices of the major world religions will allow Christians to be more effective in their witness for Christ in today’s multicultural world. After a survey of the ideas, philosophy, doctrine, and major practices of the main religions we will discuss how our Gospel witness can be/should be contextualized to people from a particular world religion. We will not include Christianity or Judaism in our study. Includes visits to places of worship in Calgary.

SC 160 Meteorology

This course is designed to be an introduction to understanding the earth’s atmosphere and its changes through the seasons. It is intended to explain theoretical concepts to weather systems and how they apply to everyday life in a variety of circumstances. It is first and foremost a general overview providing an initial foundation to the Science of Meteorology.

SS 150 Interpersonal Communication

This course is designed to introduce students to practical concepts of communication and challenge them to apply these concepts in the contexts of interpersonal and group communication.

SS 170 Christianity in the 21st Century World

This course describes and analyzes the range and nature of Christian expression around the world. This will be done in three ways: 1) by briefly describing the four main streams of Christianity evident today; 2) by examining the variety of expressions of indigenous Christianity in the various geographical regions of the globe, and major challenges Christians face in each region; and 3) by getting a brief introduction of how Christianity spread from its Hebrew roots in Palestine to becoming a global faith which is known today as World Christianity (Christianity whose agenda is no longer determined by churches in the nations of the West). The underlying question for Christians living in the West is, ‘What is our place and role in this recently altered global landscape of Christianity?’ This course will offer some possible answers to that question.

Note: Aviation students are required to achieve a 2.7 G.P.A in the program’s non-technical courses.

Technical Courses (35 credits)

AV 100 Private Pilot License Ground School (3 credits)

AV 123 Flight Practicum: Private Pilot License I (2.5 credits)

AV 124 Flight Practicum: Private Pilot License II (2.5 credits)

AV 130 Flight Practicum: Initial Time & Experience (2.5 credits)

AV 132 Flight Practicum: Complex Aircraft Type Conversion (1 credit)

AV 133 Flight Practicum: Mountain Flying (0.5 credit)

AV 134 Flight Practicum: Tailwheel Conversion (2 credits)

AV 201 Instrument Rating Ground School (3 credits)

AV 207 Aircraft Systems for Pilots (3 credits)

AV 208 Commercial Pilot License Ground School (3 credits)

AV 209 Introduction to Cockpit Resource Management (1.5 credits)

AV 210 Introduction to Flight Line Operations (1.5 credits)

AV 230 Flight Practicum: Night Rating (1.5 credits)

AV 231 Flight Practicum: Commercial Pilot License Flight Test Preparation (1 credit)

AV 235 Flight Practicum: Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (2.5 credits)

AV 236 Flight Practicum: Multi-Engine Rating  (1.5 credits)

AV 237 Flight Practicum: Advanced Time and Experience (2.5 credits)

Use effective and clear communication in a team environment, whether in a leadership or support role, in order to complete tasks.

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and application of operating procedures, aircraft systems, and operating environment.
  2. Develop confidence and proficiency in flying skills for the purpose of attaining Transport Canada licensing and rating standards suited for a career in aviation.
  3. Possess mature character attributes that assist in prioritizing, delegating and receiving assistance to manage a task.
  4. Be able to identify aviation threats, assess risks, implement action and evaluate safe outcomes.

As a licensed Commercial Pilot the world opens up to you with career options in both mission and commercial aviation.

Mission and humanitarian aid organizations continually seek to fill positions in countries where people experience desperate physical needs.

Current estimates indicate the pilot shortage across Canada is expected to increase through 2025, providing entry-level opportunities in regional airlines and smaller charter organizations.

International airlines are currently attracting many Canadian pilots to fill vacancies in their countries.

