JD Aviation @ Manchester Airport for IR/CPL

[unstable_aloft]

Hi All,
would just like to enquire if anybody has any experience with JD Aviation at Manchester Airport. How did you find the instructors? Was the course delivered on time and within budget? What's it like doing the IR/CPL at Manchester?
I'm thinking it may be quite advantageous to do the IR and CPL at a busy international aiport like Manchester, getting used to the level of commercial traffic and the procedures etc, especially when it comes to applying for my first (hopefully) airline job. Anybody any opinions on this?
JD share facilities with Manchester School of Flying. I'd welcome general comments on what its like for GA flying out of Manchester Airport, and on the facilities at MSoF.
Many thanks,:ok:
Unstable_Aloft

[hedges81]

dunno anything about JDA, but as far as I know the landing fees at Manc are pretty high, might cause you a considerable additional expense.

[Check Mags On]

Just a quick disclaimer, I did my CPL and IR at JD and then went on, about a year later to become an instructor for John.
Firstly regarding the Instructors, you will not find a better set of people, very friendly and dedicated to the task in hand.
Yes I would say that but I no longer work full time for John, got a job for an airline. I still keep in regular contact with both John and Alan (the two main instructors) as I consider them both good friends.
Both of them are Air traffic control by trade, hence their combined knowledge of RT, procedures, holds, sid's stars etc etc etc, is unsurpassed. It is certainly better than a lot of professional pilots.
As for facilities.
John has his own office as well as full use of MSF's rooms, they are seperate entities. MSF goes out of its way (and thanks must be given to them) to ensure that priority is given to JD on the single engine aircraft(s) that it uses but are owned by MSF.
Manchester is an excellent place to learn the crafts of the trade that will be required in any future job. As mixing with the big boys on the ground and in the air really does sharpen your game. Most ATC at Manchester are pilots themselves in one form or other, so they are very accommodating towards GA.
As regards waiting for the big jets, which lets face it at almost any airport get priority. Yes there can be delays, but this does not affect your pocket, as charges are take off to landing + 15 minutes. So you can sit at the hold all day if you want and it is not costing you a penny more.
Manchester has departure fees as opposed to fees for landing.
These are quite resonable at under £18 (I think)inc VAT.
This is almost as cheap as Barton down the road.
Over the length of a course they will not come to more than £250.
Hope this helps and unstable_aloft if you wish to know more PM me

[SU27]

Really glad to see some info on here about JD.

I'm hoping to start my CPL/IR with them in the next couple of weeks, hopefully.

Would I be fair in saying It'll cost around £21000 for the CPL/IR?

[binbombayanback]

Having completed my CPL/IR with JD Aviation last year, I would have no hesitation in recommending anyone who is considering training, to speak to them and to pay them a visit.
Excellent training, dedicated, honest and thorough. Flying out of Manchester is fantastic experience,and John and Alans' air traffic background helps enourmously and their flying experience is a huge bonus !

[Slip up]

I recently completed an IR course with JDA and only have a very high opinion of what I experienced. I don't think flying out of Manchester is much more expensive and it is all very good practice and fun.

You'll have no regrets training with JD. The instructors have extensive knowledge in all aspects of aviation and you'll learn a lot more above and beyond what the course requires which will build your confidence and help you to make those tricky in the air decisions.

JD and his instructors are very dedicated to getting their students up to the required standard and as long as you put in as much effort and work as JD and AL you will gain a lot more than just a pass.

I have now been flying for 18 years and over that time have used numerous schools, instructors and examiners, but in my opinion, you'll not do any better than use JD at this stage of your flying, as long as you are willing to put in the work. If you're not willing to work then it is probably better to train with an organisation that couldn't care less.

Hope this helps

[horsebox]

Close to finishing my Cpl with JD & Alan, would recommend them as thorough, fair and honest.

Manchester is an intresting place to learn from and will set you up well to fly from large airports in a commercial manner. There is a departure fee of circa £20, but you often double up with other students so this is split between you. Circuit sessions are often done at Woodford/sleap for minimal or no charge, and we make use of free landing vouchers in x-country nax ex's which saves a few £'s.

As other posters have mentioned they teach over and beyond the basic sylabus and the emphasis is very much on making you think for yourself and practical decision making.

John is also very fair with the money - no large sums up front, no hidden extra's, & a fair airborne +15 minutes policy.

[hedges81]

hmmm, was under the impression landing fees at manc were about 40quid a pop, could be wrong of course, ie 20 quid for a departure and 20 to come back. This could easily be checked with a quick call to the airport itself.

Looking at the post counts of horsebox, slip up and and binbombayanback could it be true that someone at JD Aviation is posing as a satisfied customer in an attempt to gain your business?

[Slip up]

Not at all Hedges. I don't personally have much time for writing messages on forums.

I just happen to know enough about JDA to hopefully answer the original post and because of the commitment and enthusiasm I received from JD, I felt compelled to support him and his instructors.

[Check Mags On]

edited to change departure fee pricesdunno anything about JDA,

hedges my dear fellow, if you do not know anything about someone, it is a little rude to sully their name. After all mud sticks and it only takes a silly comment to tarnish an image.

If all it takes is a phone call to check out the fees at MAN then maybe you should have done that first before posting.

Just to reiterate MAN has a departure fee and does NOT have a landing fee. This has been covered in another post somewhere.

The fee is £21.50 inc VAT and the same for a twin, this is taking into account, discount which is given to operators based at the airport. The normal rate being £23.50 for a single and £31.75 for a twin.

Regarding the post count, I know of a few ex students who never read PPRUNE. When I spoke to one in particular who works for a low cost airline, I happened to mention this thread and he said he had not posted a comment as he didn't even have a sign in name for this site. Maybe I should phone him back and warn him against posting just in case you think he is an agent provocatuer.

JD does most definately not need the income from his flying school.

He does it because he loves to fly. And pass his knowledge to the next generation.

Sometimes though, when he was trying to teach me the instument rating Im sure he felt like giving up:ugh: .

But his training has served me well. Enough said.

[horsebox]

Hedges,

I'm posting as a satisfied customer, perhaps to help someone who is looking to make a decision that I had to make 6 months ago.

Other than incorrectly quibbling a landing charge, and coming up with a JD big up marketing conspiracy (also incorrect) - What's your interest?