Triple A = Triple the cost
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CAA Minimum Hours
I think that the amount of money paid to flying schools
is ofter more than one expects ie over the advertised
rate - this is simply beacuse the schools assume that
you will get thru in the minimum hours ...
is ofter more than one expects ie over the advertised
rate - this is simply beacuse the schools assume that
you will get thru in the minimum hours ...
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All of us had budgets to cover not getting through in the published minimum hours - what we didn't budget for is 25 hours over the published amount...!!!!!!
Funny how then all of us went to other FTO's for our IR's and finished the 50 hour course off all within our budgets, and in no-more than 53 hours....
Funny how then all of us went to other FTO's for our IR's and finished the 50 hour course off all within our budgets, and in no-more than 53 hours....
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Ikkle
Did you go through a special unlearning process, or is it just possible that some of what you learnt at your previous FTO may have helped you pass within your quoted times?
Just a thought.
Did you go through a special unlearning process, or is it just possible that some of what you learnt at your previous FTO may have helped you pass within your quoted times?
Just a thought.
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Fruitfly,
I have no doubt been familiar with the BE76 and the fact that most of us completed a 50+ hour CPL/Multi helped us in no uncertain terms with the IR training....but that's not really the point i'm making here, some of the posts here are from people who remained with AAA for IR training and even after exceeded hours on CPL's, still exceeded hours on IR's...but you are correct for those of us that left to go to more reputable FTO's...
I would like to say in AAA's defence that flying next to Captain Newton was always a pleasure, he was the only instructor with any real industry knowledge and was very much on planet earth with a fantastic instructing ability.
I have no doubt been familiar with the BE76 and the fact that most of us completed a 50+ hour CPL/Multi helped us in no uncertain terms with the IR training....but that's not really the point i'm making here, some of the posts here are from people who remained with AAA for IR training and even after exceeded hours on CPL's, still exceeded hours on IR's...but you are correct for those of us that left to go to more reputable FTO's...
I would like to say in AAA's defence that flying next to Captain Newton was always a pleasure, he was the only instructor with any real industry knowledge and was very much on planet earth with a fantastic instructing ability.
Last edited by Ikkle!; 18th Jun 2004 at 11:11.
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I have met the HoT of AAA as he was talking to another HUY training school and he basically spent 20 mins or so slagging off all his own students. At the time I was in the process of choosing my CPL school so sat quitely at the side to observe him but I decided straight away that I wouldn't be doing it with him.
As many have said, look around - There are many good schools around. I take personal recommendations and warnings seriously and am very happy with my chosen training establishment. AAA may well have lots of happy past students which is fine but I have only ever actually met disgruntled pilots from them.
There is rarely smoke without fire???
(Edited to keep the peace
)
As many have said, look around - There are many good schools around. I take personal recommendations and warnings seriously and am very happy with my chosen training establishment. AAA may well have lots of happy past students which is fine but I have only ever actually met disgruntled pilots from them.
There is rarely smoke without fire???
(Edited to keep the peace
)
Last edited by Capt BK; 19th Jun 2004 at 09:28.
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BK beware (as I said in my earlier post) of quoting mates' experiences. They are not your own, and they may well have been exaggerated for effect when relayed to you - maybe over a beer or two. It doesn't matter how much you trust them, if you can't quote your own experience, don't quote at all.
Scroggs
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I went there in 2002. Finished in about 3 months and passed both CPL and IR first time. As did two others I know. I know this because all three of us passed airline sim checks last year and are in training/flying for that airline now. I thought the CPL/IR course was hard and the standards high but when it comes down to it, those standards got me through the sim check . So I'm glad I was pushed to my limits by AAA.
Chieftan o'the Pudden Race
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I can back up Fingerbang's assertions. The standards are set high by AAA but I do feel that I profited from the experience. It has been proven in various situations where I have had the opportunity to play with flight sims (B747-400 and 737NG).
Mad Jock, I wont take your post apart point by point but I find little truth in anything you have written. I would appreciate it if you were to remove the lies you have written that refer -however vauge- to me.
Ikkle, are you the guy who claimed to be a highly experienced ex-Royal Navy helicopter pilot?
Every school has its detractors, for whatever reason. It is up to the individual to visit schools and make a balanced decision for themselves. Where one school will suit one person it wont suit another.
Some comments here may well be valid, but from my experience I see many as disingenuous, but FWIW that is just my opinion.
Mad Jock, I wont take your post apart point by point but I find little truth in anything you have written. I would appreciate it if you were to remove the lies you have written that refer -however vauge- to me.
Ikkle, are you the guy who claimed to be a highly experienced ex-Royal Navy helicopter pilot?
Every school has its detractors, for whatever reason. It is up to the individual to visit schools and make a balanced decision for themselves. Where one school will suit one person it wont suit another.
Some comments here may well be valid, but from my experience I see many as disingenuous, but FWIW that is just my opinion.
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Good to see another side to the argument. (1500+ views before rallying the troops - your slipping Captain!!)
But there is one argument I think we should put to bed once and for all....
Around the flight schools of Humberside and Leeds, a certain poor chap has been accused of doing exactly what this thread is doing, fuelled only by AAA's owner/Head of Training - this being his only defence to his bad press - pretty pathetic really!
Well, i'm sorry to disappoint - I am not Walter "E.E" Mitty.
Believe it or not Captain, but you have a far greater amount of displeased past customers than just the 1!. Students who are keen to make sure wannabies are aware of their experiences.
Please confront Mr E with your thoughts Captain rather than just permanently blackening his name - I understand he works for Eastern Airways flying a J31/2 (in true E.E style it actually transpires he works in the Ops Department!) so he's just around the corner - I can guarantee he'll deny it, and for once it'll be truth.
But there is one argument I think we should put to bed once and for all....
Around the flight schools of Humberside and Leeds, a certain poor chap has been accused of doing exactly what this thread is doing, fuelled only by AAA's owner/Head of Training - this being his only defence to his bad press - pretty pathetic really!
Well, i'm sorry to disappoint - I am not Walter "E.E" Mitty.
Believe it or not Captain, but you have a far greater amount of displeased past customers than just the 1!. Students who are keen to make sure wannabies are aware of their experiences.
Please confront Mr E with your thoughts Captain rather than just permanently blackening his name - I understand he works for Eastern Airways flying a J31/2 (in true E.E style it actually transpires he works in the Ops Department!) so he's just around the corner - I can guarantee he'll deny it, and for once it'll be truth.
Last edited by Ikkle!; 21st Jun 2004 at 11:19.
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Well, i'm glad it's not just me! I've had numerous Private Messages, asking if I was Admiral E****s. All very amusing...never met him, but I understand he proved very entertaining...
Can't believe MB is still clinging to this theory after all this time...how out of touch is he...!!!!
Can't believe MB is still clinging to this theory after all this time...how out of touch is he...!!!!
Chieftan o'the Pudden Race
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It is none of yopur 
business how much I paid for anything and I will not have my experiences used and abused by you on a public forum without my permission. Edit your post MJ.
business how much I paid for anything and I will not have my experiences used and abused by you on a public forum without my permission. Edit your post MJ.
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Poor Mr. E
Since my time at Triple 'A', this "Walter Mitty" Character Mr. E has receiced an absolute slating both online and in person from instructors at AAA. This is infact slanderous without any hard evidence to back it up. It makes me wonder if my name has been slandered since I was at Triple A???
My comment to AAA's staff is, leave him alone, whatever he claims to have done in the past is not your business anymore. He's completed his training and has no more connection with your FTO. It concerns me greatly that these comments are continuously being made and so many people know of this person.
As for whats been stated so far, just to back it up and give it some substance, and to put the moderators minds at ease. I did complete my training at AAA. I was unhappy with it, and I would not reccommend this school to anyone. This is my opinion, and I'm sure it differs from others , however, to re-enforce what I've already said. The training cost me well over double, almost 3 times the quoted price. I felt demoralised all the way through training. I was not spoken to with the respect that is deserved by all students. Many of the instructional practices were, outdated at best and there are numerous hidden costs built in, including ground instruction which was not quoted at all during my initial visit to the school. After seeking legal advice, I have discovered that many of these practices are falling on grey areas. Not only that, the required ground training was exceeded by quite a substancial ammount.
I found very little respect for peoples time and money. Being in a commercial job now, I can say that there is no doubt in my mind the training I received at AAA did not reflect the real world.
I was unhappy with Triple 'A' and say to the wannabes out there, please tread carefully. Learn from others mistakes.
Happy learning, flying and job hunting!!!
Once again. This is my opinion to which I am entitled, In stating my opinion I make no attempt to imply other peoples opinions or experienced, past, present or future.
My comment to AAA's staff is, leave him alone, whatever he claims to have done in the past is not your business anymore. He's completed his training and has no more connection with your FTO. It concerns me greatly that these comments are continuously being made and so many people know of this person.
