Moncton Flight College/PTC
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Moncton Flight College/PTC
Ok, some schools believe that they can get away with pretty much anything. Effectively they prey on your ambition and abuse their position. So think about the following regarding the above.
1. You cannot believe or trust much that you read on their web-site, or that you are told, either as part of the sales pitch, or in response to your directed enquiries
2. On-site management is either absent or couldn't care less when confronted
3. Instruction reflects accordingly, is poor and frequently inept
4. Non-new aircraft are well beyond their sell by date, and worse than most (now that's saying something!)
5. Local accommodation is poor
6. If there during winter you can bank on not flying for days or weeks at a time
7. The JAA course has a history of departees due to dissatisfaction
So, consider these things very carefully. If you are a true wannabee, then maybe you will put up with this. Or then again, maybe you will find somewhere more reputable to spend your hard come-by cash.
1. You cannot believe or trust much that you read on their web-site, or that you are told, either as part of the sales pitch, or in response to your directed enquiries
2. On-site management is either absent or couldn't care less when confronted
3. Instruction reflects accordingly, is poor and frequently inept
4. Non-new aircraft are well beyond their sell by date, and worse than most (now that's saying something!)
5. Local accommodation is poor
6. If there during winter you can bank on not flying for days or weeks at a time
7. The JAA course has a history of departees due to dissatisfaction
So, consider these things very carefully. If you are a true wannabee, then maybe you will put up with this. Or then again, maybe you will find somewhere more reputable to spend your hard come-by cash.
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Any chance you could be a little more specific with some of your points please?
I've been looking fairly closely at the above-mentioned school, and from where I'm sitting both PTC and Moncton look like well organised outfits.
I'm particularly interested in your comment about departees from the JAA course: Dissatisfaction with what?
I hope to go to Moncton to rack up some hours pre CPL course, so I'm very interested in your views or those from other people with first hand experience of Moncton.
Feel free to email me at [email protected]
Cheers
APO
I've been looking fairly closely at the above-mentioned school, and from where I'm sitting both PTC and Moncton look like well organised outfits.
I'm particularly interested in your comment about departees from the JAA course: Dissatisfaction with what?
I hope to go to Moncton to rack up some hours pre CPL course, so I'm very interested in your views or those from other people with first hand experience of Moncton.
Feel free to email me at [email protected]
Cheers
APO
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Its not the first bad report that I've read either, but I think they've all come from pointedinfinity. That's one of the reasons why I'm interested in the specifics of the problem.
Anyone else got any views or impressions?
Cheers
APO
Anyone else got any views or impressions?
Cheers
APO
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Apo, I have made two posts referencing Moncton and/or PTC - so my powers must be wonderful if that accounts for the general level of bad reports.
Seems to me that wannabees have a high capacity for self-delusion, so why don't you ask some questions, like
- how many JAA Class 1 instructors are in place at Moncton. What happens if this person is ill, gets run over by a bus, leaves or is just a bad instructor?
- is there a full-time JAA CFI on site at all times (there certainly hasn't been for periods at a time, leaving no fall-back, not to mention any considerations of accreditation)
- why don't you ask to speak with any current trainees privately, and feel out their views (appreciating of course that they have a vested interest in talking up)?
Now that makes three posts.
Seems to me that wannabees have a high capacity for self-delusion, so why don't you ask some questions, like
- how many JAA Class 1 instructors are in place at Moncton. What happens if this person is ill, gets run over by a bus, leaves or is just a bad instructor?
- is there a full-time JAA CFI on site at all times (there certainly hasn't been for periods at a time, leaving no fall-back, not to mention any considerations of accreditation)
- why don't you ask to speak with any current trainees privately, and feel out their views (appreciating of course that they have a vested interest in talking up)?
Now that makes three posts.
Last edited by pointedinfinity; 15th Aug 2005 at 14:49.
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Its evident that the tone of my last post was not quite what I intended.
Pointedinfinity, I was not questioning your reliability nor do I doubt your motives for posting.
