Learn To Fly in the UAE!
The following two articles appeared recently in the Dubai press. No idea on the quality of the training, but shouldn't have any problems with weather!!
Fujairah
The Fujairah Aviation Centre has begun a new flying training course tailored to students during the summer vacation. So far, 200 trainees have obtained their private pilot licences (PPL) at the centre. Another 25 have earned their commercial pilot licences (CPL).
Established in 1986 at Fujairah International Airport, the centre offers flying lessons at a much lower cost than at other flying institutes. "Due to its low fee structure, a large number of national and expatriate students are enrolling, especially at this time of year when students are enjoying their summer vacation," said Captain Ali Mohammed Ibrahim Al Abdouli, Deputy Chairman of the centre.
"Six nationals, two Kuwaiti nationals and three Syrians are expecting to get their commercial licences at the end of this month following a four-month training course. Their licences are approved by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority," Al Abdouli said.
The centre has experienced flight instructors who give personal attention to the trainees. They offer programmes that help promote flying as a hobby and develop the centre's facilities.
The centre has three single-engine planes - two Cessna 172s and One Cessna 172P. It also has one twin-engine PA34-200T for advanced training. "While no formal academic qualifications are required for enrolment, applicants must be able to read, write and speak English. They should also be above the age of 17 and be medically fit," Al Abdouli said.
For the private pilot licence the course requires 40 to 45 flying hours, preceded by 35 hours of lessons in aviation law and ground training. "It takes 190 to 200 flying hours for those who want to get a commercial pilot's licence," he added.
The required training for the private pilot's licence takes one to two months depending on the weather, strict attendance and flight traffic, while the commercial pilot's licence course may take four to five months.
Over 7,000 private pilot's licences have been granted to national and expatriate pilots at all training centres in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. "The Fujairah Aviation Centre can also exchange foreign pilot's licences for new UAE licences to enable holders to use planes registered in the UAE," Al Abdouli said.
Umm Al Quwain
The Umm Al Quwain Flying Club, which offers a range of flight training options, was opened by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Mualla, Chairman of the Umm Al Quwain Emiri Guard.
Sheikh Mohammed said the club, using new aircraft, will offer training in micro-light flying, fixed-wing flying, helicopter flying and skydiving. At the end of the course, a trainee will be able to obtain a certified pilot's licence or an "A" licence for skydiving.
He said the Umm Al Quwain aeroclub will be like a private executive airport and cargo hub where air-conditioned and weatherproof hangars are part of a future plan. The club has a shop that sells all the items any flier needs.
Courses for a private pilot's licence have been approved by the Federal Aviation Authority. Forty flying hours are needed for a private pilot's licence which costs Dh22,290. The club has adopted a "pay as you fly" plan.
The fee break-up is: enrolment and membership Dh500; course study material Dh600, pilot's medicals Dh940; written examination Dh200 per sitting; final flight check fees (GCAA Examiner) Dh400; licence fee Dh850; 40 hours of Cessna flying Dh18,800.
Trial 30-minute flights can be booked for Dh300 and they include a briefing. Capt. Mohammed Zakariya, Chief Flying Instructor, said that candidates will be trained in Cessna aircraft, of which the club has two and another is expected shortly.
Visiting pilots wishing to fly the club's aircraft must first obtain a UAE licence, he said.
Current exchange rate about Dh5.1=£1