Spanish IR's - Worthless?

[Desert Strip Basher]

There is quite a saving to be made using Spanish FTO's - but is it a false economy and should I disregard the option? I'd be grateful in particular for any feedback and first hand experience in the job market with a rating gained in Spain (rather than quality of training). I guess this will need to refer some time back to when the market was better as obviously everyone has been struggling for some time, wherever their rating was gained.

[zerotohero]

if its on your licence you can use it so never worthless!

I converted my FAA IR in Spain at Aerodynamics and got a job with Ryanair no problem, even with a Greek CPL and I am British!

Personal experience it makes no difference at all, may as well be a rating from Mars - so long as its valid in JAA land.
:ok:

[felixflyer]

I have looked into this also. There is a significant cost saving but for myself it is mainly about the time taken. Most schools in the UK specify anything from 6 to 10 weeks to do the IR full time. Many of the schools in Europe seem to be able to consolidate it into a much shorter time. This would obviously not suit everyone but it can be important if you are trying to fit it around work.

I know people that have spent a fortune to get the IR at one of the big named FTO's as they though it would make them more employable. I don't know whether this is the case, I have never heard anyone actually saying that the CAA or any airline do not like Spanish/Polish/Czech IR's and be able to back it up with any proof. I think its more a case of the expensive UK FTO's dont like them as they know they cannot compete.

There are of course bad schools giving inadequate instruction out there both in Europe and the UK. To rule any nations whole pilot training industry as sub-standard is just tosh. This would mean all the nations airline pilots are also unfit to fly.

My personal view is you can pay for the best instruction in the world but if you dont use the IR in anger until the revalidation is due then your skills will have diminished. You can train at a less expensive school but if, once you have the rating you make the effort to fly with more experienced IR pilots, and use it regularly then your skills will improve. I know which type of pilot I would rather be flown by.

[stuckgear]

agree with zerotohero, Aerodynamics are a good bunch and pretty switched on.

[mokilu]

"with a rating gained in Spain (rather than quality of training)"...

Sorry mate, but Spain is not so small as you think.
There are also good TRTOs or FTOs in Spain. But, as everywhere else, you have to pay more (FTE Jerez, Adventia).

Anyway, nobody cares about where did you get yor rating.

[duncanidaho50]

I can get a better price for training in the US and then conversion from FAA to JAA plus a bunch more hours, than just doing it here in Europe, anybody interested send me a PM.

[Nearly There]

I did my IR at AD in 2007, had not flown multi or IFR since, renewed just before xmas (3 years after initial) with no practice just jumped in an aztec (in the UK) and flew what was asked for 1hr 20 mins, IR/ME signed off, no problems.

Good school, good price, and as always you get out what you put in.

[maxed-out]

Nearly There

I'm up for renewal soon and would love to fly an Aztec. If you dont mind I'd appreciate more info either here or via PM. (I dont think the mods will allow the free advert).

Thanx

[Biz]

You will always get people who have had bitter experiences with any number of schools, wherever they may be located, and similarly, you will also hear of rave reviews for others.

For what it's worth, I did my MEIR at AD in 2010 and only a short time after gained a FO position flying a twin turboprop with a UK operator. My employer didn't give a jot where I did my ratings, only that i had the blue licence and could reasonably fly an aeroplane as expected from a 250hr pilot!

By the way, I found AD fairly good, not perfect, but fairly good nonetheless.

[fanda78]

guys would you know how much AD charges for ME/IR (basic hours) I cant see pricelist on their website...
cheers

[zerotohero]

There website has changed from when I was there, give them a call, when I did my IR conversion they told me a price and I paid exactly that! not a cent more (as did my two close friend that went there) they were not like the normal school raping you for all they can get :ok: