Training in OFT
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Training in OFT
I am seriously considering OFT, however my other half will most likely be coming along and will amuse herself, more than likely by flexing the plastic and do her bit to increase our debt.
Is there much around the area to keep her amused while i'm flying?
Also, I see that for the PPL they offer a VIP course of 2 weeks for an additional £800 or so... anyone done that or heard if it's worth it?
cheers
Is there much around the area to keep her amused while i'm flying?
Also, I see that for the PPL they offer a VIP course of 2 weeks for an additional £800 or so... anyone done that or heard if it's worth it?
cheers
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Hi
I presume you mean Orlando Flight Training in Kissimee?
If so then I would say that Kissimee itself does not offer much in the way of things to do but it is really close to Orlando and its many attractions.
Then again, I only went into town to 'eat' so maybe there are things around.
PS I found the flying school really good and it is great seeing all the atractions from the air. Also there were other people there who had brought their partners but I dont know about the VIP thing. Personally I think it is quite a lot to fit into 2 weeks especially if some flights get cancelled due to bad weather.
I presume you mean Orlando Flight Training in Kissimee?
If so then I would say that Kissimee itself does not offer much in the way of things to do but it is really close to Orlando and its many attractions.
Then again, I only went into town to 'eat' so maybe there are things around.
PS I found the flying school really good and it is great seeing all the atractions from the air. Also there were other people there who had brought their partners but I dont know about the VIP thing. Personally I think it is quite a lot to fit into 2 weeks especially if some flights get cancelled due to bad weather.
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Thanks, I do mean Orlando Flight Training in Kissimee.
I am thinking about the 2 week PPL however concerned that it may not be enough time or they may rush it? Anyone done this course?
ta
I am thinking about the 2 week PPL however concerned that it may not be enough time or they may rush it? Anyone done this course?
ta
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waveydavey
I did some hours building at OFT a few years ago. It's an OK place but not that much to do in Kissimmee without a car.
You are absolutely right 2 weeks is NOT ENOUGH time to complete a PPL properly. People do it though but it can't be much fun. Remember when you return to the UK most clubs will get you to do quite a few hours with them before they allow you to go solo in one of their aircraft. From my experience the majority of these 2 week PPL graduates are barely average at general handling, poor at navigation and weak on the theory side.
Always remember a PPL is a licence to learn and NOTHING more!
I did some hours building at OFT a few years ago. It's an OK place but not that much to do in Kissimmee without a car.
You are absolutely right 2 weeks is NOT ENOUGH time to complete a PPL properly. People do it though but it can't be much fun. Remember when you return to the UK most clubs will get you to do quite a few hours with them before they allow you to go solo in one of their aircraft. From my experience the majority of these 2 week PPL graduates are barely average at general handling, poor at navigation and weak on the theory side.
Always remember a PPL is a licence to learn and NOTHING more!
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I agree with crosswind.
I went there to do mine in 3 weeks and I thought that that was a push. I just dont think there is the time or the structure to do it so intensivly. Watch out for the time of year you go also; I went in September and every afternoon, like clockwork, there would be a thunder storm.
I went there to do mine in 3 weeks and I thought that that was a push. I just dont think there is the time or the structure to do it so intensivly. Watch out for the time of year you go also; I went in September and every afternoon, like clockwork, there would be a thunder storm.
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I did 3 weeks rotary PPL there 2 years ago, it was a bit unprofessional, in my opinion, but I went back about 6 months ago for a one-off and they seem to have cleaned up their act a lot.
It's a bit intense - you can help relieve the pressure if you get some, or all, of the exams out of the way before you go, else you just fly & study with little time for any socialising and your family will hate you. If you're only flying you can probably spend more time with your other half doing stuff. Exams + PPL 40 hours in 2 weeks is pretty much impossible from scratch. I got exams + 42 hours in 3 weeks but the constant pressure meant (for me) that I think about half the lessons were wasted because I hadn't absorbed the previous lesson before taking the next! Had to do another 30 hours in the UK to get the PPLH.