If you do a search on 'Moncton' then trawl through the responses, of which there are not many, then you'll find that your posts are by far the most negative. This is possibly because you are the only person with (I presume) first-hand experience.
I am in a position where I will shortly spend quite a lot of money with a flying school and I don't want to make a bad decision but, to make that decision I need facts or a consensus of opinions.
I would be grateful if you could give actual details of the problems that you encountered with Moncton or PTC.
Finally, I am appreciative of your inputs and I do listen to what you're saying. The more information I can get the better.
Thanks
APO
Pointedinfinity, I was not questioning your reliability nor do I doubt your motives for posting.
If you do a search on 'Moncton' then trawl through the responses, of which there are not many, then you'll find that your posts are by far the most negative. This is possibly because you are the only person with (I presume) first-hand experience.
I am in a position where I will shortly spend quite a lot of money with a flying school and I don't want to make a bad decision but, to make that decision I need facts or a consensus of opinions.
I would be grateful if you could give actual details of the problems that you encountered with Moncton or PTC.
Finally, I am appreciative of your inputs and I do listen to what you're saying. The more information I can get the better.
Thanks
APO
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If the info already provided does not ring alarm bells, then nothing will.
Doesn't it strike you as odd that there has been NO counter from any quarter? Think about it.
Over and out.
Doesn't it strike you as odd that there has been NO counter from any quarter? Think about it.
Over and out.
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Perhaps there has been no counter because like usual complainers cannot be specific and therefore there is nothing to counter. People like you are usually way below standard and like to blame everything and everyone for their poor performance
I know because I am JAA CRI/IRI who has worked for PTC in the past. All students have passed and many..many have jobs with Aer Arran/Ryanair/club 328 etc.
If you want some facts about pass rates etc. speak to DArragh Owens at PTC Ireland and you can get phone nos and emails of ex students to ask yourself.
If you want brand new aircraft and facilities then you will have to pay for it......
I know because I am JAA CRI/IRI who has worked for PTC in the past. All students have passed and many..many have jobs with Aer Arran/Ryanair/club 328 etc.
If you want some facts about pass rates etc. speak to DArragh Owens at PTC Ireland and you can get phone nos and emails of ex students to ask yourself.
If you want brand new aircraft and facilities then you will have to pay for it......
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Bear, if you read the thread subject, nowhere will you find a reference to PTC Ireland. I know nothing about them. But it does show the danger of operating several schools under the one banner, and possibly even trying to attribute the success of one to the others. This is especially so if one school is 2000+ miles away, and the home base abdicates involvement once the sale is made.
As for needing greater detail, I think the original post was fairly pointed!
And finally, the old gumph that always seems to arise when a school is the subject of a warning - "student not up to standard". The standard posterior covering. Even if this was the case, should the school not be informing and positively supporting to improve?
I am not going to post again on this subject. I have posted a warning which I would have very much appreciated when evaluating my options, and which would have avoided a significant waste of my time, money and aspirations.
You have been warned.
As for needing greater detail, I think the original post was fairly pointed!
And finally, the old gumph that always seems to arise when a school is the subject of a warning - "student not up to standard". The standard posterior covering. Even if this was the case, should the school not be informing and positively supporting to improve?
I am not going to post again on this subject. I have posted a warning which I would have very much appreciated when evaluating my options, and which would have avoided a significant waste of my time, money and aspirations.
You have been warned.
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i was also thinking about PTC/Moncton and so far have only found good comments, until now. I would also appreciate specifics, there's a lot of hard earned money involved here! and no second chances!
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Moncton Flight College
Well Well!
I just did a search om my old flying school MFC and was a little surprised to find this thread with pointedinfinity slagging off the school. I spent a good 8 months at Moncton last year (2004 to 05). I have in my time as a commercial pilot flown in 6 different countries and worked or studied out of nearly as many schools. I have yet to see an establishment where things were done as clockwork as they are at Moncton Flight College.
