When Karen O’Neill was 29, she decided to go back to school. That’s not an easy decision to make after being out of school so long, but she was looking for a new direction in life, a chance to spread her wings—and in her case, that isn’t a cliché.
What do you do?
I’m a pilot finishing my training. I’m in the final stages of becoming a qualified commercial pilot and working toward multi-engine endorsement and instrument flight rating. I’m also working part-time for a regional airline as a customer service agent and bar manager.
Why commercial flying?
I enjoy flying and I thought this would be an opportunity to see the world. Realizing I would have to go back to school after 12 years was a big transition. It took a lot of dedication to get where I am today.
Where did you go to school?
I took the Commercial Pilot program at SIAST. It lets you alternate your ground school training with actual flying experience at your home flying school. The first session you cover everything from math and physics to navigation, flight operations and Canadian aviation regulations. Then you return to your flying school to continue your flight training. At the next session, you complete ground school training for multi-engine aircraft and instrument flight rating, complete the Instrument Flight Rating ground school and write the Transport Canada IFR examination.
And then you are ready to fly as a commercial pilot?
Not quite. At the end of ground school, you write the Transport Canada IATRA exam, which you need to fly as a co-pilot in a multi-engine aircraft requiring two pilots. You do your Multi-Engine Flying and Instrument Flight rating requirements and flight tests at your flying school. This is what I’m finishing up now. When you’ve successfully completed all that, you receive a diploma from SIAST and the Saskatchewan Aviation Council as a qualified commercial pilot with multi-engine endorsement and instrument flight rating.
Did you need to know how to fly before you enrolled?
Yes, I had a private pilot’s licence—you need that to enrol.
What did you like most about the training?
The best thing was being located at the airport and being able to see all types of aircraft landing and taking off. It also helped that at SIAST you have educated instructors in the aviation industry; there was always extra help for students whenever you needed it.
What surprised you the most about school?
Being able to multi-task between two jobs, while also going to school full-time. I also liked that the SIAST program plugs directly into the aviation industry, which helped me land a summer job with a regional airline.
What do you like most about your job?
I love having the opportunity to be around aircraft. I love the hands-on part of things and learning how the airlines work.
Most indispensable workplace skill?
Staying current with airport regulations, company policies and all the aircraft. The industry is always changing, and there’s so much to know.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I would love to be working for a major airline and flying to places around the world.
Any advice for high school students?
Anything is possible as long as you have the passion and are willing to work at it with a positive attitude.
Job Prospects – Fair. Saskatchewan pilots work in a variety of areas: charter airlines, regular scheduled airlines, air freight companies, flying schools, aerial application (crop spraying), aerial photography and surveying. There are also jobs as private pilots for large corporations and public sector institutions. Average annual wage for a full-time pilot is $127,400.
Work Environment – Dynamic. Commercial pilots fly different types of aircraft: single engine, multi-engine, piston engine, turbine engine and float planes. Each demands a unique set of skills, knowledge and experience.
Education Options – Diploma. SIAST offers a Commercial Pilot program, which is a partnership between SIAST and the Saskatchewan Aviation Council. It lets you take ground school training through SIAST while getting your actual flying hours through a local SAC-approved flying school.