Very little to do in Kissimmee itself, but there's loads of malls and attractions within 30 minutes drive. OFT have deals with various hotels from about $15/night, but if I were you I'd get a villa in one of the (many) local communities within about 10 mins drive of the field.
Make sure you know all of their 'extras' charges - they add some per-hour fuel charges on and check on any landing fees.
All-in-all, if I had the time again, I would pay the extra and do it in a more leisurely fashion in the UK.
BW
It's a bit intense - you can help relieve the pressure if you get some, or all, of the exams out of the way before you go, else you just fly & study with little time for any socialising and your family will hate you. If you're only flying you can probably spend more time with your other half doing stuff. Exams + PPL 40 hours in 2 weeks is pretty much impossible from scratch. I got exams + 42 hours in 3 weeks but the constant pressure meant (for me) that I think about half the lessons were wasted because I hadn't absorbed the previous lesson before taking the next! Had to do another 30 hours in the UK to get the PPLH.
Very little to do in Kissimmee itself, but there's loads of malls and attractions within 30 minutes drive. OFT have deals with various hotels from about $15/night, but if I were you I'd get a villa in one of the (many) local communities within about 10 mins drive of the field.
Make sure you know all of their 'extras' charges - they add some per-hour fuel charges on and check on any landing fees.
All-in-all, if I had the time again, I would pay the extra and do it in a more leisurely fashion in the UK.
BW
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Originally Posted by bladewashout
I did 3 weeks rotary PPL there 2 years ago, it was a bit unprofessional, in my opinion, but I went back about 6 months ago for a one-off and they seem to have cleaned up their act a lot.
It's a bit intense - you can help relieve the pressure if you get some, or all, of the exams out of the way before you go, else you just fly & study with little time for any socialising and your family will hate you. If you're only flying you can probably spend more time with your other half doing stuff. Exams + PPL 40 hours in 2 weeks is pretty much impossible from scratch. I got exams + 42 hours in 3 weeks but the constant pressure meant (for me) that I think about half the lessons were wasted because I hadn't absorbed the previous lesson before taking the next! Had to do another 30 hours in the UK to get the PPLH.
Very little to do in Kissimmee itself, but there's loads of malls and attractions within 30 minutes drive. OFT have deals with various hotels from about $15/night, but if I were you I'd get a villa in one of the (many) local communities within about 10 mins drive of the field.
Make sure you know all of their 'extras' charges - they add some per-hour fuel charges on and check on any landing fees.
All-in-all, if I had the time again, I would pay the extra and do it in a more leisurely fashion in the UK.
BW
It's a bit intense - you can help relieve the pressure if you get some, or all, of the exams out of the way before you go, else you just fly & study with little time for any socialising and your family will hate you. If you're only flying you can probably spend more time with your other half doing stuff. Exams + PPL 40 hours in 2 weeks is pretty much impossible from scratch. I got exams + 42 hours in 3 weeks but the constant pressure meant (for me) that I think about half the lessons were wasted because I hadn't absorbed the previous lesson before taking the next! Had to do another 30 hours in the UK to get the PPLH.
Very little to do in Kissimmee itself, but there's loads of malls and attractions within 30 minutes drive. OFT have deals with various hotels from about $15/night, but if I were you I'd get a villa in one of the (many) local communities within about 10 mins drive of the field.
Make sure you know all of their 'extras' charges - they add some per-hour fuel charges on and check on any landing fees.
All-in-all, if I had the time again, I would pay the extra and do it in a more leisurely fashion in the UK.
BW
if your going to fly here, train here !
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Sad but true.
Even if you pass in the minimum number of hours, you'd be nuts to come back to the UK and fly without a fair amount of instructor time to get used to UK flying.
It's not cheaper but can be quicker if your brain and temperament are up to it, because the weather is guaranteed.
Mine weren't!
BW
Even if you pass in the minimum number of hours, you'd be nuts to come back to the UK and fly without a fair amount of instructor time to get used to UK flying.
