MECIR school recommendations

[VH-AJC]

I'm looking at starting my MECIR within the next 6-8 weeks and just want to know anyones thoughts on where is the best place to go? (Instructors, Aircraft, Cost wise)

I live in Brisbane now, but wouldn't mind heading anywhere on the east coast if it would be worth it.

I've seen Johnston's at PMQ recommended numerous times, what are they like?


Any comments are much appreciated either through the site or via PM.

Regards,
AJC

[stormywx]

I did my MECIR at Johnstons earlier this year and would without a doubt recommend them.

Theres a few advantages including;
1. Very quick - took me exactly 3 weeks,
2. The baron endorsement is fantastic to have in your log book!
3. Very well priced,
4. Great accomidation,
5. Excellent contacts - you get the opportunity to meet people at all different stages in their career from all areas of the industry,
6. Great instructors, great aircraft and great atmosphere.

This was the best value and quickest course I could find on the east coast. If you want any more info on it PM me.

Cheers
stormy

[Jamair]

If you've got your IREX give Gordon Smith a call at Aircrew Check & Training (0428 489 726 or 02 6771 5582); bases at Armidale, Coffs, Caboolture, Bundy. You can do it in PA23, C310, Baron, Twin Catastrophe, PN68 - all well priced. Also includes 10 hrs additional SIM at your liesure. You can mix n match all aids & GPS Enroute / NPA.

Have fun.

[Travelair]

A bit out of your way, but if at all possible, I'd recommend Ad-Astral Aviation in YPPH. I found them efficient, cost-effective and professional. Give them a ring on 08 9478 2500.

Cheers
T/air

[VH-AJC]

Thanks for the replies so far everyone, much appreciated!

Keep it coming!

Also, is it a benefit to have your IREX passed and out of the way prior to to starting the CIR?

[Islander Jock]

G'day VH-AJC,

is it a benefit to have your IREX passed and out of the way prior to to starting the CIR?

In my opinion - most definately. I did my IREX a few months before I started training for MECIR. If you are on any sort of time schedule to complete the rating, you simply don't need the added stress of trying to study for IREX at the same time as coming to grips with sim and in-flight training.

[Cross Check]

JAS

Ditto stormy's comments - Johnston's.

Did I mention they are sincere, genuinely helpful people.

[Rich-Fine-Green]

In Brisbane, try Sunland Aviation & Flight Training Australia. Both organisations have experianced Instructors with charter/RPT backgrounds.

[Airframe Driver]

In Adelaide, I'd look at Airlines of SA. They don't promise work after the rating, but you'd be high on the hiring list when positions become available. The ATO is also the CP, so he gets to look at you in the test flight. i think Martyn does most of the training now, and he is good at it.
The company gets a bit of bagging now and then on pprune, but they seem to be treading water like everyone else.
I'd seriously consider them as an ideal way of getting into the industry. I don't work for them now, but I did once upon a time.

[swh]

AJC,

I have had over 8 guys from work go through Ad-Astral in Perth, people keep going back, which always is a good sign.

They provide very comprehensive briefing material, not only for the multi engine side of things, but also for the IFR training. They will provide you will a schedule outlining all your briefings and flights before you even start.

They fly from Perth International airport, you will get to do heaps of real IFR departures and arrivals, and three out of the four runways at Perth are ILS equipped. Coming into winter, its the best IFR training ground, heaps of cold fronts come through which will require you to fly in IMC. You will also get to land off ILS and VOR/DME approaches at Perth.

The sim they have is very good for simulating engine failures, it basically a Navajo setup, it also has a real KLN89 GPS installed for doing GPS NPA's.. Their aircraft is well equipped, all aids including GPS.

You should get the IREX done out of the way first, get your KDR, and study up on the areas listed. You would have done the same for the CPL. Make sure you also study the theory side of things that are on the Application for an Instrument Rating test form.

You will need at least a PPL, 50 hours cross country command, and 5 hours night PIC to receive an unrestricted instrument rating.

You can find out more info at http://www.ad-astral.com.au/

If you are coming from the eastern states, have a look under "Current Specials" on the Ad-Astral web site.

When space permits, a few guys I know had a chance to sit in the RH seat on an IFR charter with Ron in a King Air out and back to one of the mines, it is an experience in itself.

My only last piece of advice is, the IFR rating is not something to cut corners on, your life will depend on the quality of training you receive.

[VH-AJC]

Thanks for all your replies!

Now to go and find some mula!