Fly-in-Spain: recent experience?
Join Date: Dec 2004
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Having just spent a few days at Fly-in-Spain, I thought it would help to share my experiences. I'd read much good about the school on various forums and then, after booking, read these negative comments above. My experience was somewhat different.
I visited to complete some refresher training and complete a Licence Proficiency Check. My communications were all through email, apart from when faxing over details of my credit card for a deposit. Communication was indeed intermittent but everything was organised when I arrived: the office has a computerised booking system for each aircraft and instructor.
The school itself reminds me of flying clubs I've seen around the world - a little bit rundown, but everything that you'd need (including free wireless internet). Contrary to what's said above, there are no problems getting hold of NOTAMs, weather etc. with two computers put aside for this. Ideally there'd be a separate briefing room, but with wonderful warm weather outside there's plenty of space for private conversation.
It's true that the owner is not an instructor but it's best to see Brian Mellor's business and the school as one and the same - he is in effect CFI, overseeing the team of instructors. There are three or four fixed wing instructors, all of whom speak fluent English. I spent my time with a straight-down-the-line chap from Sheffield who provided a high standard of instruction and soon had me in shape for my LPC.
The aircraft aren't the newest, but they are well maintained, have fairly new engines and any problems are fixed as and when required. For example we experienced a transponder problem on one flight, to the chagrin of ACT, and it had been replaced by the following morning.
Jerez is a fantastic location in which to fly - good weather (although some challenging winds at times), great visibility, plenty of open space in which to fly, supportive ATC, a variety of traffic plus some interesting local fields at which to bash out a few circuits. I enjoyed flying here more than on most if not all of my flights in the UK (my original training was in New Zealand).
As for the money, well, I've not really worked it out by hour. It's not as cheap as flying in the US, but it's no more expensive than flying at a club in the UK with the added benefit of generally very good weather. Yes, I was a little daunted about handing over several hundred Euros through credit card on trust (although the point of using a credit card is that you can always get the bank to resolve any problems with breach of contract), but put yourself in Fly-in-Spain's shoes - what if someone books a series of slots and then never arrives? That's lost revenue to them. The same with the E2,500 deposit. It's on a credit card coupon and will only be used if you cause damage to the aircraft.
That said, I did meet someone on a bodegas tour who'd flown there last Autumn and not only found the flying a little dull, but also ended up with FIS trying to charge him twice. That was an administrative error rather than a conspiracy, but reflects how there is an air of mild disorganisation at the club. Your luck may vary.
My advice is to take everyone's comments, including my own, with a pinch of salt and consider the context in which they're made. Don't expect to go down there in 21 days and get a PPL - this isn't Florida, the standard of instruction is probably a good deal higher in Jerez. And don't go down after having trained intermittently over a long period of time and expect to be a brilliant pilot in moments. But in my brief time there I saw two students pass their skills tests with Brian, who's a true gentlemen and a pleasure to fly with.
As for me? Well, having not flown in almost a year, I was as rusty as I expected but still managed to renew my licence for another couple of years after some hard work. And if I hadn't passed my LPC, I wouldn't change my opinion of Fly-in-Spain.
I'm happy to answer any questions you may have, probably best to send me a PM as I don't often read these threads.
I visited to complete some refresher training and complete a Licence Proficiency Check. My communications were all through email, apart from when faxing over details of my credit card for a deposit. Communication was indeed intermittent but everything was organised when I arrived: the office has a computerised booking system for each aircraft and instructor.
The school itself reminds me of flying clubs I've seen around the world - a little bit rundown, but everything that you'd need (including free wireless internet). Contrary to what's said above, there are no problems getting hold of NOTAMs, weather etc. with two computers put aside for this. Ideally there'd be a separate briefing room, but with wonderful warm weather outside there's plenty of space for private conversation.
It's true that the owner is not an instructor but it's best to see Brian Mellor's business and the school as one and the same - he is in effect CFI, overseeing the team of instructors. There are three or four fixed wing instructors, all of whom speak fluent English. I spent my time with a straight-down-the-line chap from Sheffield who provided a high standard of instruction and soon had me in shape for my LPC.
The aircraft aren't the newest, but they are well maintained, have fairly new engines and any problems are fixed as and when required. For example we experienced a transponder problem on one flight, to the chagrin of ACT, and it had been replaced by the following morning.
Jerez is a fantastic location in which to fly - good weather (although some challenging winds at times), great visibility, plenty of open space in which to fly, supportive ATC, a variety of traffic plus some interesting local fields at which to bash out a few circuits. I enjoyed flying here more than on most if not all of my flights in the UK (my original training was in New Zealand).
