I am just back from OFT, and it is really a great place to fly, if
- you want to train real in flight emergencies
- train your negotiation skills
- test your frustration tolerance
- spent more time and money as advertised
.
About the management has been written already at other places, I refer to the comments from Props Forward (30th September 2007), onefatpilot (4th April 2007, stevehudd (10th April 2007) KingKongPilot (26th November 2006) etc.
There have been quite a few incidents with the aircraft while I was there and it seems they haven’t learnt their lesson after this incident. Read the full story here
http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief2.asp?...03LA179&akey=1
You might say, that was in 2003, but in my opinion it is just a matter of time to the next serious incident. I was sent off with a broken engine, just back from maintenance (they cleared a spark plug but left the broken oil ring on the piston), had during this flight a radio failure and fumes coming from the panel (probably the radio). Fortunately I had insisted on a fire extinguisher prior to start, as the aircraft had none…
If you are really considering training there, just ask them two questions (in written!):
- How many students are training at OFT/Euroflight currently?
- How many instructors do you have under contract?
If you are keen, ask additionally about average times for going Solo, PPL etc…
Sure, they just want your best, what certainly is your money, so they found many ways in reaching this goal. For example their tiny pilot shop or their student accommodation. Have a look to this pictures:
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/f...o/PB220061.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/f...o/PB220059.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/f...o/PB220058.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/f...o/PB220060.jpg
Fortunately there is the free market, but consider your contract and deposit!
If you are from India, try to get a reference from an other student prior transferring your money. I heard they take advantage of the Alien Status in America along with its vulnerability, and the guys I have spoken to had all very hard times explaining prolonged and more expensive training and just hope to get their licence and forget the rest as quick as possible…
My summary: Do not FLYOFT!
