Flying with Malaysia Flying Academy(MFA)

[Nismo]

Hi guys,
I was wondering anyone flew with MFA or has friend/s that flew with them before? I'm quite keen on enrolling with MFA for the CPL/IR course and subsequently ATPL (UKCAA).I hread from CAAS that they will recognise the license upon completion of the CPL/IR,but in order to be eligible for the cadet pilot program,one still got to go through the selection test .interviews.....etc.Anyone has checked on all these before and willing to share the infos with me.Looking forward to hear from you guys.Thanks.

cheers,
Nismo

[Lloyd Braun]

I did not notice MFA listed on the CAA approved training organisation list so I doubt that a licence earned there is recognised in the UK.

[GhosRider]

Hi Nismo,

Check your private messages.

GhosRider

[donaldstan]

i'm planning to enroll for pilot training course with MFA. so if its not recognised, I have no think twice. pls advise. thanks...

[I-Fly-River]

Well, since nobody is gonna give their 0.01 cent worth, i might as well put in some for all those budding flyers out there....

Recognition?
They are recognise by Malaysian DCA and since its an ICAO license, its also recognise worldwide. Its almost like having a UK License, only its called malaysian license. same privilages, you can fly anywhere in the world (except for maybe brunei.... i think?!) There also lots of expat students there too. Singapore, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong. Even some SIA pilots went there for a special course to get their ATPL. So how bad can that be?

Ground School?
What can I say. They speak for themselves.... They are the best!! No1 Ground instruction lessons. Top ppl,. mainly ex-indian air force. exams not to difficult as instructors are 'helpful'!

Flying School?
Hmmm.... I guess its not too bad. However, the place is NON-STANDARD which is something they really should look upon. basically every instructor has ther're own method of flying. Therefore, if u happen to change instructors, good luck!!

Aircraft and Maintainance?
Aircraft is not too bad either. Piper Warriors and Seneca. Now also running Eagles 150 from next door. Ofcourse there are some 'old' aircrafts out there and you cant escape from that. especially in the airlines next time! Maintaince is done ontime! Aircraft is safe and maintained properly. Ofcourse maintainance is restricted in certain areas because of lack of budget given by admin!

Admin side?
This is the BAD APPLES of MFA. They could do alot in CUSTOMER RELATIONS! But noooooooo........ All they want is to run the place like a 3rd world pilot training centre. (no offence to the 3rd world pilot training center!) This however ONLY applies to TOP MANAGEMENT!! Not frontline staff. They are very friendly. Makes MFA a more lively place. Without them, only God knows.....

Food?
Hmmm...... They ought to do something with the catering ASAP!!! Is not that Iam against them. Its just that you must have a certain standard in flying school. One thing I will say is that food are all spicy (ala malaysian... not everyone's choice!!). There are some complaints of cleanliness too, but just rumours, so I dont want to comment on it. However, they should not only think about the PAYING CUSTOMERS who deserve much better for the money spend there!

Accomodation?
They have hostels there. However, MAS (again!?) has priority. And if the are full, they will even kick you out!! So I suggest is better staying outside. Cheaper. However, if u must get inside accom, you wont be dissappointed. AC rooms with Fan. Your own personal sink. Its small, but okay. comfy. but gonna cost you 700 a month!! haha....

The Future?
Well, MFA seems to be in a little hot water now because there is a new training school in Malaysia in Langkawi. Check out www.latc.com.my (Langkawi Aerospace Training Centre) Not sure if they started oredy. However, be updated and dont get trapped!

My opinion?
I think MFA is still the best you can find in Malaysia. (Rite now that is) Even though they maybe some hitches here and there, u cant blame em? Every flying school has its bad apples, even in Oxford or Embry Riddle. I've given u some stuff to think about, so decide wisely. And welcome Aboard. Another new eaglet has hatched from its nest.

I FLY RIVER..... others use FMS

[donaldstan]

thanks for that. it sounds gd after all.

but d CPL is abt RM150,000. is there anyway to get a scholarship or sponsorship? i knw abt MAS but am afraid i wont be accepted.

pls giv me another 0.01 cent.... ;)

[I-Fly-River]

I know RM150,000 sounds really expensive. But unless you wanna work elsewhere, then it will be a good investment! Guaranteed! If you dont wanna fly in Malaysia, go ahead and take an Australia/NZ CPL. Its lot cheaper. should be around RM88,000-RM95,000. This is when the last time I checked, which was 2 years back, you might wanna check the currency as OZ currency has been up alot. Anyways, as I say, it still will be cheaper. But good luck in looking for a job.

I still think Malaysian CPL/IR is the best for a Malaysian. Look, rite now both AAsia and MAS needs pilots, so you've got good choices. And you get a Frozen ATPL. Some OZ courses dont have them. Plz check, not too sure. Anyways, You should also try MAS Cadet Program. You might be lucky, unless you dont meet their min req (like me!!). Dont give up however. I personally have alots of setbacks. I almost gave up, but eventually my fren pulled me trough and I manage to get in as a private student. Its a dream come true. :)

OK, on loan, there are some avenue such as you state foundation (yayasan negeri whatever....) or even local banks. I think you gotta morgtage something or something like that. Not too sure. But IF there is a will, there will be a way.

Again, wish you good luck. And try MAS, coz if you get in with them, you'll have a secured job. And there not too bad contrary to what alot of ppl say.... (everyone has different comments on this, so dont bash me up for say it! hehe....) Okay, gudluck.....

[donaldstan]

yeah, i meet MAS basic req. i'm jus afraid that i wont b able to pass their recruitment tests (or dont even hav chance to go for their test). i know nothing abt aviation so if they were to ask me anything related, i'll be dead!! :(

since u r in MFA, is there any book that u can recommend so that i can get myself prepared? wanna build up my 0.00001 cent knowledge.... ;)

[I-Fly-River]

Its good that you meet the req. But if you're interested, you should atleast know some basic stuff about aviation.....??

However, its okay, you're not alone. MFA books are too detailed to start with. By the way, IM NOT IN MFA! :)

Okays, here's how you can get some basic knowledge ASAP. You can go to a public library. There's LOADS of stuff there.... You can be an expert in a day... or 2... hehe. If you're lazy, you can try the Internet. Its as good as the public library, LOADS of stuff too. Just search around. However, if you can afford it, try getting some books from a good bookshop (i.e. - the one in klcc). Breeze through it first, then get one which is not too technical (unless u can handle it...) and not tooo basic....

Okays, thats that. Now start reading already... hehe.

[donaldstan]

tried to find book frm bookstores but cant seem to get any books that's suitable for beginners.

i knw abt a book called "guide to becoming a professional pilot" frm Clives Hughes but can't get it in Msia.

Any other suitable books for beginners?

[I-Fly-River]

me not too sure bout books. I just buy watever seems interesting. maybe you should just try the internet or library.

I FLY RIVER.... Others Use FMC

[Sultan Ismail]

I-Fly-River

Training school in Langkawi, does that mean there will also be an Avgas bowser, no more hopping down to Penang for a top up :D

Donaldstan

Try a bit harder in Kinokuniya at KLCC, they have a large selection of aviation books including the Thom series. The stock is always changing as it seems there are a lot of (prospective) aviators in KL, however it's worth a browse. I browse every week, never know when they might reprint "Fate is the Hunter" :)

The magazine section is well stocked with British and American reading, and always the latest editions.

As an aside, CTRM are really pushing the sales of those Eagle 150's, both MFA and LTAC are using them, I do wonder if they are sturdy enough for the rough handling of ab-initio pilots. Feedback welcome.

[I-Fly-River]

hey king ismail,
hehe.... i guess they might have that all sorted out already. not too sure though. i wouldnt know myself, but will let you know if there is a need. maybe you could start a FBO over there to refuel there a/c. :)

Yea, CTRM is pushing alot for their eagle 150. however, it seems pretty sensitive for initial training. moves like a fighter! i still prefer stable types like the warrior. but i think they should stand the poundings of all those nasty students, like we all were once before.....

I FLY RIVER..... others use FMC