As for whats been stated so far, just to back it up and give it some substance, and to put the moderators minds at ease. I did complete my training at AAA. I was unhappy with it, and I would not reccommend this school to anyone. This is my opinion, and I'm sure it differs from others , however, to re-enforce what I've already said. The training cost me well over double, almost 3 times the quoted price. I felt demoralised all the way through training. I was not spoken to with the respect that is deserved by all students. Many of the instructional practices were, outdated at best and there are numerous hidden costs built in, including ground instruction which was not quoted at all during my initial visit to the school. After seeking legal advice, I have discovered that many of these practices are falling on grey areas. Not only that, the required ground training was exceeded by quite a substancial ammount.
I found very little respect for peoples time and money. Being in a commercial job now, I can say that there is no doubt in my mind the training I received at AAA did not reflect the real world.
I was unhappy with Triple 'A' and say to the wannabes out there, please tread carefully. Learn from others mistakes.
Happy learning, flying and job hunting!!!
Once again. This is my opinion to which I am entitled, In stating my opinion I make no attempt to imply other peoples opinions or experienced, past, present or future.
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if AAA is that bad why dont the CAA or Trading Standards get involved and investigate these practises,
I can accept that no 2 people are the same, when it comes to learning and they do learn at different speeds,
I can accept that no 2 people are the same, when it comes to learning and they do learn at different speeds,
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Hi all,
I went to AAA during 2002, got to say others that were there at the time were having one or two problems, I completed my CPL in the time I was told it would take, and although I got a partial on my IR I would have completed that in the time as well. I came to the scool with 150 hours total having done 70 of those in the states. It was damn hard work, but having not been through this kind of training before I didn't know what to expect.
I found all the instructors at the school fine, Mike does have his own way of teaching, but a year after I left I found myself being in the sim of a big jet and three days letter with a phone call saying can you start your 737 type rating course next week.
Now 6 months down the line I'm right hand seat of a 737NG with 200 hours on type. The lessons i learn't there will stay with my throughout my flying career and I don't have a bad word to say.
I guess there are tow sides to every coin.
Oh and i'm afraid Mr E does talk out his backside, Royal Navy helicopter pilot - yeah whatever....how did that interview with Eastern go?? the one that you never ever had?
"Target Captain!"
Feel free to PM.
I went to AAA during 2002, got to say others that were there at the time were having one or two problems, I completed my CPL in the time I was told it would take, and although I got a partial on my IR I would have completed that in the time as well. I came to the scool with 150 hours total having done 70 of those in the states. It was damn hard work, but having not been through this kind of training before I didn't know what to expect.
I found all the instructors at the school fine, Mike does have his own way of teaching, but a year after I left I found myself being in the sim of a big jet and three days letter with a phone call saying can you start your 737 type rating course next week.
Now 6 months down the line I'm right hand seat of a 737NG with 200 hours on type. The lessons i learn't there will stay with my throughout my flying career and I don't have a bad word to say.
I guess there are tow sides to every coin.
Oh and i'm afraid Mr E does talk out his backside, Royal Navy helicopter pilot - yeah whatever....how did that interview with Eastern go?? the one that you never ever had?
"Target Captain!"
Feel free to PM.
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Thanks for your side of the story Monitor Vertical Speed, but I would say that the lessons you learn at any flight school will stay with you for the rest of your life, for good or for bad, unless of course you make great efforts to un learn them.
I did not go to the school with minimum time, in fact I went with quite substantial professional experience. I found that previous experience was not respected and apparently everything I'd ever done was wrong. Now being in a scheduled airline, I discovered that my previous experience in fact is valid, and I was not the one in the wrong.
My training was made substantially more difficult due to what I felt was a basic lack of respect for the student.
I also felt the accounting department was poor, and even months after my training was completed I was still receiving bills. When I questioned these, the attitude of the owner/head of training completely changed and became even less respectful.
If I could change one thing in my life, I would never have given AAA a second look. Oh well, we live and learn, and in 12 years I'll have recovered financially.
Enjoy my money MB.
I admire honesty.
I don't admire AAA.
I did not go to the school with minimum time, in fact I went with quite substantial professional experience. I found that previous experience was not respected and apparently everything I'd ever done was wrong. Now being in a scheduled airline, I discovered that my previous experience in fact is valid, and I was not the one in the wrong.
My training was made substantially more difficult due to what I felt was a basic lack of respect for the student.
