Phoebus Apollo

[Wireless]

Has anyone out there any experience of what Phoebus Apollo are like? Considering doing my CPL/IR completion out there and have been quoted a low price. I really just want some opinions on their operation, training standards etc.

I'm not too concerned aout licence conversion back to JAR as that is not the route i'm taking. . .Many thanks.

Pstar

(Edited by Polestar because he can't spell Apollo :) )

[ 23 January 2002: Message edited by: PoleStar ]</p>

[Quicksilver]

Polestar,

From what I understand their A/C are excellent and the area is a great place to train. Where else can you fly Cessnas, Tiger Moths and Harvards all in the same week?

As for standards etc. it may be best, if you havn't already, to contact Malcolm Spaven their UK representative, I've always found him to be very approachable and should give you contact details for anyone who has gone ahead of you.

Can't get better references than from those who have already done the course.

As Clive Hughes says, never pay the full amount upfront.

Out of interest what do you intend to do with an SAA CPL/IR after completion?

Hope that helps a little!

Quicksilver

You'll find Malcolm's details in the back of Flyer on their ad.

and no I don't work for them!

[ 24 January 2002: Message edited by: Quicksilver ]</p>

[Wireless]

Quicksilver

Thanks for your reply. You're the only one to get back so I presume that no one else has flown there! I am a little sceptical of such a glowing report! :) I do believe that you have no financial gain in vouching for them but I am wary as it seems to happen from time to time on pprune, and I can't afford to take chances as I don't have a big amount of cash, so this is it, no second chances at a different school.

Yes, I have contacted Malcolm and he was very helpful but then again, I do think that if you're going to spend thousands on flying they should be helpful. Maybe I'm just picky.

Regards what I intend to do afterwards. Well, I have friends who fly in "bush" operations and I can honestly say that given worts and all, that is what I want to do for a living. A friend of mine works for Zimex and earns a good living out of flying in Africa. I kow that I am being "short sighted" so to speak, and that one day I'll probably need to get a more stable job in England to support a family and all that kind of crap, but I am content to earn less and have an adventure! Given the choice i'd choose flying a Porter in the outback 20 times over flying "pax" to and throw across the pond.

Thanks again, Pstar <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

[ppruned partner]

Hi,. .I got my PPL with them back in 1999, and then revalidated in 2000. The area is nice to fly in, the thermals add some excitement on short finals! People are nice. The area they are in, Germiston, has a couple of nice restaurants to blow small amounts of cash in - the Villa is superb. When I was there the accommodation was quite busy but adequate, 10-15 mins walk from the airport.. .You may be able to blag a ride on one of their DC4s. Excellent fun landing at Jo'burg Int behind a 747.. .If you go, you must fly out to one of the game parks, it's an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world.. .The a/c were in good nick, ATC very helpful. Generally the overall standard of other GA flyers is good, although some cowboys do throw themselves around the skies - bit like the US.. .The hanger that they are based in now is way upmarket from when I was there.

Any specific questions? I'm just waffling.

Rgds. .Ppruned Partner