Simuflight NZ

[tonyblair]

As you may have gathered, Simuflight (NZ) Ltd, at Ardmore, Auckland, have won a major training contract from McAlpine Aviation Training (www.mcalpine-training.com) in the UK, training airline cadets through the CTC McAlpine (http://www.ctc-mcalpine.com) Cadet Scheme. The airline customers are easyJet and JMC.

Can you tell me how Simuflight rate? Nobody seems to know much about them, other than they are small. What's Ardmore like?

Any info gratefully received.

[Sharfted Groundhog]

Yes they are small; the owner is a bit of a w@nker but as long as you stay away from him, it'll be OK, I suppose. They have been around for approx 10 or so years, the owner is a bored airline pilot.....

Ardmore is one (if not the) busiest civilian airfields in NZ. Based about 20 minutes outside of central Auckland, it has in the last few years become an uncontrolled airfield. Lots of different places to learn to fly out there, but pilots trained there have tended to gain a reputation of being fair-weather pilots. (I'll probably get shot down in flames for that remark! :D ).

Overall, your training will be 'satisfactory', but done by quite young and inexperienced instructors who are tying themselves to get the hell out as quick as they can. I understand the school is in the middle of some sort of industrial / employment rangle at the moment as well, but I don't know how much that is impacting on the daily running of the place.

Their rates will be on a par with all other training schools in the area as it's pretty cuthroat out there.

Hope that helps.

[Artificial Horizon]

Tony,

I can't give you to much information on Simuflite as when I left New Zealand they were a ground school facility only.

On the subject of Ardmore though I can pass on a little. It would have to be the busiest G.A. airfield that I have ever visited or flown from, that includes the UK and NZ. I once was flying there when they opened up the circuit on both sides of the runway to try and get us all in as there were 19 aircraft wanting to join. Since then Ardmore has lost ATC and now has nothing bar a UNICOM facility, similar to in the US, it will provide an ATIS and that is it. So as a non radio airfield it certainly is busy, you have to keep your eyes open.

The benefits of Ardmore however are its closeness to Auckland, so lots of full ATC airports around including Auckland International, which does accept GA aircraft. So you will get plenty of ATC experiece. Also the scenery that is just a short flight away is stuning and opens up the opportunities for all sorts of flying, including grass/farm strips, low flying (below 500') and a little further south - mountain flying.

Contrary to a lot of what has been said, I think that Ardmore and NZ will prepare cadets well for whatever can be thrown at them. Hey it worked for me, I am currently on a sponsorship and have yet to find my NZ flying training lacking in the UK environment.:)

[TruthSlayer]

I trained for the NZ CPL/IR with Flight 2000 / Simuflight and then flew for the Auckland Coastguard under the F2000 umbrella, prior to coming over to the UK to seek airline work. On arrival I converted my licences without difficulty to a UK FATPL, due in no small part to the excellent training I received in NZ.

Although Ardmore has its share of problems the environment is no worse than any busy UK training field, albeit without ATC, but that simply sharpens up the situational awareness.

Simuflight have an excellent ground training package, the envy of many other schools. I say this from a purely professional point of view as I have been instructing in the UK due the downturn since 9/11 and also lecture aviation technology subjects at the University of Leeds. What I would give for WICAT!!

The opportunity for young pommie pilots to train in NZ will stand them in good stead for the future. I truly feel sorry for many of my students who have to deal with some of the most appalling weather and restrictive flying conditions imaginable.

As for the comments about the boss of Simuflight - he's a hard taskmaster but certainly no worse. It takes a man with balls to stand up to some of the nepotistic shenanigans in the NZ GA and CAA scene. Certainly, he's the only individual in the NZ training scene who could have pulled this coup off, and I have no doubt he will deliver the goods.

T.

[Sharfted Groundhog]

It takes a man with balls to stand up to some of the nepotistic shenanigans in the NZ GA and CAA scene.

:eek: :mad: He's one of the worst offenders for making half of those shenanigans!

While I agree that he has done a brilliant job in setting up his operation, trust me, if you knew half the stories that went into how he set it all up, you wouldn't have so much loyalty! I'm sure you are being paid alot more than his instructors will ever be, and I'm sure the maintenance of your aircraft is alot better too, from what I understand!

While I understand that your students may not be being trained in anywhere near the georgeous conditions that NZ pilots are trained in, and that NZ offers top-notch conditions and instructors, alot of it is because of the NZ pyschie and the dedication of the young instructors to their damn jobs!