I also felt the accounting department was poor, and even months after my training was completed I was still receiving bills. When I questioned these, the attitude of the owner/head of training completely changed and became even less respectful.
If I could change one thing in my life, I would never have given AAA a second look. Oh well, we live and learn, and in 12 years I'll have recovered financially.
Enjoy my money MB.
I admire honesty.
I don't admire AAA.
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Telling the Truth
For Delta Echo Bravo and all the others like him/her!
Instead of acting like a coward and hiding behind a pseudonym, why don't you write under your real name! Or is it that you don't want others to recognize you for what you really are.
I am a student with Triple A, and yes they are not the cheapest school around, but the quality of training you receive is far superior than some of the bigger names. Records shows this to be true and their reputation with the CAA speaks for itself.
Perhaps your problem, has more to do with, not the equipment but the operator. A poor workman will always blame his tools!!!!!!!!
It is about time PPrune stop people for registring under pseudonyn to stop all this rubbish some people band about. If people really had a genuine grievance they should take it up with the schools themselves or the individual. But if they feel that they have a duty to other potential students to write here on PPrune, then at least have the balls to publish under their own name.
Instead of acting like a coward and hiding behind a pseudonym, why don't you write under your real name! Or is it that you don't want others to recognize you for what you really are.
I am a student with Triple A, and yes they are not the cheapest school around, but the quality of training you receive is far superior than some of the bigger names. Records shows this to be true and their reputation with the CAA speaks for itself.
Perhaps your problem, has more to do with, not the equipment but the operator. A poor workman will always blame his tools!!!!!!!!
It is about time PPrune stop people for registring under pseudonyn to stop all this rubbish some people band about. If people really had a genuine grievance they should take it up with the schools themselves or the individual. But if they feel that they have a duty to other potential students to write here on PPrune, then at least have the balls to publish under their own name.
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Clubley - i'm assuming this is your surname!?
Straight from MB's lips - I can hear it now!!!!
The general experience from a fair number of people, that I am aware of, who have trained at AAA is not a pleasant one - these people are keen to voice their experiences, especially to people who are in a position to be choosing an FTO - that is really all this is about. Although, as is obvious, there is a large feeling of bitterness and anger from past students for a certain owner of this FTO, all of which is totally justified for reason's I will not enter into on this public BB. (not due to cowardness but MB likes to threaten court precedings 4 times a week....especially if you order more than 1 sandwich at lunchtime!!)
Prove it! What experience of other schools do you have to back this up? I have paid my son through another FTO after attending AAA - they were nothing short of light years ahead of AAA...
What records?
Who has told you about AAA's reputation with the CAA?
You've fallen for the sales speak haven't you!!!??? tut tut - first rule in choosing an FTO!!!
Errr...you haven't really got the hang of this website have you..!!!
Instead of acting like a coward and hiding behind a pseudonym, why don't you write under your real name! Or is it that you don't want others to recognize you for what you really are.
The general experience from a fair number of people, that I am aware of, who have trained at AAA is not a pleasant one - these people are keen to voice their experiences, especially to people who are in a position to be choosing an FTO - that is really all this is about. Although, as is obvious, there is a large feeling of bitterness and anger from past students for a certain owner of this FTO, all of which is totally justified for reason's I will not enter into on this public BB. (not due to cowardness but MB likes to threaten court precedings 4 times a week....especially if you order more than 1 sandwich at lunchtime!!)
...the quality of training you receive is far superior than some of the bigger names.
Records shows this to be true and their reputation with the CAA speaks for itself.
Who has told you about AAA's reputation with the CAA?
You've fallen for the sales speak haven't you!!!??? tut tut - first rule in choosing an FTO!!!
It is about time PPrune stop people for registring under pseudonyn....
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I'll give you all 3 guesses to my real name
Alright then, it is CLUBLEY, for those you couldn't work it out!!!
If AAA is really that bad instead of mouthing of all the time why don't you make it official and contact the CAA. Which of course you'll need lots proof. I am confident there are more satisfied students from AAA than there are unhappy ones.
We all have a write to complain, what i am staying is you should use your real name and not hide. At least then people are able to defend themselves and their reputation, which they have the right to do so, Just as you have the right to complain.
If AAA is really that bad instead of mouthing of all the time why don't you make it official and contact the CAA. Which of course you'll need lots proof. I am confident there are more satisfied students from AAA than there are unhappy ones.
We all have a write to complain, what i am staying is you should use your real name and not hide. At least then people are able to defend themselves and their reputation, which they have the right to do so, Just as you have the right to complain.