Airmed in Valencia

[Blackshirt]

<a href="http://www.airmed.es" target="_blank">www.airmed.es</a>

Any one been to this place for CPL/IR?

Any opinions, good or bad?

The website claims that they're '30% cheaper' than other JAR FTO's, plus the idea of spending a couple months in the Spanish sun is particularly appealing right now.

And of course, hanging out with the trainee Spanish Hosties sounds...nice.

[Blackshirt]

...and back to the top she goes...

...anybody got anything to say about Airmed? [Please]

[BillyFish2]

Had a look at the airmed site + literature.

Minus's:
They estimate it typically takes 2 years to complete what it takes Oxford + Jerez approx 15 months to complete .
They did not supply a list of airline customers unlike all other ab-initio outfits.

Plus's:
Lot cheaper than anywhere else. Includes accommodation but not food.
Extra flying hours (30 I think). Also extra groundschool hours but I don't think that impresses anyone - exam results a bit more useful I would guess.

[bow5]

[quote]Airmed International Flight School is approved by the Spanish Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA) and is periodically supervised by inspectors of this official organism.
<hr></blockquote>


I've heard CAA's called things before but never an 'official organism'. That is quite poor. If they can't get their website correct.....

[jessie01]

Blackshirt

I went to visit Airmed last May with a view to choosing a full time school and i found the place excellent . Was personally greeted and shown around by the General manager , Ignacio Cabrera who was very helpful and genuine and showed me all of the stats on exam passes etc and everyone eventually passed the exams even though not all first time.checked out the planes in there blue and yellow livery and the rest of the school looked fine to me.They were also due to take delivery of a brand new Airbus simulator but i dont know if that arrived ?

Having spent a week in Valencia i can tell you that the night life was excellent , the locals friendly and the beach a short bus ride away.

At your stage of training having done all the exams , i would certainly consider airmed for the rest.At least you'll get a suntan and a spanish beauty even if you don't get a job!

[Blackshirt]

Thanks for your comments guys.

Has anyone actually done any flying with Airmed?

Thought just occured to me:

Although we're all loved up with the JAA's JARs, is there any difference in practical terms between holding a UK-issued JAA CPL+IR and one issued by the Spanish CAA?

[ 09 January 2002: Message edited by: Blackshirt ]</p>

[JONATHAN PEARSON]

Hi

I have also received the information and video from Airmed. And hopefully will be visiting the school later this year!! (Silver knight mentioned he/she was hopefully going to see the school late January)

There was a thread about this school about 1-2 months ago, with comments about the school from a student who is training there. (Sorry cannot remember his/her name)

I believe that the JAA ATPL is the same that will/can be issued at "other" well-known schools. However I have been lead to believe that the British airlines like you to have an ATPL from "other" training schools. (Maybe WWW would like to comment?)

The fact that the course is almost 2 years long cannot be a bad thing at the present time!! The plus side you will get a great suntan in 2 years!!

The price seem to "amazing" when you put it against "other" training schools in the UK/Europe. The money that you can save from training at Airmed (approx £10.000) could be spent on more multi hours. (Just an idea!!)

Hope this is of some help
Mutley7
<img src="wink.gif" border="0">

P.S. Hi "Jessie01" have you decided to go to Airmed or another school??

[Blackshirt]

Mut et al:

I'm still going through the motions with Bristol G/S, but it looks like it might be at least worth visiting Airmed.

Previous Airmed thread: I did read said thread, but alas it wasn't terribly enlightening.

An ATPL is an ATPL is an ATPL whichever school you train with. It isn't a qualification issued by the school - despite the implication by the marketing department of a certain large flying school in middle England. All the exams and flight tests are the same regardless.

My earlier query about licensing was more focussed on whether JAR acceptance amongst employers was reached such a stage that licenses issued in other JAA countries are given equal credence.

2 years does seem an eternity, particularly considering the Spanish weather. For you Integrated guys it might be worth comparing a detailed course breakdown with that of another school's. I'm just in the market for a CPL + IR Rating, can't see these taking 2 years, even with my degree of cack-handedness.

Price does seem very attractive, but as usual, one must check the fine print very carefully. Flight training is a highly competitive business, and schools have a big incentive to make all sorts of slights of hand to get the headline cost figure down.

[bow5]

Blackshirt,

I presume that if you train at Jerez, for example, and are examined by UK CAA examiners (albeit for the JAA licences) then you are issued with your JAA ATPL by the UK CAA. If you train at Airmed, where it would appear the examiners are not UK CAA, then I'm guessing you wouldn't be able to apply to the UK CAA for your licence. I presume this would mean having to get it from the Spanish CAA.

