Found the school in Florida called 'Naples Air Center' , that is authorized to FAA-JAA conversion. Anyone studied there? Any experience you could share?
Hi Ausma,
I was in the same position as you 3 yrs ago, was out in DXB working for EK, wasn't sure where to go, ended up doing PPL at Naples Air Centre. So from my personal experience there, and all the other guys I have subsequently kept in contact with, DON'T go there!!! There are so many reasons, all bad. The owners, the aircraft, their practices of screwing you over.
Anyway did get PPL, but would not recommend NAC to anyone. Now currently half way through ATPL's in the UK. And to be honest, working out the sums, for me I think it has worked out cheaper doing training here rather than going to the States to do it. Once you take out the costs of airfares, car rental, hotels whilst looking for accomodation, the FAA IR you must do which is incorpirated with course, and the extra hours you will do back in Europe to familiarize yourself for IR, it all adds up.
There are so many opions, which you can tailor yourself to make work best for you. For example, just one route which is feasable if you are looking to budget your training but retain quality;
* FAA PPL in the states (FAA school - far cheaper)
* ATPL ground school in the UK (definately cheaper than NAC costs)
* hour building in the States (not Florida, go Cali and test yourself) and Europe (gives you experience in both and reduces costs)
* CPL in the UK
* IR in the UK, at same school - airlines like you to do CPL and IR at same place
* MCC where you choose. Plenty of options and places in UK to do it.
The above route is the way I have done it / doing it. With exception of FAA PPL, I got JAA PPL, although in hindsight, didn't need to, just ended being an added expense.
Don't get sold the FTO sales pitch. They are doing anything to rope you in for the whole lot (0 hours - fATPL), and charge you an arm and a leg for it too.
But definately take route that works best for you both financially, and personally. The option I suggested may not be right for you. All I am saying is, everyone's circumstances are different. But just research properly and choose wisely!
Best of luck.