Having flown (and worked) at many different places over the last couple of decades, I would hardly say that his set up is the 'envy of other schools' at all; I will say though that the training received at Simuflight will be no better or no worse than anywhere else on the field. The flight testing officers make sure of that!

[Turtledove]

What I know about Simuflight:

I have been around the aviation industry for about 9 years now, and I have spent a great deal of that time at Ardmore which as you have been told is the busiest GA airfield in NZ, and a very good place to base your training from. Over that time I have also had quite a bit of involvement with Simuflight and its staff.

Simuflight have the most up to date training programmes in NZ, and their main course, an aviation Diploma is a specifically approved course by the CAA so I can assume the relationship Simuflight has with the CAA must be pretty alright, they are obviously happy with Simuflight’s performance or they would not approve them for this specialised training, and I personally do not know of any maintenance issues with this company. I think any Brits would be well advised to check this place out. Also, would one of the worlds leaders in pilot training take them on board without checking them out first, so they must be pretty good to get that contract.

The owner, from what I know has a very successful career in aviation, general and airline. I know at least 4 of their past instructors who have gone on to airline employment with the companies blessing, and in their view the boss, can be tough when the need arises but fair, I get the impression he expects a high standard from his staff, and a good days work for a good days pay, nothing wrong with that is there? They said that the boss was helpful and supportive in their endeavours to further their aviation careers and he would help them out whenever he could, they always seemed to have plenty of laughs and fun in and around their work.

The instructors range from age 20 ish to 50 something, and my friends said while they were stoked to be moving on to an airline, they really would miss their days at Simuflight and they don’t seem to, as the “groundhog” puts it, be hell bent to get out of there as quick as they can, they are quite “loyal” and always drop in for a cuppa when ever they are out at Ardmore (I know this cause I am with them). The experience the instructors have is something else, the owner being an airline pilot and with many years in aviation has many contacts, not many places have airline pilots assisting you personally with your training.

“Groundhog” seems to have a case of sour grapes towards this place and general aviation in NZ, maybe he/she is the employment wrangle he/she mentions. I can well imagine that Simuflight or any reputable flying school would not want someone with your apparent poor attitude and conduct on their team, maybe, groundhog you have “sharfted” yourself.

NZ is a great place to live and to fly.

[Sharfted Groundhog]

Turtledove, firstly, a well articulated post. I am not the pilot involved in the employment rangle, but I am one who has been around a bit longer than you and has been involved in both Ardmore and the instructing scene for a few years as well.

I totally agree that NZ is a great place to fly and that the standards are very high. I have never disputed this fact. I also agree that many instructors are very loyal to their old haunting grounds - as am I. One would have to be careful though to tar all instructors with this brush. Many only go back because they wish to show how far they have gone (to both mngmt and instructors alike), and some only go back to remember how far they have gone and why they wanted to get out! Most people DO miss their instructing days..... usually they are filled with great people, enthusiasm, drinking and a great social scene. Once in an airline, the shift work dramatically changes many peoples outlook on the industry.

I must say that I have never flown at Simuflight but have had many friends who have. My opinion is just that; an opinion. I have quantified it by saying that the standards will be no better or worse than anywhere else on the field. Their method of training relies very heavily on the computer systems, which inhibits the instructors ability to guage how the student is progressing on a more lateral level - in my opinion.

While I am sure the owner can be a great guy to many, I have seen him lose his rag at quite a few unsuspecting staff AND clients who have been quite taken back at his inability to shift from a very negative opinion. I suppose it's whether or not your one of the 'golden children'.....

My attitude has never affected my ability to gain employment in this industry, Turtledove, trust me. I enjoyed my time in the GA scene but enjoyed the move onto bigger and better things, like many others. I have an extreme dislike to those taking advantage of young instructors - as I have seen many (not just Simuflight) do..... Maybe the world is a beautiful rose colour for someone like you but for most of us who have been around a bit longer and have seen and been through a lot more good and bad experiences, alot of us took those glasses off and look at the place with a more realistic view. I'm sure your'll arrive there one day.

As for NZ being a great place to live & fly; yes, totally agree. Remember though, NZ goes alot further south than the Bombays!

