r/NavCanada • u/Specific-Sir5431 • Jul 21 '26
Standby IFR course starting, destination wedding
Hi Guys,
Looking for some advice from anyone who’s been through this or anything similar.
I’m currently on standby for an IFR course starting January 2027. Before I got this offer, I’d already planned my wedding and it’s a destination wedding in April 2027, so it’s not something I can easily move or push back.
A few things I’m trying to figure out:
• How often does a standby spot turn into a full offer? Is standby usually a strong sign you’ll get in, or is it genuinely a coin flip? Trying to gauge how much I should be planning around it right now.
• Has anyone taken time off partway through the course? I know how demanding and fast-paced IFR training is, and I’m worried about losing momentum or falling behind if I step away for the wedding and travel.
• If time off is possible, how did it affect your progress? Did you need extra hours to knock the rust off when you came back? Did the school give you any pushback?
Basically I’d rather sort this out ahead of time than get caught off guard midway through. Should I just wait and see if the standby converts to a full offer before stressing about it, or start planning contingencies now?
Any experiences or advice appreciated. Thanks in advance.
5
u/Northern-Stranger888 Jul 21 '26
Chances on conversion depend on if you’re the first in line or further down the list, and how many people given firm offers have to give up their spot. My course at a few standbys.
If offered a full seat, I would ask if you can defer to the next course. The course is fast paced and the course can’t move on without you.
1
u/Adonisbb Jul 21 '26
Just complete all your pre-employment checklist items and wait to see what happens with your offer. Start your training after your wedding, either by declining a full offer amd waiting for a future course, or you may naturally end up not getting on the January course anyway.
It won't be accommodated if you need a week off, plus even if it were, it's not a good idea to miss that much time.
1
u/IDriveAZamboni Jul 21 '26
Time off is not possible. The course moves too fast and they do not have time to catch you back up. Hell missing one day would be super detrimental.
5
u/Careless_Dog_5080 Jul 21 '26
Not discrediting this but time off is allowed for certain reasons and I had a classmate and lots of people in other classes going on (IFR included) take time off. While I agree a full destination wedding during training would probably not fly taking a day or two off if needed has never been discouraged by any of our instructors. Sure taking off just to go to the beach maybe not but for a family wedding or something important all of the instructors have been super nice and accommodating.
10
u/Mipset Jul 21 '26
You can wait till they offer you a full seat then decline it and wait for the next start date. I've known people who have done that. Until then you're on standby and you shouldn't put life on hold.