us ppl training in september

[were we shot down?]

hiya!

planning to go to the states in september to start my PPL (the first part of a long haul to ATPL!) but i've got a bit of a dilemma.

heard very good things about Orlando Flight Training but it's in Florida and i understand that daily thunderstorms are a regular occurance this time of year. as i've only got 3 wks to do my ppl i don't want to have problems with the weather!

the other alternative is to go to california (anglo-american seems the best bet) but it's a good £500 more expensive and the feedback doesn't seem quite as good

help!

feel free to mail me off list if you like:
[email protected]

[CAT3C AUTOLAND]

Mate,

Thunderstorms in FL tend to be islolated, therefore you should not have any problems. I have flown out in Florida on many occasions and have never have had any problems at all.

I hope the above helps.

CAT 3C

[simfly]

The thunderstorms happen when it is hottest, and in the afternoon when the temperature has risen (read your met book for the technicalities). The mornings are brilliant, the earlier, the calmer. I have just returned from OFT and highly recommend it.

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[email protected]

The ground won't hurt you, if you hit it hard enough!

[EggBeta]

I have done PPL, IR & Comm ME in California. Its the most expensive place in the US by far, specially the North.
My advice, go to Florida, fly in the early am or a coupla hours before dusk.
Do you honestly think you are gonna complete an FAA PPL in 3 weeks. You appreciate that there is also a written exam, oral and then the flight test?

[jonathang]

Another thing about the thunderstorms in Florida or this was the case when I was there.

You can set your watch by them very regular.

I seem to remember them being at around 4.

JonathanG

[were we shot down?]

EggBeta,

crumbs! that sounds a little pesimistic!
if it makes any difference at all, I'm doing a JAR PPL rather than FAA and am planning to have my ground school stuff pretty much sorted before I go. I may even sit the exams prior to leaving.

I know I'm pushing it a bit but I only get 4wks hols a year and it's proving difficult enough to get even a 3wk continous slot....the owners of veterinary practices don't believe that their assistants should be entitled to time off!

should be fun when I get round to doing my CPL-IR!!

[rogerdodger]

Do yourself a favour and look around pprune at all the other JAA FTO that offer PPL courses.A lot of them are away from Orlando where the t-storms are more severe in the summer months.Go to the coast ie
Ormond Beach,Naples,Melbourne,Ft Pierce,all these places have good schools often with Brits doing the teaching.

[GPS Approach]

were we shot down?,

I'd definately say California over Florida, the weather is much better, also the flying is a lot more challenging with busier airspace around LA and the mountainous terrain.

As regards Anglo, I spent 7 months there last year doing my FAA CPL/IR and had a fantastic time, the guys there are very friendly and if you've done most of your written exams before you go, you should have no problem doing the PPL in 3 weeks. Gillespie Field where Anglo are based is an excellent airport to fly from, controlled and fairly busy with simultaneous take-offs and landings on parallel runways.

If you want more info, feel free to E-Mail me.

Regards,

GPS Approach.

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Aargh, that was the taxiway we landed on!

[andys]

hey mate,

in answer to your question, i advise you get in touch with anglo american in san diego. i did my faa ppl and ir with them. my ppl last august, hour building last november and my ir in feb. i went home after that and have now returned for my commercial.
the weather in november was great for the hour building, no t storms which florida gets every day, and no clouds at all. it was also about 25 degrees on average.
the atmosphere is great, very relaxed but highly efficient. there are regular trips downtown, to the beaches and even as far as vegas and san francisco. even the instructors and bosses join in.
you should have no problem getting a jar ppl in 3 weeks. but from experiences with other students i suggest you get the written exams done first.
as regards florida i know a guy who got his ppl at orlando flight training, he breezed the check ride but when he came to anglo he admitted he didn't have the necessary skills to fly anywhere but where he was trained.
at anglo you will learn to fly at high altitudes of up to 9,000 ft, dealing with mountains of 6,500ft as well as low land areas. not to mention flying round san diego bay at below 500ft. you will leave a safe competant pilot.
good luck with the training
andy

[pilotwolf]

Hi all,

Did my rotary training from Long Beach, CA from 0 - CPL(H). Prices don't vary that much across the USA. Weather is usually good there but be aware that the vis around LA can often be poor, and it can get pretty windy! That said I managed to do my PPL(H)in under 4 weeks, admitted I took the checkride on the Saturday morning then flew home Saturday afternoon! But my instructor the managed to get another student through in 3 weeks but it didn't leave much time for socialising - a very important part of tyour trip. Continual flying / studying is a no-no, a break and some fun is needed too.