SFA Sabena Flight Academy? [Archive]

NotAnotherUsername

18th Oct 2002, 18:48

Are this lot still going? I found their website and it looks interesting and quotes some incredibly good prices, like 20k euro for an ab-initio ATPL, theory in Belgium, then to Arizona for the flying, then back to Belgium to finish off.

Not sure about giviing out web addresses here, but if you type Sabena Flight Academy into yahoo, you'll find it.

madman1145

19th Oct 2002, 07:03

Hello NAU;

Quote from their homepage under Theoretical Training:
".. The candidate can choose to follow the theoretical training either in Dutch or in French .."

- Do you speek Dutch or French ??

Beside, I don't know where you only get the 20K from ..

Things to add up:
Theory exams: € 61,97
Medical exams: € 371,84
Initiation fee: € 6.445,23
Training fee: € 14.247,68 + $ 44.780

That makes a total of at least € 65.900, if we say that 1 Euro equals 1 Dollar ..
And then you still have to add expenses to the Psychometric exam and exam fees to the Belgian CAA ...

NotAnotherUsername

19th Oct 2002, 11:58

Ahhh, missed the $44k !!! :o:o

Couldn't work out how they were doing an ATPL for that price ! Makes much more sense now. Oh well, dont ask, dont get.

Oh, and yes I do speak enough French to get by in it - although I suspect a bit of a brush-up might be required before I started.

euroflyer

19th Oct 2002, 12:57

Their website looks good but that is it I'm afraid. I initially started ATPL groundschool with them but soon decided to do my training in the UK. Why? Most importantly Belgium has not yet received full approval for the Class 1 medical and this means you get some sort of Belgian pseudo JAR licence which is not really the same as a CAA UK JAR licence, as it is not fully recognised. The instructors were not trained to teach JAR and the flying part is done in Arizona with FAA instructors who have little experience, some friends went there and were suprised to pay so much money for the flying. This school was meant to train cadets for Sabena airlines and since they don't exist anymore why go there?
I would not be proud to have Sabena Flight Academy on my CV, I'm sure the airlines won't be to impressed either.
The UK is where you should train, they are the ones who implemented JAR and the quality of the UK flying schools is tremendous.
Regards.

madman1145

19th Oct 2002, 22:54

Hmmmm ..

euroflyer, I guess that you are British, right ?..
I have no doubt that we can agree about Sabena Flight Academy and the construction of their courses - you also have the experience from them ..

But to state that UK is the only place, almost - no doubt that there are great flight schools in UK ..
But do look across the ocean to EU and you just might find other great places. Scandinavia has some great schools, and a few ones in Spain also ..

I've just finished a 6-7 month long survey (almost a fulltime job) about choosing a flight school with my demands, where I started looking at Scandinavian schools, obviously as a Dane, and ended up contacting every European CAA (almost), looking at some 20-25 schools in EU asking some of them some 40 questions to find out how everything fitted together ..
And then of course visited some of them that I found attractive ..

About verification of JAR-FCL 1 and 3 (airplanes and medical), Denmark has exchanged "Letter of Mutual Recognition" with the JAA countries England, Spain, Belgium and some other countries. That means that I can use a Spanish or Belgian certificate in Denmark without problems. With Belgium I would have to contact their CAA for an OK and a validation but without any further delays or problems ..
All this is stated in a document from the Danish CAA ..

So I do find it strange if the British CAA don't accept Belgian certificates (JAR FCL 1 and 3) when Denmark does ..
Have you refreshed your info with your local CAA recently ??

euroflyer

20th Oct 2002, 13:57

Madman1145,

I am British and Belgian and live in Belgium.
First of all, I think it's a good idea to research the schools around Europe and choose the right one. As NotAnotherUsername lives in the SW UK, I meant the UK is the place to train for him. I am sure there are very good schools in other countries too but I've also researched quite a few before I started my training and the UK seemed the best place to train.
All the people I know who held a Class 1 Medical issued by the Belgian CAA including me had to do it again in the UK as it was not recognised. I doubt this has changed since last year, I might be wrong. I don't contact the Belgian CAA anymore as they rarely answer the phone and when they do they are incompetent.
The UK CAA on the other hand I must congratulate.
Regards.

manuelvi

30th Aug 2006, 17:28

Hi all.
As by subject i will start a A320 Type at Sabena on Monday the 4th.

Is there anyone that have done it or will be there tha same day as me?

