Hempel's v FTA

[terrainterrainwoopwo]

I am looking to continue my CPL training with one of these two flying schools at Archerfield, and I would like some honest opinions.

Specifically, prices, types, number and maintenance levels of aircraft. Number and friendliness and professionalism of instructors. And most importantly, what you think about the feel of the place.

Plus any other information you think is relevent.

I have talked to both schools, and I just need some opinions of past/present students/instructors to break the current tie.

Cheers all.

[J430]

Well if you live on that side of town, I guess my hints are not going to be any help. Personally I would prefer something a little further north. If you live North of YBAF well why not consider these guys.....
http://www.aerodynamic.com.au/

I have found Bryan an exceptionally well regarded instructor and is an ATPL guy retired from Ansett (I think it was). I have only good things to say about the way they work. I did not learn there (have my BFR's there) as the school I learnt at only does Rotary wing these days.

Cheers

J:ok:

[terrainterrainwoopwo]

Cheers for the reply, but I live on the westside, so getting to YCAB is a bit difficult.

[kingtoad]

I used to private hire and did some training with Hempels about 10 - 15 years ago. The fact that they still have some of the same staff (eg CFI) says something to me. There is LOTS of experience there in all its forms. Barry can come across a bit gruff at times, but on the other hand it takes a special kind of pilot to jump out of a Tiger Moth and into a Mig15, then a Harvard and then a Yak 52.

I did my first few twin endorsements there and a tailwheel endo too. Very thorough.

I have no experience with FTA.

[Runaway Gun]

Barry is certainly very experienced, and he is a very thorough instructor.

I also have no time up with FTA.

[pistol_pete]

I have not flown with Hempells, I did spend some time with FTA and left quite soon after for a smaller school (about the size of hempells) which I have to say, offered a much more personal and enjoyable approach to flight training in my opinion. There were alot of internal politics at FTA, certain instructors weren't on speaking terms with others, some thought they were gods gift etc... This was when I was there back in 04, it got tiring very quickly.

Just my experience though, Im sure many people have had a great time with FTA.

I hear a lot of good things about some schools up at redcliffe if thats not to far out of your way.

Cheers! :ok:

[MAXX]

Its been a very long time since ive been to hempels or fta(1992), however I finished my private licence with fta and after a disagreement with fta management I left there and finished my up to ifr rating and atpl with hempels.

Barry has never been the easiest going instructor however he always told it like it was.

If you want to really learn how to fly and get some insight into what its really like to work as an instructor or junior cpl pilot i would highly recommend talking to mr hempel.

One more thing, dont go with the cheapest(its not always the best)

[MCKES]

FTA - Good = some great instructors, good range of aircraft
- Bad = aircraft are old and tired sometimes not in best of nic but they are certainly airworthy, High price.
RQAC - Good = Great instructors, friendly ( club ) atmosphere, well kept and maintained aircraft. Smaller than a normal sausage factory outfit. Excellent price!!
- Bad = Not a huge range of advanced aircraft - (above six seats).
After flying with FTA for about six lessons I changed to RQAC due to the better atmosphere, great aircraft, good instructors CBT all done on the CASA syllabus, Great price - I can fly a current model 2001 c172R, for $241.50 compared to $248 for a C152 at FTA these are Dual prices. As for Hempels the times i have spoken to them they have seemed helpfull and sincere, though i have heard otherwise :E Jks because i will probably be doing aeros with them. Does anyone else no of anywhere in Bris that does aeros through to comp level or now of anyone who may have a plane that would be willling to teach me, as i am extremely interested in aerobatics. The only problem for me is that at the moment due to age I am ready to go solo but cant untill march. I am interested in doing some aeros probably some time after march. Anyway cheers and God Luck with your training! :D

[captwawa]

ive got some mates that flew with fta and also arena, they didnt enjoy their time with them

[MakeItHappenCaptain]

Not sure if Barry's still flying there at this stage, but David St John's come on board and knows his stuff. Check out Ian Gregory or Andrew Nacsa in particular at FTA. If you can do a bit of travelling, QAS at Caloundra has a more relaxed approach to training (very easy going but still takes the flying seriously) and cheaper rates due to a severe lack of aerodrome charges. Ask for Greg McGovern. Happy Hunting!:ok:

[kingtoad]

Certainly Barry & Gordon have LOTS of experience - both will probably forget more about aviation than most of us will ever learn. David is experienced too, but I'm not sure if I'd put him in the same league as the other two fellows. Yes - I've flown with all three of them. Each have done an endorsement for me at one time or another.

[Ricky Bobby]

David surely must be better than the last CP Barry had, the guy was never there.

I would steer away from the YBAF scene and head to a CTAF, you won't regret it and neither will your wallet. Don't worry too much about a school's name or reputation, concern yourself with the instructor's reputation.

Try Sunland if you want to train at Archerfield, BW is an exellent VFR instructor, you will get your money's worth with him in the right hand seat.

[TinDriver]

I'll have to agree with Makeithappencaptain....

Andrew Nasca and Ian Gregory would have to be two of the most experienced chaps at FTA.......there has of course been some movement lately over the last 6 months, but these two blokes will give 110%....100% of the time.

Brian Westin likewise is a VFR guru........knows more that I ever will........

Was a pleasure knowing u chaps.

The defector:}

[TinDriver]

Hey Andrew,
Whilst I (might) have ur attention, can u send over some of those possum goolie warmers over please? Can get tad cool here!!!
Cya here 1 day I hope old chap.:} :} :}
The defector.


Heya Mick............................get stuffed. xxx

[jbr76]

I personally think, give Archerfield the ar$3 & fly out of redcliffe. Archerfield may have an advantage in terms of GAAP procedures, but being further into your training (CPL) I would be looking to gain maximum bang for your buck, and you can only get that @ redcliffe. Its as easy as signing off, preflight, strap in & taxi & takeoff .. no delays, and no worries. Very close to YBBN/YBMC CTR for IF approaches etc.
I can only recommend one school @ redcliffe .. http://www.redcliffeaeroclub.com.au
Fantastic fleet, exceptionally maintained, and extremely friendly staff & fantastic environment. I dont think you could find better grade 1 instructors than John & Kelly from RAC.
Thats my 10c worth anyway :ok:
nb: stay away from sausage mills *cough*