Apex Aviation helping dreams take flight
Company’s fuel-efficient aircraft designed for training, writes John Grainger.
You might say Apex Aviation is flying high these days.
Staff of the latest and newest business to put people into the cockpit are flush with pride after recently opening their hangar to the public.
“We like to think we are taking flight schools into the 21st century with our newer aircraft,” says Josh Hinz, chief flight instructor at Apex. “We don’t fly any aircraft older than about 10 years. That’s a commitment we are making to our students. That was part of our business model.”
Apex uses four Diamond aircraft, which are specifically designed to be training aircraft. The Canadian-made planes are very easy to fly and make it easier for students to feel comfortable inside the cockpit.
“We are very much in love with them,” says Hinz. “They are the best out there.”
Being fuel efficient aircraft, Hinz says Apex is able to pass along the savings to students to keep prices low in comparison to other flight schools.
Hinz, who fell in love with flying when he was just four years old, says when someone approaches Apex about taking flying lessons, they sit down together and map out a plan and timeline to make this goal a success.
“With every student, we will make a plan and we will stick to it. We want everyone who comes through the doors to make their dream come true.”
People can take advantage of Apex’s lessons in several ways. The company can help with a recreational pilot licence, private pilot licence, commercial pilot licence, night rating and multiengine rating and private pilot licence ground school.
Apex, which has been operational since the middle of February, recently held an official grand opening event where people had an opportunity to walk through the hangar and examine the aircraft and surroundings.
Interested people are encouraged to stop by and ask questions, Hinz says.
“We want people to feel comfortable when they make their decision to go ahead.”
Apex Aviation Owner: Ken Guliker Address: 25 Airport Cres. Hours: Monday to Sunday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 306-952-2739 Website: flyapex.ca Check out the Facebook page
NATURE CITY DEVELOPMENTS
When Blair Baillargeon was working on his master’s degree in Vancouver, he often took notice of the well-designed and thriving use of plants as fences and privacy protection there.
When he returned home to Saskatoon, he thought this could be as popular on the Prairies. He pitched the idea to Daniel Richmond-Martina, who had years of experience in plant sciences at the University of Saskatchewan, and decided to turn it into a thriving business model.
“Why don’t we see more of this in Saskatoon? That’s what I was wondering when I got home,” says Baillargeon. “It’s kind of a waste of resources of what we have here. Why can’t we do this with what we have here?”
Rather that construct an expensive fence, Baillargeon says his business offers a much more sustainable option. He and Richmond-Martina have found a handful of options that are hardy and can withstand the vast temperature changes in our seasons.
Homeowners and business owners who call Nature City Developments get a visit from Baillargeon and Richmond-Martina to provide options for them to consider. Within a day, a complete estimate will be provided, including a time frame.
“From start to finish, we can get most projects completed within a couple of weeks,” says Baillargeon.
Baillargeon and Richmond Martina also provide a full level of after-care protection and maintenance.
People interested in looking at options are encouraged to email and ask questions about how Nature City Developments can help provide landscaping alternatives.
Bringing some of what works in Vancouver is just what Baillargeon envisions for Saskatoon.
“This works and it looks great. Why not do more of it here?”
Nature City Developments Owners: Blair Baillargeon and Daniel Richmond-Martina Hours: Phone for an appointment Phone: 306-380-5986 Email: info@naturecitydevelopments.com Website: naturecitydevelopments.com Check out the Facebook page and other social media
John Grainger is a Saskatoon-based freelance writer. If you have started, expanded or moved a small business in Saskatoon within the last few months, contact him at grain@sasktel.net. Home-based and temporary businesses, as well as those without physical locations, will not be considered for publication.