Any comments about the school and especially about theyr "job help" would be appreciated.

Ps; i've been working as ramp agent sice today and i know paying a type is not the best but every company i've been throw asked me: wich type do you have?

bye all

Manuel

Curvature

26th Sep 2006, 12:20

Hi All,

Just wondering whether anybody has had any dealings with Sabena Flight Academy, especially in regard to TR and MCC combined courses. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Curvature:)

number

1st Oct 2006, 07:08

Well, I am seriously thinking about starting my 737 TR at Sabena.
The price is 23.000€ within september, 26.000€ after, which means I will have to pay the second one. But I was told that at the very beginning of sep, so it looks more like a market strategy rather than a real fixed price.

They said they have deals with some airlines around europe and international, and that all their TR students got hired within several months... from 2 to 6...

The TR is in English , there is an evaluation session one month before the course.

Concerning the living expenses, they provide full accomodation for 1400 euros maximum.
The training takes approximately 7 weeks.

cheers

elpilote

1st Oct 2006, 08:10

hi i dont want to say that you have or not to chose SFA, but dont believe to much the fact that they told that they have contract with airline!
I have a friend who have done a 737 type overthere but he did not had any contract anywhere for linetraining and that's 1 month ago

Try to have more infos about the line traning ...

number

1st Oct 2006, 09:21

hi,

i don't know anything about sabena, i'm just quoting what I was told. It would be nice to get in touch with your friend though, I'd like to know how serious the school is.

I don't believe much in line training, 80k € ... I mean, whether u have a TR and nothing , because if you have also 100h or plus in type it means you r already working for an airliner.

manuelvi

1st Oct 2006, 17:42

Hi guys
I am currently at sabena flight academy doing an A320 type rating.
All i can say about this school is that it is finally all i was dreaming about...and beleive me i'm not the kind of person that quotes something very easily.(ask to AIRMED staff).
Instructors are nice and FxxxxIng prepared,with experience and funny, they are not letting you feel the weight of their experience (and they have a LOT)
The facilities are perfectly mantained, there is always an answer to everithing and it is usually fast.
Sims are fantastic and it's full of airlines coming to get their training too.

If you are looking for a place in wich put you'r coins u can be sure that here it will be highly worth it.

A customer.

Bye

pilot-320

1st Oct 2006, 22:04

Very interesting info !!! i want more views and opinions about the school pleaseeee!! i will consider them for a TR depending how my finances will be though!!
Any news about which airlines are cooperating at the moment?

THANKS A LOT!!!!:O

manuelvi

2nd Oct 2006, 07:44

Well i can tell you more or less which airlines are customer there to train their pilots.
In general: Tomas cook,martinair,eurofly,airone,SN Brussels,Virgin...and more

Bye

number

5th Oct 2006, 13:14

Ok i'm on the verge of buing the TR from Sabena or another TRTO... i'm evalutating a few things. Sabena asks 26.000€ which is quite a lot for a simple TR considering that Astraeus quoted me a B737 + ground check at 23.700€ + VAT ... and it offers a line training of 10 sectors + TR at 32.000€ + VAT... I don't know.

manuelvi

5th Oct 2006, 14:00

Man it's well known that a type on thew BUS costs more than the 73. Don't ask me why but it's like that.
About the Sbena price 26k it's the lowest price u can get in europe.
Ask gecat,cae etc etc ...in Eu the min price i have ever seen was 28/29 thousands euros so the Sabena one it's more than competitive.

cheers

number

5th Oct 2006, 14:13

Sabena asks 26.000€
Astraeus asks 23.700€
-----------------------------
Astraeus is cheaper than Sabena

manuelvi

5th Oct 2006, 14:19

Sabena 26k for the 320 and astraeus 23.7k for the 737 what are we comparing the price of the apples with the bananas?
u have to compare the prices on the same airplane cathegory otherwisde what do we get?:ugh:

Anyway i think that sabena asks for the 737 23.000 so the price is in range with the Astraeus one no?

cheers

number

5th Oct 2006, 14:23

No...
Sabena just quoted me 26000€ for a B737 TR
:suspect:

manuelvi

5th Oct 2006, 14:25

Wow, ok...it's probably because their "summer camp" it's finished..
BYe

number

5th Oct 2006, 14:39

yeah... maybe simulators are cheaper when it's warm :*

scroggs

5th Oct 2006, 16:43

From the Archive Reference Threads and Posting Guidelines (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=131649), which you lot have obviously never read:
Do not quote the entire post above yours. We can all read, and it is extremely annoying to read each post in a thread twice when each poster has quoted the post above. If I find this occurring, I will edit the quotes out. So don't waste your and my time.