As for the money, well, I've not really worked it out by hour. It's not as cheap as flying in the US, but it's no more expensive than flying at a club in the UK with the added benefit of generally very good weather. Yes, I was a little daunted about handing over several hundred Euros through credit card on trust (although the point of using a credit card is that you can always get the bank to resolve any problems with breach of contract), but put yourself in Fly-in-Spain's shoes - what if someone books a series of slots and then never arrives? That's lost revenue to them. The same with the E2,500 deposit. It's on a credit card coupon and will only be used if you cause damage to the aircraft.
That said, I did meet someone on a bodegas tour who'd flown there last Autumn and not only found the flying a little dull, but also ended up with FIS trying to charge him twice. That was an administrative error rather than a conspiracy, but reflects how there is an air of mild disorganisation at the club. Your luck may vary.
My advice is to take everyone's comments, including my own, with a pinch of salt and consider the context in which they're made. Don't expect to go down there in 21 days and get a PPL - this isn't Florida, the standard of instruction is probably a good deal higher in Jerez. And don't go down after having trained intermittently over a long period of time and expect to be a brilliant pilot in moments. But in my brief time there I saw two students pass their skills tests with Brian, who's a true gentlemen and a pleasure to fly with.
As for me? Well, having not flown in almost a year, I was as rusty as I expected but still managed to renew my licence for another couple of years after some hard work. And if I hadn't passed my LPC, I wouldn't change my opinion of Fly-in-Spain.
I'm happy to answer any questions you may have, probably best to send me a PM as I don't often read these threads.
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Bristol,UK
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Spain
having flown a few times in Spain and most places in the US, I would go for the US option any day. Many airfields have more than 1 flight school and if you do your research well you will get exactly what you need to do completed on time. There are some cowboys out there but not that many. If you need any advice drop me a line and i would be more than willing t point you in the right direction as i have been to the US about 8-9 times for flying and still return every couple of years to do some touring!
Good luck
Good luck
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Spain
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Fly-In-Spain
Hello,
I read your message and I would like you to give me more info about that school because I am thinking to go there to do the intensive PPL course.
Cheers,
Alex
I read your message and I would like you to give me more info about that school because I am thinking to go there to do the intensive PPL course.
Cheers,
Alex
Join Date: Jan 2008
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Brian (CFI) is a good guy. Make your arrangements with him as to which plane you want to fly, which is the suitable instructor for you , and make the arrangements on beforehand and on paper.
My experience is that the German instructors are good for German students and the english for english students but mixing the two seems not to work too well, different cultural behavior.
What else would you like to know that is not already written on this thread?
My experience is that the German instructors are good for German students and the english for english students but mixing the two seems not to work too well, different cultural behavior.
What else would you like to know that is not already written on this thread?
Join Date: Sep 2007
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I did a JAA Night and UK IMC with FIS Nov 2007 both accelerated (packing in as much flying as possible each day).
Brian M is an excellent CFI and Instrument instructor and went well of his way to accommodate my needs - I had a very competent German instructor for the Night training - Aki - very good english and a good instructor.
I chose FIS because I only had a short time available to do the ratings and didn't trust the November UK weather.
FIS was not the cheapest option. They were very busy and there were a/c availability issues due to a/c checks and utilization.
A/C were fit for the task but not the best turned out examples that I have flown - for me it was a gift doing the IMC training because I had to compensate for the odd malfunction - seeing them (di drift and refusal to slave, and an AI topple) for real but in good weather was useful. I understand that in both cases the instruments were about to be replaced.
I arrived prepared all bookwork complete and did the IMC exam first day before any flying - I did hear moans from one student about the ground school but he had arrived unprepared. I got useful briefings from Brian between flights on theory and application.
I found Hans (then manager/owner) easy to get on with but he may not appear to be the most approachable type.
I did a couple of solo VFR flights between my training flights - found my way out and back and I found the FIS local area briefings adequate.
Great scenery and clear weather when I was there.
I would use them again but I would as before arrive as prepared as practicable for whatever course I was going to do. It may not be the most suitable place for someone that needs a fully structured ground school. I intend to go back there to hire and explore as soon as I have the time.
I have since gone on to complete a Canadian IR and the training I had with FIS was an excellent foundation for me (thanks Brian).
Cheers
Brian M is an excellent CFI and Instrument instructor and went well of his way to accommodate my needs - I had a very competent German instructor for the Night training - Aki - very good english and a good instructor.
I chose FIS because I only had a short time available to do the ratings and didn't trust the November UK weather.
FIS was not the cheapest option. They were very busy and there were a/c availability issues due to a/c checks and utilization.
A/C were fit for the task but not the best turned out examples that I have flown - for me it was a gift doing the IMC training because I had to compensate for the odd malfunction - seeing them (di drift and refusal to slave, and an AI topple) for real but in good weather was useful. I understand that in both cases the instruments were about to be replaced.