Anyone informed on these matters any opinions on whether British based airlines would prefer licences issued by the UK CAA.


Sorry if this appears confused. It's mainly because it is!! <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

[ 10 January 2002: Message edited by: bow5 ]</p>

[Blackshirt]

bow5: spot on - exactly my question!

Can some very kind person 'in the know' try to answer it? Please <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

[bow5]

Doesn't European integration make things so much simpler. It's far easier and quicker than the old system. :) <img src="wink.gif" border="0"> <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">


P.S 2 years is a bloody long time to be doing an ATPL course. If it takes 12-15 months everywhere else, what the hell do you do for the rest of time....unless sunbathing with hot Hosties is actually built into the training program as part of the MCC component. You can but wish!! :)

[ 10 January 2002: Message edited by: bow5 ]</p>

[Blackshirt]

European integration means I can't lop 12 hours off my IR with my IMC rating. Grrrr. <img src="mad.gif" border="0">

PS A320s have a sidestick for a reason you know...

[ 10 January 2002: Message edited by: Blackshirt ]</p>

[Tino]

Ok guys, I am currently studying at Airmed, and I am a happy person.
First of all, indeed, the price is really amazing for what you get. And you DO get the same training as in other schools like Cabair,...
It does not matter at all if your initial licence is Spanish,if you want you can change it to a UK one without any problem. That is the beauty of the JAA.
The course does not take 2years but 18 to 21 months. Bear in mind that you have about 30 more hours than most schools and that the MCC course is included in that time.
Yes, the MCC is done on the in-house Airbus320 sim. (should be up and running in about 2 weeks now)
All I can suggest is that you take a look for yourself.
What I particulary like is the personal contact with the teachers and staff, if you have a problem, they will attend to you immediately, they still try to please and listen to their students, unlike some other schools who have become factories...

[apple]

Tino
You have certainly aroused suspicion as you said
"And you DO get the same training as in other schools like Cabair,..."

Have you been to Cabair or other highly rated schools like Oxford or Jerez?


<img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

[calltheball]

Blackshirt,
Was in the area and had a look around a few weeks ago speaking to some of the staff and students.

Although I can't give you direct comparisions between them and other schools , I can give you my gut feelings...

I found the infrastructure (ie buildings/facilities etc) to be pleasant enough and I don't think I would have any trouble studying there..

I had a look at the 320 sim (almost finished) and was quite impressed by the effort that has obviously been put into it (I didn't fly it so I can't vouch for the flight model) and although not identical to the real thing (I am 320 type rated) was more than suitable for MCC purposes. Having said that, I did MCC on an old 737, and learning the skills of operating a big jet coming from a Seneca, think I would have found the Airbus a bit too radical (ie not at all like a big seneca!) for MCC. (It does however demand a high standard of crew awareness of flight modes etc and crew co-operation -I'm not saying that the Boeing doesn't, just highlighting some plus pts..!)

The local area is lovely (both socially and from a flying pt of view) with lots of airfields (ILS equipped too..) within a short flying time.

The students I spoke to seemed happy with their lot (maybe I only met the happy ones!) and without many of the gripes that some of my former classmates at a different (UK based) school seemed to have.

The weather was superb!! Ideal for VFR basic/Nav although I rather liked bumping around in real clouds for the IFR...

The course did seem to take a long time 18 months ish, I suppose this is due to lots of public holidays/siestas etc!!! Personally, I found 13 months was more than enough for me, but I guess it depends on the speed which you are happiest working at.

I'm not up to date with costs etc, but if you are willing to spend 18 months training (and lets face it, sadly there's little to rush out for now -but give it 2 years..?) enjoy living in a warm climate and are happy about coping with moving to a foreign country with all the social changes that entails (and complete an ATPL at the same time!) I'd certainly go and have a look around and judge for yourself. I guess you could plan a trip to Jerez whilst you are in Spain for a direct comparison.

For what it's worth IMHO choosing a venue for your ATPL is an extremely personal choice -what suits Peter won't necessarily suit Paul. I hope my rantings paint some picture of the place and good luck with course wherever you do it..

Ps So what is the sidestick for??
PPs Forgot to mention the Cabin Crew course..sorry ran out of spac <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

Calltheball

[Blackshirt]

Thanks for your input CTB - all useful gen

Mailed Airmed for info on CPL+IR course - no response. Perhaps another school that is only interested in Integrated customers?

Ohh, and calltheball, the A320 sidestick makes it go up and down and roll side to side. Being an A320-rated pilot I thought you would have known this <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

[ 15 January 2002: Message edited by: Blackshirt ]</p>