Career Opportunities

  • Mission Aviation Pilot
  • Charter Pilot
  • Flight Instructor
  • Cargo Pilot
  • Agricultural Pilot
  • Regional or Major Airline Pilot


Our Grads

PATC graduates operate in a wide variety of Canadian and International organizations including:

  • Mission Aviation Fellowship
  • Flying Mission
  • AIM Air
  • SEND International
  • LAMP
  • PACTEC
  • Mercy Air
  • Fast Air
  • Air Tindi
  • Northern Air Charter
  • Latitude Air Ambulance
  • Moncton Flight College
  • Calgary Flying Club
  • Sunwest Aviation
  • CanWest Air
  • Discovery Air
  • Canadian North
  • Perimeter Aviation
  • WestJet Airlines

Admissions Requirements

Academic Admissions Requirement:

  • A minimum average of 60% in five grade 12 courses.
  • A minimum of 60% in English 30-1 or 30-2.

For Homeschool students and applicants outside of Alberta please visit our Steps to Apply page.

Christian Life & Testimony:
Prairie College requires that students demonstrate a Christian life and testimony in order to effectively participate in our Christ-centered community. Applicants show evidence of meeting this requirement in the following application items:

  • Personal Testimony
  • Spiritual Reference
  • Declaration for Admission

English Language Proficiency:
Applicants whose first language is not English must show proof of English Proficiency. See International Admissions Procedures for more information.

For our Tuition & Fee rates as well as Room and Board please see Fees & Financial Aid

Program Specific Costs:

It is essential for students to have a full appreciation of both the over-all program cost and the time-line of when funding will be required.

Please carefully review the Cost Overview for financial information (effective July 1, 2024).

Provincial Student Financial Aid varies from province to province and is restricted to college courses and aviation training carried out towards the Commercial Pilot License and other advanced ratings. Please note financial aid programs do not fund training towards the Private Pilot License.

Canada & United States Application

Winter 2025 (January start), Fall 2025 (September start) and Online Education (start anytime) applications are open. 

International Student Application

Prairie welcomes applications from individuals all around the world! To begin the International Student Application please click the link below. 

Master's Application

If you are applying for the Master of Christian Ministry Leadership or the Master of Global Christian Educational Leadership please click the link below. 

Information Request

Tell us a bit about yourself and an admissions representative will be in touch shortly!

Here are key opportunities you can partner with Prairie

We have launched our Campaign for Greater Impact to provide students with the very best learning opportunities and campus facilities for the decades ahead. 

In Phase One of this Campaign, we plan to invest in much-needed campus renewal, including: upgraded Infrastructure, a new Student Residence, Cafeteria, Worship Auditorium, and expanded Aviation Training Centre. A modern campus requires an investment that is bold, and even expensive, but each Campaign Project is strategic, and designed to enhance Prairie’s campus and student life experience.

Expansion of Prairie Aviation Training Centre

This expansion of PATC’s facility is a key project of Prairie’s Campaign for Greater Impact. It will increase the College’s capacity to train a new generation of Christian aviators to serve God in missions, and also address the growing need for trained pilots in the commercial aviation sector.

Scholarships & Education Fund

Invest in the next generation of missional professionals. Each year Prairie College distributes over $500,000 in scholarships and bursaries to students. We are grateful for each gift that reduces the burden of students’ tuition and allows students to fulfill their God-given professions.

Prison Bible Encounter Program

Encourage inmates in five institutions across Alberta to discover or reconnect with Jesus Christ. This fund assists the students studying the Certificate in Bible program with scholarships, resources for classes, and instruction. 

General Ministries

Prairie College is educating students to pursue a Biblical foundation for life and career.  Your contribution to this fund assists in minimizing the College’s general operating expenses.  

To allocate your gift, please select one of the donation buttons below.

Join us for Preview Day November 15 & 16

An eight-month, around-the-world internship that spans at least 10 countries and five continents, completed in the third year of study.

This internship is open to all Prairie College students; however, there is an extensive application and interview process for acceptance into the GlobeTREK year.

The cost is dependent on internship choice, credits taken, travel, health insurance rates, vaccinations and other expenses.