It's not cheaper but can be quicker if your brain and temperament are up to it, because the weather is guaranteed.
Mine weren't!
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I forgot Cessna and Piper manufacture their aircraft to fly different in the UK 
If you choose to learn to fly in the states, I'd advise you to goto your local flight school and get the ground studies done beforehand. If you have any concearns or questions about flying in the US, drop me a pm.
If you choose to learn to fly in the states, I'd advise you to goto your local flight school and get the ground studies done beforehand. If you have any concearns or questions about flying in the US, drop me a pm.
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I forgot Cessna and Piper manufacture their aircraft to fly different in the UK
Weather is different too so a newly minted US PPL coming back having flown in near perfect conditions dai;y, then encounters the good old british weather and more complex RT, ....
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Originally Posted by SD.
I forgot Cessna and Piper manufacture their aircraft to fly different in the UK
For example, try applying US Class D airspace transit procedures over here...
p.s. purely as a renter and not a student, didn't think much of OFT a few years ago but I suppose they may have improved since.
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at last someone who's talking sense, I would imagine there's many many pilots that have taken the US route, and won't admit, that in the cold light of day, it probably cost more, than training here in the UK,
if your going to fly here, train here !
if your going to fly here, train here !
UK costs (from my local flight school)
Flight Training 45-60hrs ₤6390-8520
Circuits ₤180
Other Landing Fees ₤75
Equipment ₤190
Membership 18 months ₤88.13
Ground School ₤105.75
Ground Exams ₤82.25
Radio Practical with Training ₤100
Medical ₤50
PPL Licence Issue ₤159
Skill Test Exam Fee + Aircraft Solo Hire Rate
Total ₤7500-9700
USA costs (from OFT)
PLP 3 week course inc accom. £3,714
Skills test £190.
RT test £51
TSA application £86.
Fuel Surcharge?
Books and materials. £200
Flight to USA £400
UK flights 4hrs £460
total £5101
Obviously there are some factors in the UK costs that would be borne anyway - club membership for example, but they are still a long way apart.
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Now add on to your OFT price the cost of doing at least another 5-10 hours dual training in the UK (in some cases even more) before a decent UK flying club will let you solo in one of their aircraft and the prices are not that different at all!
The truth is the only people who are impressed by their newly-minted JAA PPLs from the US are the new licence holders themselves! That's it!
The truth is the only people who are impressed by their newly-minted JAA PPLs from the US are the new licence holders themselves! That's it!
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I have included that, although looking at it I wasn't very explicit with the description - only 4 hrs Uk flights at £460. Maybe a little low but still doesnt go near the full UK cost.
I agree that UK training is the ideal option, however I plan on taking the modular route to FATPL eventually and so in my personal position I need to keep costs down where possible. USA training appears to do that.
I agree that UK training is the ideal option, however I plan on taking the modular route to FATPL eventually and so in my personal position I need to keep costs down where possible. USA training appears to do that.
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Crosswind Limits, Bladewashout, and Tangovictor. Where were you when I needed your help (Learning to fly in the USA)?
Waveydavey. The chaps on this thread have had the decency to tell it how it is. Hallelujah. The US can be a great place to learn to fly. I know because that's were I learnt. My advice would be to thoroughly research your school of choice and then really make the most of your training once it commences.
In my opinion, two weeks is way too short a length of time to complete the course. Three weeks is pushing things.
Good luck.
Waveydavey. The chaps on this thread have had the decency to tell it how it is. Hallelujah. The US can be a great place to learn to fly. I know because that's were I learnt. My advice would be to thoroughly research your school of choice and then really make the most of your training once it commences.
In my opinion, two weeks is way too short a length of time to complete the course. Three weeks is pushing things.
Good luck.
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You can take a horse to water but you can't make it drink!
Listen, I'll say this once and then I will retire. Don't always go for the cheap option you may live to regret it later - quality training is worth the extra whether it's UK or US. I'm talking from personal experience and the experience of many of my peers. Invariably when people budget for flight training they nearly always underestimate. They don't see this at the time but afterwards they do and then they try to point this out to the next bunch of wannabes but are met with the same response! And the cycle goes on!!
