[Max Cow Disease]

Wow, things sure have changed in the past few years. Schools like SATC and CFC were always relatively busy but to hear that they're instilling 6 month waiting periods is bonkers. In the case of SATC, they're running a new program designed to feed pilots directly to WJ Encore which could be affecting how they prioritize new students, and in terms of schools in general, they're all likely plagued by the same shortage of staff that are affecting a lot of other aviation sectors right now. There is somewhat of a crunch on pilot supply for the time being, which makes it a slight nightmare for flight schools to hang on to instructors as they migrate on to jobs with the airlines and charter companies.

As for alternatives, I can't think of many off the top of my head. High River used to have an operation as well, but like you said, you're inviting a bit of a drive out of the city with an option like that. There must be some options at outlying airports along that line, as there was a small migration away from Springbank (by both private owners and other operations) several years ago when Calgary's economy was booming and hangar space at CYBW began to come at an immense premium.

I know nothing of the school in Olds, though I'd recommend taking a close look at an option like that. It may be more expensive and farther away, but training on newer aircraft isn't the worst thing, and the advantages of having your home training airport be somewhat remote can't be understated. A straight per-hour cost quoted from a flight school at Springbank may be lower, but that's a busy airport now within some incredibly busy airspace (its own, as well being sandwiched underneath YYC's), which means more time taxiing, waiting to take off, waiting for a spot in the traffic circuit, transiting to and from the practice area, etc. SATC and the CFC are both good schools, that being said.