Please, please learn some of the posting etiquette and apply it. I get very pissed off editing posts so the thread remains readable for others; it's easier just to delete them and lose your contributions. I'd prefer not to have to do that....

Scroggs

sk666

23rd Nov 2006, 16:52

:confused: Hi Guys.
I followed pprune treads since 1998 or so.Think I did a few posts some years ago...Anyway I have allways planned to post a thread, once I got my first F/O job, saying "Go for it..it can be done"...to all you trying to get your first job. But unfortunately this is a tuff one:yuk: ....I started in Aviation in 2001 and now have a non-flying job in GA and fly few hours on King Air(self payed rating). Allmost all people from my integrated class payed for type ratings and most are flying today. I have one initial thing to say: IF YOU DO NOTHING...NOTHING WIL HAPPEND! I have whanted to anounce this for some time :8 :yuk: It is not easy, but if you pay some money, you may get a job. More importantly you will have some connections and experience. It is gambling, but I am sick of waiting....never give up:ugh: ! I have checked out many TRTO´s but allways I can find some pros and cons. So what am I trying to say? Anyone considering Sabena Flight Academy Jan or Feb. start on 737 300/900 (Flight Int. Mag.). Or something else for that matter. I am even considering A320...I am applying to all kinds of companys to avoid paying...but you all know this story:ugh: Well... I think SFA has a nice concept. Are anyone considering same option? :)

A320fanatic

4th Dec 2006, 21:49

well, i'm a former student from Sabena Flight Academy Prom 1, started training in 2004, just finished end of july and got hired by thomas cook airlines belgium in october, i'm now starting TR A320 in a bit less than 2 weeks. We were 18 in prom 1, and as a matter of facts, 13 of us already got hired by several airlines ( TCAB, TUI, DHL, Brussels Airlines,....) so i guess the training level out there is not that bad;) . I also had offers from Luxair, Cityjet and many others....

Just to say, all courses are given in English, and were exellent by the way, instructors in USA and in Belgium were trained to JAA standards...

Prices now are around 85 000 E for the full ATPL courses with enhanced MCC on B737 EFIS included..just check out www.sfa.be (http://www.sfa.be)

Cheers, and see ya'll up at FL 350 soon...:)

Founder

25th Jan 2007, 14:58

Does anyone have any experience with Sabena Flight Academy or perhaps know anything about them that's good or bad?

I'm considering to do an A320 TR with them...

/Tim

manuelvi

25th Jan 2007, 17:34

Does anyone have any experience with Sabena Flight Academy or perhaps know anything about them that's good or bad?

I'm considering to do an A320 TR with them...

/Tim

Hi, if you make a search on the forum i think u'll get some info but anyway
i was there and did an A320 TR.
It's the first place i've been in my life were you pay for something and you get it.
Instructors are good and the facilities excellent.
The only problem is that after your TR there is not after care about airlines placement or something related but the course it's very good.

If you need other info's you can PM me.

cheers

M.

kuchemann carrots

26th Apr 2007, 15:42

Hi,
I am currently considering buying a TR. I have been in contact with SFA, and must admit they seem very professional, quickly answering questions and generally good sales people.
Has anyone recently completed the A320 type rating with SFA, if so what was your experience like? I am especially interested in how good their "database" of potential employees is, and how much help they give in gaining employment.
If they do help with employment, with which airlines is it... So I can work out if I could still afford to live off of the salary.
And finally, is the placement for the A320 better than the B737?
Thanks

manuelvi

26th Apr 2007, 15:47

Hi.
Finished A320 TR in NOvember.
The training is absolutely perfect but do not expect any help to get a job after.
make your choice

cheers

chlong

27th Apr 2007, 09:42

have you got any job offers yet.?????

manuelvi

27th Apr 2007, 12:15

yes a couple.
cheers

MV

Founder

11th May 2007, 20:10

I'm off to do my flight tests on Sabena Flight Academy on the 4th of June. From what I've heard its a 1,5 hour test in a 737 simulator.

Does anyone know anything what these test might be? Normal SID's STARS and approaches?

