I can't choose...

[soconfused]

Hi all, first post.

I'm looking to do an integrated ATPL within the next few months. Luckily the cost isnt too much of a problem for me, but I really want to do all the training in europe, which is why I've ruled out places like OAT and SAS. So basically I'm looking for good FTO's in europe, with all the training also in europe. My list so far is:

1. FTE
2. Norwegian Aviation College (but their integrated course is currently suspended)
3. Intercockpit
4. Copenhagen Air Taxi

Could anyone give me any advice on which of those would be best, bearing in mind I'd be looking for job opportunities in UK afterwards? Do UK airlines in general prefer UK schools? And finally, if anyone has any suggestions of other reputable european schools, they'd be a great help!

Thanks!

[747pundit]

If cost isn't a problem for you then why don't you go to BAE in Jerez? You're laughing mate. :D

[Dutchair]

Hi from Dutchair

There is also an outfit in Switzerland - Horizon - Swiss Flight Academy
http://www.horizon-sfa.ch/

They train Swiss (air) Pilots and former Crossair Pilots

Good luck
Dutchair

[soconfused]

If cost isn't a problem for you then why don't you go to BAE in Jerez?

BAE in Jerez? Is that Flight Training Europe? Or is there another school there I've overlooked? :confused:

[Mercenary Pilot]

Nah, same school. it used to be owned by BAe but they sold it to the management who changed the name to FTE:ok:

[soconfused]

Aaah cheers!

I'm gonna go check out FTE soon, do the aptitude tests too. I know places like FTE and Oxford have good reputations, but if I choose to do it in Europe, such as at NAC or Intercockpit, how do I know which schools are looked at favourably by UK airlines, and which aren't? Well more to the point, do UK airlines prefer you to be trained in UK schools, or is any JAA state school fine?

At the moment picking a school seems more difficult than the actual training! :{

[welliewanger]

"do UK airlines prefer you to be trained in UK schools, or is any JAA state school fine?"

Well, a recruiting representitive / captain / whatever from flybe told me that it didn't matter to him. He would take low hour pilots from any JAA integrated school. The guy from B.A. said that he had to "recognise" the school (he didn't recognise the Australian integrated school i asked him about)

Many application forms ask which country your license was issued from.

I'm at Jerez, the license is issued in the UK and the airlines "recognise" the school. I love it here, I have no regrets about coming here. But you've got to make up your own mind "which school is right for you".

[scroggs]

Some British airlines insist on a UK-issued JAA licence. The reason is because there have been some fraudulently-issued licences from other JAA countries, and the CAA, for all its inadequacies, is at least trusted not to issue licences to people who don't qualify.

That has a knock-on effect in that I understand a UK licence can only be issued if you have attended a UK-approved and regulated school.

Scroggs

[thirtysomething]

Some British airlines insist on a UK-issued JAA licence. The reason is because there have been some fraudulently-issued licences from other JAA countries, and the CAA, for all its inadequacies, is at least trusted not to issue licences to people who don't qualify.

That has a knock-on effect in that I understand a UK licence can only be issued if you have attended a UK-approved and regulated school.

Scroggs

any ideas from which countries the fakes came. Im looking at modular in Spain and dont want to find the ticket is worthless in the eyes of some companies.

[George_08]

Well, I am looking at the SAS academy at the moment - That looks very very good!! However, must find out more information!

[soconfused]

Well, I've narrowed it down to either FTE or Intercockpit. I'm gonna visit them both and make a decision from there.

I realise FTE is a highly "recognised" school, but I'm not sure if Intercockpit is viewed the same way. A guy at BA I know said the same, that it must be a recognised school, and he did mention Intercockpit as one of those. I think I'd rather live and train in Germany over Spain, but is the reputation of FTE much better?

Also, I didn't realise there was a difference between Integrated and Ab-Initio. What are the differences and do they really matter?

Thanks for the replies!:)

[chock2chock]

The flight training phase for Intercockpit takes place in Zadar, Croatia. At least the VFR phase does. Just like at OAT' the VFR and now some IFR is done in the USA. Oxford has(d)? an All UK Intergrated course for more money and I imagine more heartache because of the weather. If you want to do most of your training in soggy old Europe (Excluding southern Spain) in minimum time there is little choice of schools. There is little practicality for wanting to do most of your flight training in Europe, and why on earth would you want to make an already difficult and highly expensive Intergrated course longer frustrating:ugh: and more expensive?

[welliewanger]

Also, I didn't realise there was a difference between Integrated and Ab-Initio. What are the differences and do they really matter?


Ab Initio just means "from the start". You arrive not knowing anything and you leave with a frozen ATPL. Basically it's a nice name for a complete modular course.

Integrated courses are structured slightly differently. For example, you can take the ATPL theory exams before you even start flying (modular you have to have a certain level of experience, I think it's 100 hrs flying but that is probably wrong). This means that you can get all of the theory out of the way before getting into a plane, so when you're flying, you're applying the theory, not learning the theory (if that makes sense), it also means that there's not so many "gaps" in your flying while you're on the ground studying for exams. The other major difference is that integrated schools are much more strictly regulated by the JAA / CAA, so you can be sure of what you're getting.

Both integrated and modular courses get you the same qualification, the argument over whether the extra £20k (ish) for integrated is worth it rages on.