Portuguese pilot wannabe

[alkatifa]

Seriously considering embarking on a new journey as a pilot wannabe.
As I am a true lammer, don't really if there's any worthy academy over here in Portugal. I would be able to go abroad though.

I came across Epic Flight Academy, Florida. Any comment on that? I'm just concerned about the time/price ratio and the best way to start off.

Thanks a lot for the help guys.

[AIRWAY]

Hello,

AAE seems to have a good name, although just a good name is not enough.

Look at the smaller outfits like Omni for example, they seem to be doing well and some student pilots end up instructing after the course and then moving on to their charter/exec flying, which is currently enjoying good growth.

All the best.

[alkatifa]

Thanks a lot for the reply.

So is AAE the one I was refering to, Epic Academy in Florida?

[Pjlot]

There is an school in Cascais outside Lisbon.

I spoke with them at the flyer expo in London last year. They seem professional and have a new fleet of aircraft.

They are a bit on the expensive side but worth checking them out!

[alkatifa]

Hi there.
I am aware of that one in Cascais. I do think they are indeed a bit pricey but will take a look again.

I am going for the London seminar in two weeks myself, hopefully I can grab some answers and important info.

[gotroni]

Epic Flight Academy does FAA training, although the conversion is simple. The cost is low and the fleet is also bran new, including a new Piper Seminole with the Avidyne glass cockpit. Ab initio training is done in the Cessna 172 with the G1000 glass cockpit. According to their website they just got a new 220 degree wrap around sim for the cessna.

It looks like they are on the up and up. I'm sure they'll work with you to get what's required for a conversion back to JAA if that's what you're looking for.

[ivosagres]

Don't forget theres one in Beja also.
At least i see plenty of guys wearing pilot uniforms over there, and someone told me that there is a flight school there...

Best of luck

[ggirao]

Hello Alkatifa :-)

I'm on same situation as you (1 year older,diff) but feel confused about the school... I saw FLYEFT (www.flyeft.com (http://www.flyeft.com)) that has a Airline pilot programme... about 10 months and gives you Instructor Rating. You can be there to instruct and have more flying hours. Please MP me if you have opinion here.

[CS-CCO]

Alkatifa,

You need ALOT of reading and investigating before even thinking about taking the plunge... there are several EXCELLENT flying schools (FTO's) in Portugal, depending on your location. Please beware that doing the course not only requires a conversion FAA to be able to fly in Europe but also the cost might not be that much lower than in Portugal if you include the accommodation, the flights (and all the expenses associated with moving abroad which are huge.

I really advise you to read as much as you and THEN talk to someone who's finishing the course or has just recently. This change quite rapidly and on this particular issue the advise of an experienced pilot should be heard as well but I'd look for someone actually going through the process.

[Fitnesspilot737]

I am a past customer at Epic Flight Academy. I finished with 278hrs in May with a CSEL and CMEL IR after 5mths of flying. I heard since I have left things have not been as smooth. They do not have the seminole anymore and the fleet is smaller. Although I have had no problem with the school my advice would be if you want to fly in Europe train in Europe. Simple. The conversion is a nightmare and it will cost you on the whole just as much as you would pay in Europe.

[Alexsky]

You can check also Latvian Avioservice, who provide the 0 to ATPL training for around 26.000Eur. Oxford Aviation Acdemy, whose training programme they use will ensure your good papers and marks.