About Brandon Flight Centre
Since 1936 we have trained pilots, maintained and fueled aircrafts, and assisted the local aviation community. Thousands of pilots have passed through our doors and gone on to service in Canada’s military or civil aviation. We are extremely proud of our roots and our important role in aviation history.
Our team of professional experts are here and ready to assist you with any of your aviation needs.
We look forward to seeing you soon in CYBR!
Membership Benefits
Our members have been the heart of the organization since 1936, and they continue to be the very soul of our foundation! Being a member of the Brandon Flying Club means that you have a passion for aviation, even if you don't fly, and want to share that love with the members of your community!
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The opportunity to participate in educational seminars and courses offered year round
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Access to our fleet of BFC aircraft
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Preferred pricing for aircraft maintenance
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Fuel discounts
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Invitations to BFC member fly-ins, BBQ’s, and more!
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The opportunity to share your love of all things aviation with like-minded individuals
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Discounted rates with BFC partners including Lakeview Inn & Suites, Enterprise Car Rentals, and more
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Be part of supporting a locally operated Not For Profit helping aviators right here at home
History & Mission Statement
History
The Brandon Flying Club was established on November 28, 1936 and incorporated on January 2, 1937. It is a Not-for-Profit Corporation, originally named the Brandon-Virden Flying Club. Cecil Leech was the Club’s President and Chief Flight Instructor at that time. Mr. Leech held both an RCAF and civilian rating as a pilot instructor and proved invaluable in training civilian pilots and RCAF personnel for the Club as time went on. At this time all civil flying was under the jurisdiction of the Department of National Defense, and thus the Club’s first move was to gain access to the Canadian Flying Club Association. In order to encourage civilian flying, the department had an arrangement through the Flying Club Association whereby member clubs who purchased a new training plane were provided with a second trainer. Thus, two new planes were purchased, a Taylor Cub and an Aronca Cabin.
As early as 1939, the Brandon Flying Club was very highly regarded by both inspectors of the Department of National Defense and Flying Club Association officials. As a result, the Brandon Flying Club was selected as the first club in Canada to train pilots for the Royal Canadian Air Force. By the fall of 1941, the Club suspended civil operations for the duration of the war as priorities turned to supporting the efforts of the RCAF and of the Allied war effort by contributing to the Commonwealth Air Training Plan. SFTP number 12 operated out of the local area aerodromes and many of these buildings are still in use today.
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The Club has grown substantially over the years but we remain focused on our roots as a training and educational centre fostered through fairs, fly-ins, social events, public speaking, and tours. We provide pilot training to all levels, from hobbyist to career professional, opening our doors to anyone with a passion for flight. Today, our fleet consists of 2 Cessna 172’s as well as a 3 Piper Cherokees and includes 5 instructors.
While BFC continues to operate in the original building and land where it all began, we have expanded over the years to include a full service FBO and maintenance shop. Our FBO provides full ground service to all our membership planes, as well as WestJet and our transient customers from across Canada and beyond. The Club now employs 20 full-time and part-time staff, and has an active Board of Directors that includes seven board members with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Presently, the BFC has a membership of over 150 members. The Club is lucky to have over 40 lifetime members, and they share with the Club their love and enthusiasm of flying, along with many colourful stories of the history and events of the BFC and flying exploits.
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The industry is undergoing significant changes, but BFC has weathered many over they years. By staying true to our roots and focusing on you, our members and community, we are and will continue to be a vibrant, enthusiastic, and passionate community of aviators and enthusiasts for years to come!
Mission statement
Brandon Flight Centre is established, maintained, and conducts the organization for the purpose of promoting flying, flight safety, and advancing the study and practice of flying, flight engineering, aeronautics, and aviation.
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Brandon Flight Centre shall acquire and hold land, buildings, and essential assets for the purpose of establishing and maintaining depots, hangars workshops, and meeting areas for the care, housing, reception, and dispatch of aircraft for the purpose of the Corporation and of the members thereof.
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Brandon Flight Centre shall acquire, hold, operate, and maintain all manner of heavier-than-air, lighter-than-air, and all sport aviation airships and activities.
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The Corporation shall be carried on without pecuniary gain to its members and that any profits or other accretions to the Corporation shall be used in promoting its objects.
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The subscribers hereto shall be the first members of the Corporation under the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act and the Corporations shall consist of the subscribers and of those who shall hereafter duly become members of the Corporation in accordance with the bylaws in force.
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The first Directors of the Corporation shall be as set out in the petition herein.