The Atik Mason Indigenous Pilot Pathway provides Indigenous community members with all the support and flight training required to become a fully qualified pilot for one of EIC’s air operators. During training, accom­modations and meals are provided, along with Indigenous leadership to keep everyone feeling connected, grounded, and on the path to success. Pathway members will even get to work directly with Atik ‘Tik’ Mason, the program’s namesake, who will mentor them from his own experience as an Indigenous pilot. Tik is also a flight in­structor and members will have the chance to learn from him in the air Discover Indigenous Pilot Pathway.

On a seasonal basis, the Atik Mason Indigenous Pilot Pathway is bringing MFC Training’s world-class flight training to the heart of northern Canada: Thompson, MB and Rankin Inlet, NU. From May through September, Pathway members will take part in both in-air and on-ground Private Pilot flight training at the Thompson Municipal Airport (CYTH) and at Rankin Inlet Airport (CYRT). Students attend Ground School in a traditional classroom setting, learn one-on-one from their flight instructors during ground briefs, and can relax and flight plan in the program’s student lounge.

On average, it takes flight students four months to complete Private Pilot training and earn a Recreational Pilot Permit (RPP) or Private Pilot Licence (PPL). Commercial flight training takes another four months or so, which members can complete the following summer in Thompson. Multi-Engine and Instrument training also takes four months to complete. However, we know that life doesn’t always follow a linear pathway. Members who wish to complete most of their flight training in the north can take the time between summer training seasons to spend time at home and are encouraged to talk to the Pathway team for help finding employment with an EIC air operator between training seasons. For those who wish to expedite their pathway to becoming a Commercial Pilot, members are welcome to relocate to MFC Training’s primary campus in Moncton, New Brunswick to continue training free of long breaks. Our team will work with each Pathway member to find the right solution for individual needs and aspirations.

The flight training required to become a pilot is a full-time responsibility.  Often, student pilots train in the air or on the ground up to six (6) days per week.  Due to the rigorous flight training schedule, Pathway members will not be able to maintain full-time employment during training. Training is estimated to continue until mid-September. 

In the spirit of reconciliation, flight training fees, as well as accommodations and meals during training, are included at no cost for members of the Atik Mason Indigenous Pilot Pathway. EIC recognizes the importance of helping to create opportunities for Indigenous people to grow, thrive, and achieve long-term success, both for themselves and their greater communities

Transportation to Thompson or Rankin Inlet from candidate’s communities will be provided if necessary.

Members of the Atik Mason Indigenous Pilot Pathway will be provided comfortable living accommodations in Thompson, MB or Rankin Inlet, NU to live in during training at no cost. Monthly stipends will be provided to all members of the program to assist with living expenses. You may also choose to live outside of provided housing with friends or family. Members who choose to live outside of provided housing will still be eligible to receive a monthly stipend.

Most pilot jobs in Canada are based out of large urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver. EIC, on the other hand, offers local opportunities for rewarding careers in aviation and the ability for Pathway members to stay connected to their homes, cultures, and families throughout Canada’s north.

Embarking on a new challenge away from home is a big deal. Whether it be for a cultural celebration or just to re­connect with family and friends, Pathway members will be able to travel to their home communities free of charge with an EIC air operator when necessary.

The following documents are required for application to become a member of the Atik Mason Indigenous Pilot Pathway.  Electronic copies must be emailed to indigenouspilotpathway@eig.ca.  Contact your local band office for assistance obtaining official documentation, if required.

1. Government-issued identification [(1) driver’s licence or identification card or passport, (2) birth certificate, and (3) Certificate of Indian status document, if you have one]
2. High school transcript indicating successful graduation
3. Official Covid-19 vaccination record

The following documents are not required for application, however electronic copies should be sent to indigenouspilotpathway@eig.ca if you have them.

1. Professional resume indicating your education, work experience, and leadership experience
2. Proof of any flight training experience
3. Transport Canada civil aviation medical examination report or certificate

Aspiring pilots first earn their Private Pilot Licence by working with a flight instructor to learn how to control an aircraft, navigate in the air, and communicate with air traffic controllers. Student pilots also learn important infor­mation through classroom training, called Ground School. Ground school teaches student pilots how airplanes fly, about aircraft aerodynamics and systems, about weather, and about the laws that pilots must follow in the air. Once student pilots pass important tests in the air and on the ground, they officially become Private Pilots.

Next, Private Pilots work toward their Commercial Pilot Licence. This training hones a Private Pilot’s skills and teaches them more advanced maneuvers in the air, while learning additional important lessons and rules during Ground School. This extra practice prepares pilots to fly professionally and for longer trips in the air by themselves.

Finally, student pilots learn to fly aircraft with more than one engine through their Multi-Engine Rating, as well as learning to fly and navigate using their flight in­struments rather than what they can see outside of the cockpit window. This Instrument Rating prepares pilots for flying in poor weather conditions or above clouds. Many pilots choose to earn an Instructor Rating, which allows them to work as a Flight Instructor. Instruct­ors gain experience, skills, and confidence in the air through teaching others how to fly, setting them up for success as a pilot for an airline or air operator.