I have no clue to what pointedinfinity is refering to when he talks about the non-new aircrafts state. I will bet a lot of my credit that most ATPL holders today spent a good bit of time getting their PPL in Cessnas that were the age of their parents, that has however nothing to do with the fact that MFC's older generation is in better shape than most other "older generation" training aircrafts out there. By mentioning only the old A/C's it sound like you easily forget that MFC has got a brand new straight of the line fleet on DA20-C1's, but that doesn't seem to be found on your post..... Slagging off is just too easy! You are giving people who have never been to MFC a twisted and unbalanced picture of the best school I have seen throughout flying in Canada, USA, England, Bahamas, Germany, Denmark and Scotland.
The instructors have a true desire to actually help you and not only think about their own "hourbuilding".
Mike Doiron the guy running the school is more of a buddy than a principal, he will take time and he will do what he can to help and make changes if that makes his school better.
When I reported minor defects that most other engineers would ignore such as nav lights, squeeky brakes, static radios etc, it would be fixed on the next flight. Maybe I have hit a load of very bad schools and found a diamond at MFC, but I think the thruth is more that you have had a bad experience and is now throwing unbalanced oppinions at one of the best places to get your training out there.
By all means this is a place to put our oppinions and I obviously don't agree with the beginning of this post. I have recommended close friends to MFC and will recommend it to everybody else as well.
The people are amazing, the training is top class and they have something called blueberry beer which I truly miss on a regular basis
Regards
Mike
I just did a search om my old flying school MFC and was a little surprised to find this thread with pointedinfinity slagging off the school. I spent a good 8 months at Moncton last year (2004 to 05). I have in my time as a commercial pilot flown in 6 different countries and worked or studied out of nearly as many schools. I have yet to see an establishment where things were done as clockwork as they are at Moncton Flight College.
I have no clue to what pointedinfinity is refering to when he talks about the non-new aircrafts state. I will bet a lot of my credit that most ATPL holders today spent a good bit of time getting their PPL in Cessnas that were the age of their parents, that has however nothing to do with the fact that MFC's older generation is in better shape than most other "older generation" training aircrafts out there. By mentioning only the old A/C's it sound like you easily forget that MFC has got a brand new straight of the line fleet on DA20-C1's, but that doesn't seem to be found on your post..... Slagging off is just too easy! You are giving people who have never been to MFC a twisted and unbalanced picture of the best school I have seen throughout flying in Canada, USA, England, Bahamas, Germany, Denmark and Scotland.
The instructors have a true desire to actually help you and not only think about their own "hourbuilding".
Mike Doiron the guy running the school is more of a buddy than a principal, he will take time and he will do what he can to help and make changes if that makes his school better.
When I reported minor defects that most other engineers would ignore such as nav lights, squeeky brakes, static radios etc, it would be fixed on the next flight. Maybe I have hit a load of very bad schools and found a diamond at MFC, but I think the thruth is more that you have had a bad experience and is now throwing unbalanced oppinions at one of the best places to get your training out there.
By all means this is a place to put our oppinions and I obviously don't agree with the beginning of this post. I have recommended close friends to MFC and will recommend it to everybody else as well.
The people are amazing, the training is top class and they have something called blueberry beer which I truly miss on a regular basis
Regards
Mike
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I had a look at the blueberry beer in Pumphouse last night, I'm not yet open-minded enough to drink beer with floating fruit, but I'm getting there.
Mike, I wholeheartedly agree with your comments on MFC. I'm here hour-building in the 'out of date' Cessnas which, in my opinion, are as good as any I've flown elsewhere. The maintenance, instruction and facilities are all excellent.
Cheers
APO
Mike, I wholeheartedly agree with your comments on MFC. I'm here hour-building in the 'out of date' Cessnas which, in my opinion, are as good as any I've flown elsewhere. The maintenance, instruction and facilities are all excellent.
Cheers
APO
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I believe PTC have a base out of Bournemouth. I met many of their students while I did my IR at another school earlier this year. Most got first-time passes, and they all seemed a happy bunch.
