Profile: Luc Arsenault

Hi there, I’m Luc Arsenault, a former instructor at VFC from 2017 to 2018. Currently, I’m a Training Pilot for Jazz Aviation.

I conduct all types of training on the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ), which includes initial type ratings, captain upgrades, return to work, recurrent training, Line Oriented Flight Training (LOFT), remedial training, as well as transfer of PPC training. I’ve even had the luck to fly the RJ into Victoria!

I got my start through the Air Cadet program, which got me my PPL, training that occurred up Qualicum Beach (CAT4), while we were house in the barracks at CFB Comox (CYQQ). I joined VFC as a member in late 2007, just after getting my PPL, and immediately started working on my night rating and my IFR rating, which was done through Pro IFR’s

former satellite office here in Victoria. I did all my training during the summer months, staggering with my UVIC fall and winter sessions.

After graduating, I jobhopped, working in aviation in several ground-based roles, as well as taking time to travel overseas and teach English, where I caught my teaching bug.

On my return to Canada, I got my instructor rating, and in just over two and half years I went from just a CPL+MIFR holder to a Jazz Training Pilot, working at VFC as an instructor, Pacific Coastal on the Beech

1900, and then Jazz on the CRJ along the way.

I’ve always loved planes, but I didn’t have the best work ethic and time management between UVIC and VFC, so I grew up fretting about this and that, indecisive about what I should do in school, how to go about my training, etc. When I finally found the thing I enjoyed secondmost to flying – teaching – everything just started to fall into place very, very quickly.

With a new sense of purpose, as well as having the support I did, I felt my friends and family were pushing me just as hard as I was pushing myself to achieve my goals, and the results have been awesome.

What I love most about aviation are the connections you get to make, and the people you get to run into

time and time again across the country. Aviation is truly a passion to so many, I never get tired of sharing stories with friends I haven’t seen in years, whether it’s coffee in Toronto, or a rec flight around Vancouver Island.

These days, I’m trying to spend my time away from work on diversifying my interests beyond aviation, while still advocating the for profession, and lending a mentorship hand to those who reach out for tips, advice, and interview preparation. It’s incredibly rewarding to see those you’ve instructed and mentored move up in their careers.

I’m incredibly lucky to have had excellent instructors and mentors along the way myself, I just wish I had known the right questions to ask at the time. If I could give any advice to VFC members, it’s to find someone who can tell you what you need to know, what you don’t realize you don’t know, and make you feel valued all while doing so.

With that in mind, I want to thank Koide, Jeff, Simon, Sean, Graham, Marcel, Gerry, Ramona,Kathy, as well as the whole VFC team I used to work with for helping me learn how to be the pilot I am today. Aviation is a group effort, and I’m grateful for all those I’ve met along the way.

Safe skies,

Luc Arsenault