[Turtledove]

Hello Groundhog and all,

Regarding computer training, from what I understand Wicat who supply the training packages are the same outfit who supply Boeing with theirs, and I know for a fact that Air NZ utilises computer training for their crew. Personally I think it is a good way to learn the basics, as an Instructor you would know all your students would be getting exactly the same information (making it easier to know what their progress is I would have thought) and what was needed to supplement it, not like a junior instructor standing up in front of the class and teaching what he or she thought was right or important. I am in no way discrediting junior instructors, we all have to start somewhere, and we all do the best we can with what we have, but computer training seems to be a good way to cover the basic knowledge.

Groudhog, you seem to have blown the credibility of your earlier posts, how can you make such slanderous comments about the place and things like maintenance when you have never even flown there, aye? I do agree with you that the posts are personal opinions, but at least mine are based on experience, yours is second hand gossip by the sounds of it, and the “stories” you mention in one of your posts, I suspect might be just that.

It has been my experience that all the staff including the owner to be very helpful to clients, I have always thought it one of the friendlier establishments on the airfield. I also fail to see how a business owner who was so negative could do so well. Maybe you just see everyone as you seem to view the world, I have been around for a while too, and not all of us have become cynical about the world and everyone in it. You reap what you sow, well maybe you should stop and think about it. OR maybe it is that you are in business as well and just trying to discredit this place for your own benefit. I would be interested to know what makes you tick groundhog, where do you work? I am sure potential customers would like to steer clear of such a negative environment.

Thanks for the laugh though, the image of the owner creeping up behind "unsuspecting staff and clients" to give them a fright made me chuckle, you have been watching too many reruns of Faulty Towers eh?

I know what is South of the Bombay hills, a great country full of great people, but that doesn’t mean that Auckland isn’t great as well, in my opinion Auckland a great place, maybe if you stopped being so negative about things you might enjoy it all.

[TruthSlayer]

S G

I really don't want to perpetuate a conversation that is going nowhere - a slanging match based more on opinion than fact does nothing to help anyone, especially the individual who asked the question in the first place.

However I must make a few comments.

I am well aware of almost ALL the behind the scenes events of the last few years, as I have been involved with the company in more of a capacity than simply as a trainee and then pilot. When I first came to train with them, they asked for my help as a lawyer because they had been getting a bum deal from just about everyone else in the industry. What I know in that capacity does not put me off the management or ethos of the company.

The maintenance has never, to my knowledge, been a particular problem. In fact I take offence to what you have said, as in the early days, at least, I owned half the fleet.

There has been comment about loyalty. Simuflight, as an organisation, seems to attract loyalty more than any other on the field. (The one exception relates to the court case, and my sympathies do not lie with the individual involved. Again, I know the inside having worked alongside him.) At one time or another I have been a member, or flown out of, every other school at Ardmore. Quite simply, I was most impressed with Simuflight / F2000 and therefore parked my arse there. When I go back from time to time, it is not to show off or to rub noses, but with a genuine interest in the people left and how the company is progressing.

Yes, NZ is one of the best places on earth to live and fly. I say that from foggy Yorkshire, where I've managed one VFR and 2 IFR trips in the last 3 weeks, and am struggling to pay the bills.

Can we end this debate here please.

T.

[tonyblair]

... for all your responses. I'm sorry to have stirred up emotions so much.

I hope to find out myself as I'm certainly going to apply for the CTC McAlpine scheme.

What we seem to have here is a couple of neutral, several positive responses and one negative. I should also say I've had 2 emails from present students at Simuflight on the NZ course who are very complementary. Before anyone says they could be anyone, the reason they sent me private emails is that they identified themselves.

NZ sounds like a great country and you are all saying the flying is great as well. A shame you cannot play Rugby, but that's another story. :p

[Plastic Cockpit]

SG you must really have some sh%t on your liver. For one who has never flown at simuflight/F2000 you really have an axe to grind.

Firstly all flying schools have instructors who are wanting to eventually move into an airline position. This is a natural progression into an airline position in industrys as small as NZ's. And of course some of these may be young instructors. It happens in almost every flying school. So I would say your comments on this are being unfairly directed towards one instead of all flying schools.

Secondly I would suggest that the wages paid to those instructors at F2000 are as good as if not better than others available in GA. This in contrast to the schools who actually dont pay instructors whilst they are in their probationary period. And the well paying schools are, as you rightly said, trying to compete with those that exploit the staff. And you are dead right about the "cut-throat" nature of GA. I believe that those that pay above the average in these conditions can only be described as admirable.

