Brampton Flight Centre

There are so many things to consider if looking for a proper flight school that it would seem useless to try and list them all down. I started here in the hopes of going on to be a commercial pilot but a large number of factors resulted in me having to put my training on pause as new opportunities opened up for me.
I’ll start off with some info for the general public looking to book a sightseeing tour etc.
Yes BFC does offer sightseeing tours to Toronto and Niagara Falls, things like that always cost more money than they should, but they do provide a great date idea if you have the cash to spare. But I would say use the schools on the Island Airport if you want sightseeing done as you get a view of the city as soon as you take off.
But after having researched a lot of the schools in the GTA I opted for BFC for the following reasons and more:
1. It’s got a big fleet and lots of great instructors of all levels. Although coming in towards your multi-​IFR ratings, the list of instructors does dwindle.
2. The distance to the practice area is roughly a 12 minute flight thus cutting down on fuel costs, but at the same time it IS still 12 minutes away.
3. Uncontrolled airport and within YYZ airspace so pilots need always be aware of surrounding aircraft as well as their altitude.
4. Lots of country fields surrounding it to practice emergency landings at.
5. Very easy to get going once an aircraft is ready, re-​fueling does not take too long, although one of the more frequently used runways does have a bit of a taxi involved.
6. Like most schools, has a very clear schedule for the ground school and flexible timings.
7. Great flight shop on site that appeals to both the flying enthusiast as well as students nearing the end of their training.
8. Partnership with Sheriden college residence to house international students as well as provide a shuttle service (but for a costly fee)
9. They have a grill/​restaurant that serves up a decent breakfast as well as lunch stuff.
10. Routine events (e.g. seminar’s workshops) for the general public if interested that are free or cheap.
11. They do have a flight sim, though I’ve never used it.
Here are some of the cons:
1. The major one being lack of anyway to get there but an expensive cab ride if you don’t happen to own a car.
2. The lack of a control tower might make students more nervous when entering controlled airspace (but controlled vs uncontrolled is always a debate is it not?)
3. Despite the big fleet and numerous instructors there are just so many students that booking an aircraft should be done around a MONTH in advance if you want a particular make and model.
4. Cost, cost, cost, cost!!! (But that applies to all schools, still cheaper than flight training south of the border!)
5. Not all the planes have glass cockpits, but the ones that do are not as in high demand.
Overall, compared to Downsview Airport there are pros and cons and you should really research in to which suites you better, but I would pick coming up to BFC than the Island Airport schools anytime.