LH2
8th May 2007, 02:17
Hi there -- this is in reply to something I have been queried about a number of times via PM as a former customer of Fly-in-Spain. Hopefully posting it here will make this useful for any other future PPL candidates.
Fly-in-Spain is the name of the company in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, under which registered facility BM Aviation operates for the purpose of PPL(A) training. I have no other connection to them other than that stated (got my PPL there) and I haven't been in contact with them since the end of my training sometime last year.
Two questions that keep popping up in my inbox are:
a) were you asked for a EUR 1,000 deposit
Yes. I paid about €1000.- as soon as I booked up my course. On my second or third day of training I paid another €2500 or so, cash, of my own accord so I wouldn't need to keep running to the bank every couple days.
b) does the EUR 2,500 excess for damage apply to students as well as those with a PPL who rent their aircraft?
Yes. At the end of my training said deposit was either returned to my debit card in full or never actually cashed in the first place (I can't remember which way it went, but the point is I got all my money back). Of course, I didn't bend any planes. :cool:
Moneywise, I found them to be perfectly OK. Of course, I am familiar with the customs of the land so I'm not worried by the lack of mountains of paperwork, which Britons seem so keen on. Also, in the three countries I have hiring experience on, a positive balance has always been requested by every outlet which let me fly their aeroplanes (except one, of which I have been a long time pre-PPL customer). As for the excess, I believe it helps lower their insurance premiums, thus making the flying more affordable.
As for accomodation, Hans the German should be able to help--I believe he has quite an affordable apartment at the disposal of his customers. Alternatively, I stayed at a place in VRP Echo (can't remember the name of the actual town) for €25 a night or so. That is some 20 minutes drive from the airport, not significantly longer than from some parts of Jerez itself. The rooms were fine, could pickup a free WiFi signal from across the street, and their gazpacho was excellent.
Foodwise, use either the small bar across the road from FTE or try to persuade Hans into getting you an airport ID badge (all that's required is your passport and a letter from Hans) so that you can use the terminal's canteen at much discounted prices.
Hope this helps. Anything else, feel free to ask, preferrably via the open forum.
Fly-in-Spain is the name of the company in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, under which registered facility BM Aviation operates for the purpose of PPL(A) training. I have no other connection to them other than that stated (got my PPL there) and I haven't been in contact with them since the end of my training sometime last year.
Two questions that keep popping up in my inbox are:
a) were you asked for a EUR 1,000 deposit
Yes. I paid about €1000.- as soon as I booked up my course. On my second or third day of training I paid another €2500 or so, cash, of my own accord so I wouldn't need to keep running to the bank every couple days.
b) does the EUR 2,500 excess for damage apply to students as well as those with a PPL who rent their aircraft?
Yes. At the end of my training said deposit was either returned to my debit card in full or never actually cashed in the first place (I can't remember which way it went, but the point is I got all my money back). Of course, I didn't bend any planes. :cool:
Moneywise, I found them to be perfectly OK. Of course, I am familiar with the customs of the land so I'm not worried by the lack of mountains of paperwork, which Britons seem so keen on. Also, in the three countries I have hiring experience on, a positive balance has always been requested by every outlet which let me fly their aeroplanes (except one, of which I have been a long time pre-PPL customer). As for the excess, I believe it helps lower their insurance premiums, thus making the flying more affordable.
As for accomodation, Hans the German should be able to help--I believe he has quite an affordable apartment at the disposal of his customers. Alternatively, I stayed at a place in VRP Echo (can't remember the name of the actual town) for €25 a night or so. That is some 20 minutes drive from the airport, not significantly longer than from some parts of Jerez itself. The rooms were fine, could pickup a free WiFi signal from across the street, and their gazpacho was excellent.
Foodwise, use either the small bar across the road from FTE or try to persuade Hans into getting you an airport ID badge (all that's required is your passport and a letter from Hans) so that you can use the terminal's canteen at much discounted prices.
Hope this helps. Anything else, feel free to ask, preferrably via the open forum.