SU30

26th May 2007, 09:21

Hello founder,

actually I am also thinking of doing a TR with Sabena.

A friend did his TR there, however, a few years ago. Then, it was just flying out straight ahead, some turns, airwork and an Ils/approach as far as he remembers. It was more to check your ability to fly and learn, then to check on your currency in IF. So, how they do things right now I don't know, but if you go there, please tell me how it actually worked out.

SX6!:ok:

Founder

26th May 2007, 18:15

I'm going there on June 4th, if you'd like you can add me on MSN or AIM and I can tell you about the tests there...

I'm sending you my contact info in a PM

Kind Regards
Tim

moka

29th May 2007, 11:42

Hello everybody, this is my first post on pprune:O.
I am French 19 and i plan to pass the selectin test at SFA in august . I have already seen what they expect from their candidates but would like more informations about the test. Moreover if you could advise me some books which could help me to study it would be very nice.

moka

30th May 2007, 15:50

anybody?? I must be well prepared :{

BB737

31st May 2007, 07:54

just fot test

Hookerbot 5000

31st May 2007, 08:06

Hi m8,

I think Sabena use the compass battery of tests like OAT. If you so a search for compass on pprune and on google you will get the required info.

By the way you can't study for the compass test. At OAT they have a maths and physics portion that you can kind of study for but other than that you are on your own :ok:.

+HB 5000
+Stealing your wallet as we speak

moka

4th Jun 2007, 11:53

Hello , i am currently weighting the pro and the cons of many FTO and i would like to have a little bit more information about this one.
What about the job placement with them, seems to be great on their web site but is it really the reality?
how is the flight training in the US? are the instructors fully JAA approuved?
Are there students in pprune who are doing the training with them??
What do you think about the price which is quite high ( 85000 euros)Does it worth the price?
Any advice would be appreciated because i have to make a choice fastly due to the selection process which will take place in august.

moka

9th Jun 2007, 10:12

:{ any comments about this FTO would be a huge help...

pierreolive

5th Sep 2007, 14:34

Hello guys,

I am considering performing a A320 TR in Sabena Flight Academy next Winter. I have visited their training center and it looks great. It's a very serious school and they offer high standard training.
Has anyone of you already done his TR at Sabena Flight Academy? Have you managed to find a FO job easily after your TR? I think it is the right time to do a TR but I would appreciate any comments on it.

If someone is interested, I had Sabena Flight Academy on the phone yesterday and they told me they had a A320 course at a very good price in September. Unfortunaltely I cannot leave my job now, so I tell you the information just in case.

Have a nice day!

seemit

5th Sep 2007, 18:08

hey dude well i m interested in doing the TR so can u help me out with the details tht the club or school u mentioned is taking

airman13

6th Sep 2007, 10:23

bonjour pierreolive,

est-ce que tu pourrais nous dire le prix s'ils t'ont dis biensür, remerciements

pierreolive

6th Sep 2007, 15:28

Salut Airman13,
Désolé, ils ne m'ont pas donné leur prix, ils ont juste dit qu'ils avaient un stage à compéter et que donc ils pouvaient faire une tite ristourne. J'ai répondu que je n'étais pas dispo de suite, donc je n'ai pas eu le fameux prix.
Tu peux toujours faire une demande de quotation sur leur site www.sfa.be (http://www.sfa.be/).
Bonne soirée!

TwoTone-7

11th Dec 2007, 16:59

Search shows some ancient posts.

Has anyone trained with SFA or know a little more in regards to their integrated training?

Thanks!

9gmax

12th Dec 2007, 16:03

quick search revealed:
http://www.sfa.be/pilot-training/self-sponsored/integrated-ATPLA-CRS/index.htm
also some blogs with extra links : http://3lke.skynetblogs.be/
enjoy...

i-team

18th Jan 2008, 01:11

I had a bad experience with Sabena. First, when you try to contact them, you are not talking with them, but with a society in Swiss. It's not a big deal, but when you have a problem (like in my experience), nobody has the responsability for the problems that can happen.

After the skill test you can't make the base training (touch and goes) in another FTO, because the Belgium's laws don't allow it to you. Or better, they need a special agreement between Sabena and the FTO that you prefer, but it requires a lot of time and a lot of conditions, and often these conditions are not accepted from others FTO.

My suggest is to check RWL in dusseldorf and Intercockpit.

No idea about SAS, theyre reputation is good, but I received no answers from them, as some friends of mine.