PPL(a) Belgium

[Daniel Leinad]

I’m living in Antwerp and I’m going to start learning to ppl a theory. Unfortunately there’s no chance for me to join ground school lessons because of Dutch language barrier or time schedule. I get one offer for distance learning in English called Orbit Groundschool for 895€. Do you have any experience with this learning system? Could you recommend other systems or ATO in Antwerp area which provide distance/ground school in English?

[Banana Joe]

The only sensible tip I can give you is to avoid the BCAA at all costs. Worst authority in Europe and as a commercial pilot I'm plotting my way out of them. If you live in Antwerp, do all your training under the Dutch CAA.

[Banana Joe]

Daniel Leinad I've noticed you sent me a message but apparently your storage is full and you can't receive replies.
I am advising against going with the BCAA because they're a bunch of incapable and inefficient bunch of people. Expect minimum 3 months for everything, expect them not to reply to emails or phone calls. Where I work we've had some pilots temporarily grounded because they had no licence issued by the BCAA.
I think they are also not allowed to run any theoretical exams as they've had an EASA finding about their out of date question banks.
You should be able to do your training in Belgium under the Dutch or any other authorities. AustroControl and the Irish Aviation Authority are also popular.

[Jan Olieslagers]

Have a chat with BAFA at EBAW.

Meanwhile, be aware that, given covid, all class teaching is suspended, and likely to remain so for a good while.

As for the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority: yes they are seriously understaffed. The brave people that remain on the ship do try their best but they have their limits. i doubt however if things are much better with the Dutch - from Holland I hear consistent suggestions to go with AustroControl...

[Banana Joe]

I was told by a colleague that they are doing lessons on Microsoft Teams. Better than nothing.

[Jhieminga]

Orbit Groundschool is based in Arnhem, The Netherlands. They use an online system developed by Bristol Groundschool to run a theory course online. Supposed to work quite well. Haven't heard any negatives about them, it might be a good idea to take this route.

[Banana Joe]

Bristol GS material is only for ATPL. Good material though, I used it back in the days.