Mind you, instructors change, and people move on; and schools are only as good as their instructors. I would not recommend my school to anyone, since 75% of the instructors have moved elsewhere and it would be an unfair bias.
Mind you, instructors change, and people move on; and schools are only as good as their instructors. I would not recommend my school to anyone, since 75% of the instructors have moved elsewhere and it would be an unfair bias.
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As a current CPL student attending MFC I have to say that the level of instruction that we are receiving is excellent. There are 2 full time JAA instructors at present for four students. Since I have arrived I have seen 4 students pass their CPL skill test first time. 3 of the 4 have gone on to Bournemouth for their IR and the final was already Instrument rated. If they were not satisfied with the level of instruction they had received would they continue training with PTC!
Their is a new fleet of Diamond DA 20's here but with the Canadian students here availability can be difficult. Cessna's on the other hand are readily available and scheduling are very accommodating with short notice requests. The planes are all airworthy and maintained on time.
Management are also approachable and have on numerous occassions stopped us to ask about our progress. Very much an open door operation.
The accommodation is however quite expensive for what you receive. I would compare it to a prison cell with bunk beds. It does have its own tv and wireless internet (sometimes). It costs 375 canadian dollars but if you are planning to stay in Moncton for a while you can rent some really good houses nearby for cheaper than the colleges' accommodation. They are taking advantage of the students who come for short courses eg CPL.
The only negative element of training at Moncton is the weather. You wil lose some time to weather but that's is to be expected of Canada during the winter.
I noticed that somebody said to contact Darragh Owens from PTC in Waterford. Is this actually possible. I have called in to PTC waterford, emailed and left phone messages but never once got a response. I have heard mixed reports about training in Waterford and would appreciate if anyone had any first hand knowledge as I cant seem to get it from them!
Their is a new fleet of Diamond DA 20's here but with the Canadian students here availability can be difficult. Cessna's on the other hand are readily available and scheduling are very accommodating with short notice requests. The planes are all airworthy and maintained on time.
Management are also approachable and have on numerous occassions stopped us to ask about our progress. Very much an open door operation.
The accommodation is however quite expensive for what you receive. I would compare it to a prison cell with bunk beds. It does have its own tv and wireless internet (sometimes). It costs 375 canadian dollars but if you are planning to stay in Moncton for a while you can rent some really good houses nearby for cheaper than the colleges' accommodation. They are taking advantage of the students who come for short courses eg CPL.
The only negative element of training at Moncton is the weather. You wil lose some time to weather but that's is to be expected of Canada during the winter.
I noticed that somebody said to contact Darragh Owens from PTC in Waterford. Is this actually possible. I have called in to PTC waterford, emailed and left phone messages but never once got a response. I have heard mixed reports about training in Waterford and would appreciate if anyone had any first hand knowledge as I cant seem to get it from them!
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Isn't that posting from Mike (MEG@DK) just a little too rosy? Very opportune too, as people make plans for where they will do their flying next year. Nothing like a bit of stealth marketing, eh?
Mike, declare your commercial interest with this school. How much income have you derived from them over the past years? Looking to go back, perhaps?
As for those Diamonds, you forgot to mention a little engine failure outside the circuit with a low hours solo ppl student on-board.
Bill
Mike, declare your commercial interest with this school. How much income have you derived from them over the past years? Looking to go back, perhaps?
As for those Diamonds, you forgot to mention a little engine failure outside the circuit with a low hours solo ppl student on-board.
Bill
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Not to mention that the "guy running the school" and the poster coincidentally have the same name.
Very difficult when muscle memory takes over when you sign off on a document
Very difficult when muscle memory takes over when you sign off on a document
Ok if you are going flying in the atlantic region of Canada, expect bad weather in the winter (this is Canada you know) I flew helicopters for 2 years in Newfoundland so I have some knowledge of the local weather, also I have some friends who did their cpl multi Ir in moncton and had nothing but good things to say about their training
On the other hand you could stay in the uk and pay uk prices or you could go to Moncton stay for a week or so and make a decision from there rather than listen to the tribe on the forums
Cheers Taff
On the other hand you could stay in the uk and pay uk prices or you could go to Moncton stay for a week or so and make a decision from there rather than listen to the tribe on the forums
Cheers Taff
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Nice to hear that MFC hasn't gone all bad in the time I've been away. apoball you'll get used to the blueberries, go for the boot that's a good start to a blurry night...