Now the maintenance side. F2000 is a flying school. They do not have engineers. As with most of the flying schools, the maintenance is contracted. Now if maintenance is found lacking it is primarily as a result of a failure of a contractor. Now as soon as this deficiency is bought to the attention of the "owner" you will find that the situation will be remedied pronto. I should know as I used to work at F2000.

As for examiners dictating standards at the flying schools, well I think that is a way off mark. Sure the examiners will make sure all schools continue to satisfy the CAR requirements with the help of the advisory circulars. But it isn't the testing which determines the standard. It is the training.

Yes I like to visit F2000 whenever I am back in Auckland. Unfortunately these occasions are too few and far between. But I have nothing to prove. I dont come back to pose or gloat or remind myself what GA was like. I go back because I find the staff, even the "Shenanigan instigator" to be good company.

[Sharfted Groundhog]

I just love throwing hand granades!!!! Sorry, I may have a bad attitude, but some of you need to get a life! As I have said, all posts are usually just personal opinions, as mine was.

My apologies if I have offended any of you delicate ex Simuflight instructors/pilots......

I have flown with many of you and you are by large, a good group of pilots. My main gripe was with your boss who I know well.

Anyway, I'm sure you all enjoyed your time there (as I did my time on the field), and I apologise if I have been fed the wrong information about your old stomping ground.

Honestly though, move on! :p

[agcatman]

I just wanted to say that, having worked for Simuflight /Flight 2000 and helped run the business, I can only too happily recommend training there.

Yes the owner is a hard task master, but thats what keeps the place making a profit, but he is also a very decent chap who looked after the welfare of his employees and was also on our backs to please the students all the time.

I dont regret working for Simuflight and I'm sure that anyone that wants quality training would not go wrong to be there.

If you are out there and need to know anything the owner would happily go through it with you. Also see people like Dave Simpson and John Gemmel who have a wealth of knowledge and are glad to sit down with you during the day or in the evening ( with an ale maybe),and pass on their knowledge.

have fun
Agcatman

[Sharfted Groundhog]

Agcatman: John Gemmell & only ONE ale?????

;)

[agcatman]

Well it seems like one large ale because you never have an empty glass.

:eek:

cheers

[always inverted]

mmm,
if you can get your head around sitting at a damn computer that speaks like a pom to you, the courses are good.
I have just completed one there in the last few weeks and found them to be quite helpful.
As with anywhere in aviation, you must learn not get involved in the politics. The instructors all seem friendly but some I wondered if they had an alterior motive or were just being too nosey.
Overall, I rated it pretty good and Mr Buttler was more than helpful after the course with additional info and sorting out grey areas.

I also agree, to have a link with the Polytech for degree courses and to secure the contract from the UK they must be alright.

[jamup]

Guys
interesting comments anout Simuflight and the Ardmore ,, etc. But let us put this in this way , every country adopts its own styles, weather , training quality and international recognision etc. so lets talk about Ardmore , there are adva. and Disad. when we go to airline interviews they want to know were we did our traiing , so its better to train in busy , ATC environment , so Ardmore lacks this ATC , if they had one then Ardmore is the best place.

I used to fly with ardmore Fyling , and now I am Instructing somewhere else, and I did few Coures at Simuflight as well. Let me say something , the Attitude of the Kiwis are strange , they havent seen the world., so they dont know alot , but they are great Pilots , I recommend Ardmore instruction , I learnt to fly again though i came with a an Overseas license . But be carefull there are young very young who got there ratings few months ago want to build Hrs ,, and also there are few expereinece guys as well, end of the day where every you go the locals want to show that they are the best pilots . The CFI of Ardmore is a well known guy ,,, but bit ,,, moanyyyyy,,, old,,, etc,,,, but few C cats are ******s ,, I can name them ,,, if you reply me privatly

Simuflihght , they get lots of business from ardmore too, some Instrutors get there BGT , CRM , etc from Simuflight , and the Staff is friendly too, I have not met the Owner ( who used to be a 767 ) but the little indian guy Vimal and Debbie are great ,,,, very helpfull ,,,,

so Ardmore is the buseist arifield , no doubt about that ,,, there flying is good, after all I recon NZ flying ,, specialy teaching is good at Ardmore Flying schhol but they are too busy ull become only a number ,, dont go there ,,,, and the Admin staff are very good too,