READ WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...

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 Vancouver Island 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 this area on Vancouver Island, 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

"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 Vancouver Island 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 Vancouver Island 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 Vancouver Island."

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

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!"