For people like vestedinterestagent (Bill) and Farrell, I shouldn't really honour you with a respond but I've got a couple of minutes to kill.
Pprune is not quite what it once was, the idea behind the Forum was that people were free to post their oppinions on as large a subject as aviation. It came to be a very usefull place for young Wannabe's to get some good and bad feedback on schools they themselves were considering. However people misunderstood the good idea and started comming with comments and remarks that had nothing to do with the subject being discussed and the Forum became less and less usefull for relevant information.
I read the start of this post and couldn't understand pointedinfinity comments, since I had been at MFC just about 8 months ago and loved it. Therefore I chose to give a picture of what I had experienced at the school. It might be a little rosy, but thats because I have seen a few civilian as well as RAF places that could learn alot from the way MFC is run.
I can asure you that I have no commercial interest in MFC and I have no plans to ever go back. I am currently working in the UK on a civilian contract as flight instructor for the RAF and teaching PPL and IMC on the side.
For your sharp discovery on my name being the same as the guys running the school and therefore we must be the one and same person, I don't really know how to comment on. I'm not alowed to use bad words in the forum
, but with sharpness like that you will soon be captaining something big. Who knows you might even run into another pilot some day called Mike, not to worry though we all own out own multi million dollar flight establishments
I'm sure that you both in some way can understand the concept of either you bring something relevant to a discussion or maybe you should just read the posts and let that be that. If you have any experience from MFC I'm sure there is loads of people out there that would love to hear them whether good or bad, but if you are just sorry individuals wasting time because you don't have the character to get an aviation job, I think you should keep irelevant comments to the telly on champions league nights.
To everyone else sorry for the bad tone and may you all have as good a time at Moncton as i did and for the interested ones yes the canadian girls are quite accomodating...
Cheers
Mike ( As 5 million other parents have named their kids! )
For people like vestedinterestagent (Bill) and Farrell, I shouldn't really honour you with a respond but I've got a couple of minutes to kill.
Pprune is not quite what it once was, the idea behind the Forum was that people were free to post their oppinions on as large a subject as aviation. It came to be a very usefull place for young Wannabe's to get some good and bad feedback on schools they themselves were considering. However people misunderstood the good idea and started comming with comments and remarks that had nothing to do with the subject being discussed and the Forum became less and less usefull for relevant information.
I read the start of this post and couldn't understand pointedinfinity comments, since I had been at MFC just about 8 months ago and loved it. Therefore I chose to give a picture of what I had experienced at the school. It might be a little rosy, but thats because I have seen a few civilian as well as RAF places that could learn alot from the way MFC is run.
I can asure you that I have no commercial interest in MFC and I have no plans to ever go back. I am currently working in the UK on a civilian contract as flight instructor for the RAF and teaching PPL and IMC on the side.
For your sharp discovery on my name being the same as the guys running the school and therefore we must be the one and same person, I don't really know how to comment on. I'm not alowed to use bad words in the forum
, but with sharpness like that you will soon be captaining something big. Who knows you might even run into another pilot some day called Mike, not to worry though we all own out own multi million dollar flight establishmentsI'm sure that you both in some way can understand the concept of either you bring something relevant to a discussion or maybe you should just read the posts and let that be that. If you have any experience from MFC I'm sure there is loads of people out there that would love to hear them whether good or bad, but if you are just sorry individuals wasting time because you don't have the character to get an aviation job, I think you should keep irelevant comments to the telly on champions league nights.
To everyone else sorry for the bad tone and may you all have as good a time at Moncton as i did and for the interested ones yes the canadian girls are quite accomodating...
Cheers
Mike ( As 5 million other parents have named their kids! )