NEAR North European Aviation Resources (Norway)
Join Date: Dec 2006
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Cpt.Relax;
i have been chating with my class mates and they started flying already, they started the course in 5th jan.. so i think that will answer your doubts and worries.. One of my friends was going to fly again this sunday she told me and i if i didn't got it wrong it was going to be the 3rd time. Before you get in to the flying you will learn a bit about stalls, spins, radio communications, thing witch i see normal for people who is starting from scratch. So don't expect to get there and jump directly in to an aircraft, first you will have to burn your brain with some theory
For the moment they seem all very happy, but they have a lot to study.
I will get there this month, but i can't promess you to have you updated as much as you would like, but will try from time to time,
cheers
i have been chating with my class mates and they started flying already, they started the course in 5th jan.. so i think that will answer your doubts and worries.. One of my friends was going to fly again this sunday she told me and i if i didn't got it wrong it was going to be the 3rd time. Before you get in to the flying you will learn a bit about stalls, spins, radio communications, thing witch i see normal for people who is starting from scratch. So don't expect to get there and jump directly in to an aircraft, first you will have to burn your brain with some theory
For the moment they seem all very happy, but they have a lot to study.
I will get there this month, but i can't promess you to have you updated as much as you would like, but will try from time to time,
cheers
Join Date: Jan 2007
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update
PS! all info in this reply is based on passed down information. It is to the best of my knowledge a correct picture of the current situation at NAIA. If anyone feels that the info posted is incorrect, do not hesitate to let me know.
I have followed this thread for a while, and I know how frustrating it is to try to decide wheater or not to start flight training, and where to do so.
The current conditions at NAIA are picking up. Two days ago two new C-172s landed to join the fleet, whish now totals: 4 C-152s, 8 C-172s, 2 C-172RGs and 2 PA-44s. The majority of the students are scandinavian students. Mosty norwegian students ( 2 danish, 4 swedish) on the NEAR program. In order for the NEAR students to log JAR hours, the planes have to be fitted with dual altimeters and DME. Not all airplanes have this, which at times can lead to plane shortages. Most airplanes are very old and need maintenence frecquently.
The industry is picking up and NAIA likevise. More students are joining and hence, more money is put in the company. This, in my mind, is the reason for the new aircraft ariving, along with the obvious demand since the number of studnets is increasing.
Flight Instructor situation:
At the moment there are enough instructors. One Norwegian JAR certified instructor left last week, and another is leaving this week, a third one is leaving in a month or so. This may cause problems since a new class is arriving in april with ,what is said to be 15 students. As of now there are no new instructors joining NAIA to my knowledge. The April 06 class which are graduating as we speak, are not instructing at NAIA, nor have any of them gotten the offer.
Ground instruction:
At the moment there are two classes devided in three groups attending groundschool. The october class should be done with ground school before the april class arrives. This might not happen, since their ground school has been on and off tor the last two months or so. If they do not finish before the april class arrives there will be three classes in groundschool, devided in four groups.
The "promise" or "goal" (or whatever you want to call it) set up by NEAR to be done at NAIA after 9 months, is just that: a goal. This rarely ever happens, and the average student finishes after about 11 months.
Remember this people...where large amounts of money is at stake, there will always be a lot of promises and "white lies". This is also the case in flight training. Get used to the thought. A fine example of this is the promise made by NEAR to the april 06-, july06-, oct06- and the jan07-class that there would be brand new Liberty XL-2 planes on the ramp when they arrived NAIA. The only Liberty XL-2s that have landed at Conway have been visitors.
On an ending note. The key in choosing a flight school is to choose "the best of the worst". In my mind NAIA is a good choise. The ground school is very good, and the instructors likewise. Allso, the location of the school makes it a good place to start an education towards a proffesional career.
Hope this was helpfull.
I have followed this thread for a while, and I know how frustrating it is to try to decide wheater or not to start flight training, and where to do so.
The current conditions at NAIA are picking up. Two days ago two new C-172s landed to join the fleet, whish now totals: 4 C-152s, 8 C-172s, 2 C-172RGs and 2 PA-44s. The majority of the students are scandinavian students. Mosty norwegian students ( 2 danish, 4 swedish) on the NEAR program. In order for the NEAR students to log JAR hours, the planes have to be fitted with dual altimeters and DME. Not all airplanes have this, which at times can lead to plane shortages. Most airplanes are very old and need maintenence frecquently.
The industry is picking up and NAIA likevise. More students are joining and hence, more money is put in the company. This, in my mind, is the reason for the new aircraft ariving, along with the obvious demand since the number of studnets is increasing.
Flight Instructor situation:
At the moment there are enough instructors. One Norwegian JAR certified instructor left last week, and another is leaving this week, a third one is leaving in a month or so. This may cause problems since a new class is arriving in april with ,what is said to be 15 students. As of now there are no new instructors joining NAIA to my knowledge. The April 06 class which are graduating as we speak, are not instructing at NAIA, nor have any of them gotten the offer.
