Customer Service

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

Glacier Air is located at Squamish Municipal Airport.

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Do your tours depart from Vancouver?

No, all tours depart from Squamish Municipal Airport.

Where is your flight training based?

All flight training is based at the Squamish Municipal Airport.

What is a glacier?

A glacier is a large, slow moving river of ice, formed from compacted layers of snow, that slowly deforms and flows in response to gravity. Glacier ice is the largest reservoir of fresh water on Earth, and second only to oceans as the largest reservoir of total water.

Alpine glaciers form in mountain valleys and are sometimes referred to as valley glaciers. Larger glaciers can cover an entire mountain, mountain chain or even a volcano; this type is known as an ice cap. Ice caps feed outlet glaciers, tongues of ice that extend into valleys below, far from the margins of those larger ice masses. Outlet glaciers are formed by the movement of ice from a polar ice cap, or an ice cap from mountainous regions, to the sea.

How long does it take to get a pilot’s license?

For a Private Pilot Certificate, Transport Canada requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight training, equally divided between flying with an instructor (minimum 15 hours) and flying solo (minimum 25 hours). However, most students take about 60 (30/30) to 80 (40/40) hours. The length of time it takes you to earn this certificate will depend entirely on the time and energy you devote to study and practice.

How safe is flying a small airplane?

General aviation aircraft are well built and have many redundant safety features. When these aircraft are properly maintained and flown by competent and prudent pilots, this is one of the safest forms of transportation. The majority of general aviation accidents that occur are very similar to automobile accidents in that the driver or pilot tried to do something beyond the capability of the aircraft or their skill level.

Will I get sick?

In general the majority of passengers don’t get sick when flying in a small aircraft. However, if you are prone to motion sickness, then you may want to consider using Gravol before your flight.

What do I bring with me?

Your camera and Sun Glasses!

What should I wear?

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. If it's cold and wet, dress accordingly, particularly in winter. If you experience a delay on the ground, you’ll be glad you did.

Take closed toe shoes like hiking boots or runners and a good quality jacket. Layer your clothing according to flying conditions and your comfort level.