I arrived prepared all bookwork complete and did the IMC exam first day before any flying - I did hear moans from one student about the ground school but he had arrived unprepared. I got useful briefings from Brian between flights on theory and application.
I found Hans (then manager/owner) easy to get on with but he may not appear to be the most approachable type.
I did a couple of solo VFR flights between my training flights - found my way out and back and I found the FIS local area briefings adequate.
Great scenery and clear weather when I was there.
I would use them again but I would as before arrive as prepared as practicable for whatever course I was going to do. It may not be the most suitable place for someone that needs a fully structured ground school. I intend to go back there to hire and explore as soon as I have the time.
I have since gone on to complete a Canadian IR and the training I had with FIS was an excellent foundation for me (thanks Brian).
Cheers
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Edinburgh, UK
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Fly In Spain
I did a month at FIS in the summer of 2007. I found the daily flying invaluable as a big problem of learning in the UK is continuity. Back home progress had been slow with one lesson on average every couple of weeks (because of the typical UK weather). At FIS I flew every day bar a rest day on Sunday and that's where the cost savings come from.
On the whole, I had a very good experience. Yes, it's fair to say the atmosphere is relaxed, and the facilities are adequate but lets face it, it's not a big problem. If you expect a first class lounge with hurried efficiency, you'll get disappointed.
I loved it as I was there on holiday. I got to fly lots (mixing with big jets operating to and from XRY), got good instruction from very experienced people, met new friends, enjoyed the local culture and had plenty of time to study theory in the sun.
Brian and his instructors were great. At the time, all were career instructors with vast experience. I met a few FTE Jerez instructors away from FIS and they all hold Brian Mellor in very high regard. So do I.
As for the 50 year old 172 "old Agnes" - I used it a fair bit, flew my first solo in it and I must say was a solid, balanced a/c and fantastic to fly.
I had a great time, went from early circuits to completing my qualifying cross country and would recommend FIS to boost your flying training forward with uninterrupted good weather flying (unless youre unlucky). There is plenty of time to learn to fly in the crud when you get back to the UK.
As an added bonus, you'll learn to nail cross wind landings.
PM me if you have any questions.
On the whole, I had a very good experience. Yes, it's fair to say the atmosphere is relaxed, and the facilities are adequate but lets face it, it's not a big problem. If you expect a first class lounge with hurried efficiency, you'll get disappointed.
I loved it as I was there on holiday. I got to fly lots (mixing with big jets operating to and from XRY), got good instruction from very experienced people, met new friends, enjoyed the local culture and had plenty of time to study theory in the sun.
Brian and his instructors were great. At the time, all were career instructors with vast experience. I met a few FTE Jerez instructors away from FIS and they all hold Brian Mellor in very high regard. So do I.
As for the 50 year old 172 "old Agnes" - I used it a fair bit, flew my first solo in it and I must say was a solid, balanced a/c and fantastic to fly.
I had a great time, went from early circuits to completing my qualifying cross country and would recommend FIS to boost your flying training forward with uninterrupted good weather flying (unless youre unlucky). There is plenty of time to learn to fly in the crud when you get back to the UK.
As an added bonus, you'll learn to nail cross wind landings.
PM me if you have any questions.
Join Date: Jul 2006
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PPL traing in Spain
Hi all
I am glad to further comment on my experience in Spain. The disputed amount on the account with the flying school is now settled. I can re-iterate that the mistake was purely due to adminstrative process. My main concern was the handling of the dispute, and once communication was re-established, it did not take too long to have it settled.
After the trip to Spain, I returned and joined a samll, friendly and well organised flying club in Kent. Taking into account the unsual UK weather, my work commitment and new type of triaining aircraft, I passed the skill test in the shortest possible time. I even managed an 'excellent' remark on my Qualifing cross country certificate!!! My instructor and examiner had been bending backward to help me to achieve my PPL.
Flying holiday in Europe and beyond is now on the agenda.
Happy flying
I am glad to further comment on my experience in Spain. The disputed amount on the account with the flying school is now settled. I can re-iterate that the mistake was purely due to adminstrative process. My main concern was the handling of the dispute, and once communication was re-established, it did not take too long to have it settled.
After the trip to Spain, I returned and joined a samll, friendly and well organised flying club in Kent. Taking into account the unsual UK weather, my work commitment and new type of triaining aircraft, I passed the skill test in the shortest possible time. I even managed an 'excellent' remark on my Qualifing cross country certificate!!! My instructor and examiner had been bending backward to help me to achieve my PPL.
Flying holiday in Europe and beyond is now on the agenda.
Happy flying