Ground instruction:
At the moment there are two classes devided in three groups attending groundschool. The october class should be done with ground school before the april class arrives. This might not happen, since their ground school has been on and off tor the last two months or so. If they do not finish before the april class arrives there will be three classes in groundschool, devided in four groups.
The "promise" or "goal" (or whatever you want to call it) set up by NEAR to be done at NAIA after 9 months, is just that: a goal. This rarely ever happens, and the average student finishes after about 11 months.
Remember this people...where large amounts of money is at stake, there will always be a lot of promises and "white lies". This is also the case in flight training. Get used to the thought. A fine example of this is the promise made by NEAR to the april 06-, july06-, oct06- and the jan07-class that there would be brand new Liberty XL-2 planes on the ramp when they arrived NAIA. The only Liberty XL-2s that have landed at Conway have been visitors.
On an ending note. The key in choosing a flight school is to choose "the best of the worst". In my mind NAIA is a good choise. The ground school is very good, and the instructors likewise. Allso, the location of the school makes it a good place to start an education towards a proffesional career.
Hope this was helpfull.
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Norway
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JAR-FCL pilot program
I went to NAIA trough NEAR, at the time NAR in Sandefjord before they moved to Vigra and all that ****, and experienced a pilot program that was far from perfect. This started between late 2001 and early 2002.
From my experience I can say this:
If I knew then, what I know now, I wouldve done my **** a little bit different, and allot of time wouldnt be wasted. If youre interested in my opinion, PM me, and Ill try to help.
From my experience I can say this:
- Going trough flight training in the US is a lifetime experience. Wouldnt miss it in the world.
- The key in a JAR-FCL program is the order that things are done.
If I knew then, what I know now, I wouldve done my **** a little bit different, and allot of time wouldnt be wasted. If youre interested in my opinion, PM me, and Ill try to help.
Join Date: Dec 2005
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I went to NAIA trough NEAR(...)started between late 2001 and early 2002
Now it's a much better program, with lessons according to JAR with call-out etc. They also have a representative from NEAR present at NAIA, which have full control of you status and progress.
Therighthorse: Regarding the flexibility when working as an instructor; where you work is all up to you, based on the availability of CFI jobs of course.
It's up to you to get a job as a CFI, anywhere you want/can get it. Former students have been working in just about every state in the US incl Puerto Rico etc... There is no guarantee but 98% have got a CFI job.
About "deserting europe": If you have a VISA or Green Card then its no problem. You will loose quite a bit of money as you pay NEAR part of the tuition when you start the program for administrative fees etc..
If you are sure that you'll remain in the US I would recommend taking the FAA 61 or 141 program.
Is NAIA the best in the World? NOPE! But it is one of many school which educate good pilots, and 95% of NEAR students get good airline jobs.
You'll find examples on www.nearas.no On the left menu look for "NEAR students get the jobs"
In my experience NAIA is highly regarded mostly in scandinavia outside the US. In the US several freight-operator call NAIA now and then asking for pilots, mainly NAIA instructors.
And off course, in order to avoid WW3, in the end is does not matter where you get your ratings, you'll get a job sooner or later anyway...
Gotta fly!
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Wales - centre of the world!
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criticism
I'd like to point out a few negative things about NAIA/NEAR:- The accomodation is really expensive and absolute crap. (They may be advertising with a swimming pool, but it's no use if there is never water in it). Be prepared to bring your own bedsheet, towels, etc. They don't tell you about that.
- The management is a complete mess, and they sometimes drag the students into it. They have lost students because of it, and at some point not too long ago, it was rumoured that they possibly had to shut down down.
- They may advertise to have lots of planes, but if you take into acount the ones that are down, not JAR approved, and the lack of instructors; you may go a month without flying (I heard about that a lot there)
- Classes may range from 2-20 people
- 90% of new students start with "snus" because everyone does it there.
- The timeline is based on doing a lot of you conversion theory on your own parallel to the full-time training, which doesn't work at all. This makes the training take a really long time. Wouldn't recommend it.
Join Date: Dec 2006
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First of all the pool is full of water and many of the students have been enjoying it..
2nd, there is a fleet of 20 aircraft, six C-152 for the first phase of training, 11 C-172 wich 3 are RG, 2 P-44 multi engine and a diamond DA-40, some time it happens that some aircraft are out for maintainance at the same time and that sucks but you are not going to die for waiting around 3 days also don't forget that weather is also a factor when it comes to flying. Instructors are suficient at this moment, perhaps the school would like to have 3 more but i don't know that.
3rd, bedsheet, towels and etc, you get from the school, they may be not of the best quality but you survive and the appartments are old yes, but you can survive for 9 months wich are included on the price of the entire course.
