About Us
Near North Aviation is a Transport Canada approved Flight Training Unit with operations at both the Parry Sound Airport and Grand River Executive Airport (York). Our dual locations combine the beauty of Ontario’s treasured landscapes with the practicality of training in diverse airspace environments.
Students benefit from the calm focus of low-traffic skies while also gaining valuable experience in controlled, high-density airspace only minutes away. This balance ensures that by the time students are ready for their flight test, they are confident and capable in every type of flying environment.
Our mission is simple: to provide professional, accessible, and high-quality flight training that prepares every student not only to pass their exams, but to succeed as safe, skilled, and adaptable pilots.
History
Near North Aviation, originally founded as B.P. Flight Training Inc. in 2001 by Bruce Platt, has been a cornerstone of pilot training in Ontario for more than two decades. Starting at the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport with three aircraft and an Elite Simulator for instrument instruction, the school quickly established a reputation for quality training and a welcoming atmosphere.
In 2018, the organization expanded south with the opening of a second location in Hamilton, extending the same high standard of instruction to a broader student community. This growth reflected our commitment to making aviation training accessible across the province.
Today, under new management, Near North Aviation continues to build on its strong foundation. With a growing fleet, dedicated instructors, and our new training facility under construction, we remain focused on providing friendly, professional service for every student. Our history reflects steady growth and innovation, and our future is dedicated to helping the next generation of pilots take flight.
Ground School
Near North Aviation’s Recreational and Private Pilot Licence (RPP/PPL) ground school typically runs on a twice weekly schedule, with in-person classes at Parry Sound and Grand River Executive (York). A Zoom option is available for students who cannot attend in person.
You can join at the start of any new topic, and missed classes can be made up in the next cycle. If you completed your initial ground school with NNA and later want reinforcement, you are welcome to sit in on any class again at no additional cost.
You do not need to finish ground school before beginning flight training. Most students find that taking ground school alongside flight lessons helps connect classroom concepts with real flying.