Hi Amateur
It is important that you are careful to do your research properly when choosing a school to do your MECIR. Word of mouth is an important consideration from previous students rather than what the sales spiel a company will give you.
This is especially important for courses that you have to pay upfront for.
You should consider, visit the school and ask questions about:
Number of ME / IF TA Instructors
Instructor to student ratio and timetable
Hours of operation
The aids you will get endorsed on
The type and quality of the aircraft and sims including level of instrumentation fitted and serviceable
....and always read the small print carefully about what is included and what is not
If cost is important to you then consider not only the cost of the course but the length of time you will have to pay for living expenses whilst doing the course and without an income. Again get some personal experiences from previous students and don't always assume that the timescales will be as it says in the glossy brochure or flashy website!!!
In theory the NAT course is a good proposition but do not allow the lure of limited multi engined experience to tunnell your vision away from just doing a straight MECIR rating....especially as you already have a single gig which you would probably have to give up!!
I know a guy who did a straight MECIR with Johnston Aviation at Pt Macquarie and he was in and out in 4 weeks with a licence full to bursting of aid endorsements (including GNSS).
One last piece of advice, if you have to pay upfront for a course (which I have serious reservations about) pay by credit card - even if it means paying a surcharge as it will give you an extra degree of protection should things go wrong!!
Biggles
Last edited by biggles7374; 12th October 2009 at 02:12.