Business Details
8 Years
experience
Flight Training Programs in Chilliwack
JoinAir Helicopters was founded in 2018 with a vision to provide world-class flight training in some of the most challenging and diverse environments globally. Our programs are designed to equip aspiring pilots with the skills and confidence needed to excel in aviation. Located in Chilliwack, British Columbia, we leverage our mountainous terrain, lakes, rivers, and dynamic weather patterns to create a rigorous yet rewarding training experience. Our fleet includes two helicopters and two aeroplanes, offering hands-on instruction for both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. With a team of seasoned instructors boasting thousands of flight hours, we deliver personalized training tailored to individual goals.From recreational pilot permits to commercial licenses and instructor ratings, our curriculum meets Transport Canada standards while emphasizing safety and technical proficiency. We also offer scenic sightseeing tours, allowing clients to experience the beauty of Western Canada from the air. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our partnerships with organizations like StudentAid BC and adherence to the British Columbia Education Quality Assurance framework. Whether you're pursuing aviation as a hobby or a career, JoinAir Helicopters provides the tools, expertise, and environment to achieve your dreams.
Services
Helicopter Training
Aeroplane Training
Commercial Pilot Licence
Flight Instructor Rating
Night Rating
VFR Over-The-Top Rating
Approved Mountain Course
CPL Conversion Course
Sightseeing Tours
Recreational Pilot Permit
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- We offer training in Canada's challenging mountainous terrain for real-world readiness.
- Our instructors have over 26,500 combined flight hours across diverse aviation sectors.
- We maintain a modern fleet with Cessna 152/172 and Robinson R44 helicopters.
- We provide Transport Canada-approved instructor ratings and mountain-specific training.
- Our programs include flexible options for recreational, private, and commercial pilots.
Associations and certifications
- PTIB
- BC EQA
Services
Helicopter Training
Our helicopter training programs cover private and commercial licenses, mountain courses, and instructor ratings. Using Robinson R44 and Schweizer 300 helicopters, students learn in challenging terrain with experienced instructors. We emphasize safety, technical precision, and real-world applications for career or recreational pilots.
Aeroplane Training
Aeroplane training includes recreational permits, private licenses, and commercial programs using Cessna 152 and 172 aircraft. Courses prepare pilots for day or night operations, over-the-top navigation, and professional aviation careers with Transport Canada-certified instruction.
Flight Instructor Rating
This Transport Canada-approved program trains pilots to become certified flight instructors. It includes 30+ hours of dual flight training, instrument practice, and teaching methodology to prepare graduates for mentoring future pilots in rotary or fixed-wing aircraft.
Approved Mountain Course
Specialized mountain flying instruction teaches techniques for operating in rugged Canadian terrain. Pilots gain skills in altitude management, emergency procedures, and navigation through narrow valleys with experienced mountain-rated instructors.
Sightseeing Tours
Our sightseeing tours offer aerial views of British Columbia's landscapes in Cessna 172 or Robinson R44 aircraft. Options include 30-minute to 1-hour routes over Cultus Lake, Chilliwack Lake, and Harrison Lake with opportunities for custom flight paths.
People
Craig Joiner
Chief Flight Instructor & Owner
With 38 years of experience and 26,500 flight hours, Craig founded JoinAir Helicopters in 2018. He specializes in mountain flying and holds multiple instructor certifications, including Class 1 Instructor and ROC-A Examiner.
Benjamin Ham
Chief Flight Instructor - Aeroplane
Ben has 8 years of instructing experience and 2,200 total flight hours. He focuses on aeroplane training programs while maintaining personal aviation interests in snowboarding and travel.
Walter Pluge
Flight Instructor - Aeroplane
A 33-year aviation veteran with 17,000 flight hours, Walter brings expertise as a Training Captain and Aeronautical Engineer. He specializes in type rating instruction and meteorology for aeroplane pilots.
Ephraim Lottenbach
Flight Instructor - Helicopter
Ephraim has 12 years of helicopter experience, including firefighting and electronic news gathering operations. He brings 3,500 flight hours and Class 4 instructor certification to mountain and wilderness training programs.
Ray Curry
Flight Instructor - Helicopter
With 48 years in aviation and 17,000 flight hours, Ray offers decades of operational management experience. He specializes in mountain flying instruction and has trained pilots across Canada's challenging terrain.
Questions
What flight training programs do you offer?
We offer helicopter and aeroplane training for recreational permits, private licenses, commercial licenses, night ratings, mountain courses, and instructor ratings.
Do you provide financing options for training?
Yes, we partner with StudentAid BC to offer financial assistance programs for eligible flight training students.
What aircraft are available for training?
Our fleet includes Cessna 152/172 aeroplanes and Robinson R44/Schweizer 300 helicopters for comprehensive rotary and fixed-wing instruction.
Are sightseeing tours available?
Yes, we offer scenic flights over British Columbia's lakes and mountains in both helicopters and aeroplanes with customizable tour options.
Do you train international pilots?
Yes, we offer CPL conversion courses for Australian license holders and accept students from diverse aviation backgrounds.
What makes your training unique?
Our mountainous terrain, diverse weather conditions, and experienced instructors with 10,000+ hours of specialized training create unmatched real-world preparation.
Videos
Reviews (2)
Alan K. Stannard
Feb 06, 2021
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I have flown with Craig for years and had him do recurrent training for pilots under my management, I would always take a pilot he trained and put forward for employment.
Daryl Todd
Jan 08, 2019
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I highly recommend Joinair for someone looking for a smaller school that gives students the right amount of one on one teaching they need, and they are able to adapt to the crazy schedules of busy working people like me. Craig is one of the best pilots and instructors I have ever flown with and you know you're in safe hands.