Then when your training is done you may get a job with the school or another as an Instructor for the period of 1 year and a bit more if you finish in good time. Once done with that you go back to europe to complete JAR-ATPL during the period of 6months to 12 depending on how well prepared you are, because you are suposed to read during the time you are working and making online tests. And yes it's hard maybe, but that is the way it is.
and 90% of students with snus?? how can you know that?
you take care and have a good day
and many of the students have been enjoying it..2nd, there is a fleet of 20 aircraft, six C-152 for the first phase of training, 11 C-172 wich 3 are RG, 2 P-44 multi engine and a diamond DA-40, some time it happens that some aircraft are out for maintainance at the same time and that sucks but you are not going to die for waiting around 3 days also don't forget that weather is also a factor when it comes to flying. Instructors are suficient at this moment, perhaps the school would like to have 3 more but i don't know that.
3rd, bedsheet, towels and etc, you get from the school, they may be not of the best quality but you survive and the appartments are old yes, but you can survive for 9 months wich are included on the price of the entire course.
Then when your training is done you may get a job with the school or another as an Instructor for the period of 1 year and a bit more if you finish in good time. Once done with that you go back to europe to complete JAR-ATPL during the period of 6months to 12 depending on how well prepared you are, because you are suposed to read during the time you are working and making online tests. And yes it's hard maybe, but that is the way it is.
and 90% of students with snus?? how can you know that?
you take care and have a good day
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Wales - centre of the world!
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continiued criticism
1st, yeah, I'm sure a lot of students enjoyed it, but the majority, a few years ago, seemed to have a lot of complaints.
3rd: yeah you can survive on it for nine months...barely, but I can basically guarantee it won't be 9 months!!!! It'll be a lot longer than that (and nobody I talked to got their sheets and towels)
Also, they have a tendency to favour money over safety (I don't know if this is the same for all flight schools but...). When I was there, there were a couple of students who got an engine or cockpit fire, which they said could have easily been extinguished with a fire extinguisher. Despite a lot of nagging by the students to have this on board, NAIA/NEAR didn't want to spend those extra $$$$$ at something that was not required by the law.
Overal, I think most people agreed that NAIA/NEAR was long past its days of glory
and that it is just baskin in its old reputation as one of the best schools around!
3rd: yeah you can survive on it for nine months...barely
, but I can basically guarantee it won't be 9 months!!!! It'll be a lot longer than that (and nobody I talked to got their sheets and towels)Also, they have a tendency to favour money over safety (I don't know if this is the same for all flight schools but...). When I was there, there were a couple of students who got an engine or cockpit fire, which they said could have easily been extinguished with a fire extinguisher. Despite a lot of nagging by the students to have this on board, NAIA/NEAR didn't want to spend those extra $$$$$ at something that was not required by the law.
Overal, I think most people agreed that NAIA/NEAR was long past its days of glory
and that it is just baskin in its old reputation as one of the best schools around!
Join Date: Dec 2006
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Well, things can change with time, so it is not that bad as you wrote. Also i don't think there is any best schools, because all have and will have their plus and minus sides. After the 9 months the decision is yours to continue living on the appartments or move, either you still doing some training you have left or you are a CFI.
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Constanse wrote: 90% of new students start with "snus" because everyone does it there.
Hahaha, that must be the best reason ever not to choose NEAR/NAIA! I went to NAIA 2002/2003 and 100%(!!) was drinking alcohol! Can you believe that? Norwegians drinking alcohol!?! Do not go there!!
Uansett hvilke skole du velger, så blir du misfornøyd med et eller annet. Det er flyskolenens natur å ikke være perfekt. Aksepter det, eller finn et annet yrke hvor alt er perfekt
Hahaha, that must be the best reason ever not to choose NEAR/NAIA! I went to NAIA 2002/2003 and 100%(!!) was drinking alcohol! Can you believe that? Norwegians drinking alcohol!?! Do not go there!!
Uansett hvilke skole du velger, så blir du misfornøyd med et eller annet. Det er flyskolenens natur å ikke være perfekt. Aksepter det, eller finn et annet yrke hvor alt er perfekt
Join Date: Jun 2006
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At/om folk begynner med snus eller ikke er vel mildt sagt utenfor skolens kontroll. Det er jo for søren ingen barnehage.
(Og i min klasse var vi 5 stk. Alle fikk håndklær/sengtøy. To røyket da de kom, to brukte snus, og slik holdt det seg så lenge vi gikk der. Så har vi heller ikke sett svømmebassenget tomt noen gang, ikke heller i vintermånedene, selv om det da er stengt...)
(Og i min klasse var vi 5 stk. Alle fikk håndklær/sengtøy. To røyket da de kom, to brukte snus, og slik holdt det seg så lenge vi gikk der. Så har vi heller ikke sett svømmebassenget tomt noen gang, ikke heller i vintermånedene, selv om det da er stengt...)