Do the research and then do what you have to do. There's a lot of useful information on this forum mixed in with a lot of rubbish. Be careful what you choose to believe or disbelieve!
Good luck!
Listen, I'll say this once and then I will retire. Don't always go for the cheap option you may live to regret it later - quality training is worth the extra whether it's UK or US. I'm talking from personal experience and the experience of many of my peers. Invariably when people budget for flight training they nearly always underestimate. They don't see this at the time but afterwards they do and then they try to point this out to the next bunch of wannabes but are met with the same response! And the cycle goes on!!
Do the research and then do what you have to do. There's a lot of useful information on this forum mixed in with a lot of rubbish. Be careful what you choose to believe or disbelieve!
Good luck!
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Originally Posted by Bahn-Jeaux
More pertinent is the fact that the RT is different in the UK.
Weather is different too so a newly minted US PPL coming back having flown in near perfect conditions dai;y, then encounters the good old british weather and more complex RT, ....
Weather is different too so a newly minted US PPL coming back having flown in near perfect conditions dai;y, then encounters the good old british weather and more complex RT, ....
http://www.scansandiego.net/Scanner/...andiego_s2.pls
That live feed is from SoCal approach (and other local frequencies), primarily for the heavies however VFR traffic can use this service and infact towards the end of my students course I encourage them to use SoCal for radar services. If you can use the RT in Southern California then you'll be good to go anywhere in the UK. Transitioning Class D or Bravo is no different. Infact I feel much safer speaking to professionals rather than some old fart in an air-to-ground shed.
I admit this time of year in SoCal is pretty much sky clear, however Florida will give you nasty surprises in the mid afternoon. During the winter time around San Diego will give you Wx to play around with if that's what you want.
Regarding the quality of instruction........
You get good and bad everywhere. I personally won't hand off a JAA PPL (or sign off an FAA PPL) to an examiner unless he/she is ready to pass the checkride first time. If he/she fails then I've failed in my job and the best feeling is when the examiner congratulates you on producing a competant and proficient pilot.
Also if you choose to goto to yanksville, I'd budget and allow for 4 weeks. From my experience, its a squeeze to get done in 3 weeks and can be quite stressful if the Wx or A/C service don't go your way. Good luck
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You'll only really appreciate the issues related above once you have done a PPL, and then it's a bit academic.
It's not a life-changing 'mistake' either way. Do your research and make a decision. If you decide on the US and later decide it was not as good as you expected, you'll still eventually get a PPL and can join the list of people who warn others against the somewhat optimistic US flight school marketing and the differences when you get back.
Most right-minded people will figure out that they have to do some work to get comfortable back in the UK, and get over the 'cramming' forgetfulness to re-learn stuff.
Make sure you have a budget for the UK costs, because if it doesn't work out as well in the US as you expect, that's what you'll end up spending anyway!
Good luck
BW
It's not a life-changing 'mistake' either way. Do your research and make a decision. If you decide on the US and later decide it was not as good as you expected, you'll still eventually get a PPL and can join the list of people who warn others against the somewhat optimistic US flight school marketing and the differences when you get back.
Most right-minded people will figure out that they have to do some work to get comfortable back in the UK, and get over the 'cramming' forgetfulness to re-learn stuff.
Make sure you have a budget for the UK costs, because if it doesn't work out as well in the US as you expect, that's what you'll end up spending anyway!
Good luck
BW
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UK-registered school in Spain, JAR-PPL&RT in 4x weeks:
incl. all exams, books to study, medical, CAA issue fees, living, car rental,almost 50 hrs flying with 172 & all landing fees and tickets to Spain, all together: 7500 GBP
incl. all exams, books to study, medical, CAA issue fees, living, car rental,almost 50 hrs flying with 172 & all landing fees and tickets to Spain, all together: 7500 GBP