markymojo
12th Feb 2005, 18:46
Hello young and wrinkly old Pprunes alike!
This is my first posting here, so be gentle!
I'm about to embark on the well worn tracks of going from zero to fATPL via the modular route, beginning in April. I've identified my prefered FTO but have not yet committed my signature to the bottom of the page. I'm looking for a little input here if possible, but hopefully my posting may also help others at the same stage.
If UK commitments had allowed, I think I would have done the training with EFT Florida. They seem a little ambivalent away from the a/c, but they have an excellent training reputation, are cheapish, and I liked the move to become one of their CPL instructors to allow you to build 1500hrs. They appear to have a growing link with some of the smaller low cost operators.
Anyhow, my plan is:
1) PPL, NR, MEP, IFR and hours build with OFT Kissimmee, Florida. They seemed professional and helpful when I visited, and $17k (£9.5k) is competitive when you throw in the suntan too! I note that OFT had bad press here for their training a couple of years ago. I gather this is much improved now (is the legendary Piers based there at the moment?), but I'd be interested in the feedback from recent students there.
2) Ground school, CPL, MCC with Cabair (EPTA) Bournemouth. I like the continuity of doing the flying at the same locale with the same people as for the ground school. They're not the cheapest, but have a good reputation. They also have a profile of some discription with some UK airlines, although I am unsure if this is more to do with Cabair Cranwell.
I'm a little concerned about recent comments in Pprune about their financial status. Grateful if anyone has any further update on this.
3) In the absence of a flying job appearing at my feet immediately after training, if funds allow I will take a FI course.
I could have equally gone for Aero's Gloucester for 2) as they give the impression of being very professional and offering a high level facility, that I suspect is recognised by the likes of BA City Express. Aero's are a strong possibility for 3) if they'll have me!
So there it is, my thoughts and plans. Interested to hear thoughts on these FTO's and indeed my plans. It's very difficult to get objective information (esp from FTO's!) so thank you creators of Pprune for such a great website.
This is my first posting here, so be gentle!
I'm about to embark on the well worn tracks of going from zero to fATPL via the modular route, beginning in April. I've identified my prefered FTO but have not yet committed my signature to the bottom of the page. I'm looking for a little input here if possible, but hopefully my posting may also help others at the same stage.
If UK commitments had allowed, I think I would have done the training with EFT Florida. They seem a little ambivalent away from the a/c, but they have an excellent training reputation, are cheapish, and I liked the move to become one of their CPL instructors to allow you to build 1500hrs. They appear to have a growing link with some of the smaller low cost operators.
Anyhow, my plan is:
1) PPL, NR, MEP, IFR and hours build with OFT Kissimmee, Florida. They seemed professional and helpful when I visited, and $17k (£9.5k) is competitive when you throw in the suntan too! I note that OFT had bad press here for their training a couple of years ago. I gather this is much improved now (is the legendary Piers based there at the moment?), but I'd be interested in the feedback from recent students there.
2) Ground school, CPL, MCC with Cabair (EPTA) Bournemouth. I like the continuity of doing the flying at the same locale with the same people as for the ground school. They're not the cheapest, but have a good reputation. They also have a profile of some discription with some UK airlines, although I am unsure if this is more to do with Cabair Cranwell.
I'm a little concerned about recent comments in Pprune about their financial status. Grateful if anyone has any further update on this.
3) In the absence of a flying job appearing at my feet immediately after training, if funds allow I will take a FI course.
I could have equally gone for Aero's Gloucester for 2) as they give the impression of being very professional and offering a high level facility, that I suspect is recognised by the likes of BA City Express. Aero's are a strong possibility for 3) if they'll have me!
So there it is, my thoughts and plans. Interested to hear thoughts on these FTO's and indeed my plans. It's very difficult to get objective information (esp from FTO's!) so thank you creators of Pprune for such a great website.