It is more than anecdotal now that there is more than passing concern about the standard of the IR training in Spain. Take, for instance, this example:
An individual did his IR training with a very professional school on the south coast. He did much more than the required hours and failed the initial Skill Test – he then went to Spain and did another complete IR course with well know Madrid based school and had a successful skill test pass. When he subsequently applied to the CAA for issue of his CPL (A) with the IR attached, this was refused on the grounds that he had not followed procedures (i.e. he had already failed the first test in a series in the UK and thus needed to complete it with the CAA). The CAA then stipulated that he undertake training as necessary, here in the UK, followed by the Skill Test.
This person went to another school in another part of the country and did some 60 hours of Sim training and 30 hours of actual twin engine flying! During this time he was advised by the school about the advisability of continuing, eventually another skill test was undertaken resulting in a partial pass. However the subsequent retest he then failed the NDB section again and thus lost his partial on the first series and would have then had to start a complete new series. I understand that the person has now taken the advice he should have taken in the beginning.
There are many more similar examples, but it appears that most people who find themselves in this position go to Spain before they get to this situation quoted above.
So the two issues that come out of this are:
1. If you have any doubts about your ability to pass an IR properly – then get yourself of to Spain. Especially if the school you are with in the UK has doubts about your ability to pass here BEFORE you take an attempt at the IRT here in the UK.
2. If you have passed the IRT here in the UK make very sure to highlight this on your applications and interviews with prospective employers so you are not associated muppets who have gone to Spain.
Unfortunately those of us who have passed here have to put up with the ignominy of being put in the same class as those who went to Spain. I certainly don’t think that the cost difference makes a blind bit of difference; people who couldn’t make the grade would go there anyway.
Frankly I am amazed that the Spanish schools don’t charge a premium for the service - perhaps the will soon!