WA aviation College
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WA aviation College
Hi guys,
Im a new user, just registered and have been looking through all the archives.
Im 20 and in the pilot wannabe club. Ive decided against uni, and am working to save some cash. I am 7.5 hours into a 15hour Airleague scholarship, before looking to probably go integrated. I have my class one med.
Ive visited Cabair and OAT. and i loved OAT. Really suited me, but I am worried about that huge price tag.
Anyways, I met these guys at the Flyer show and wondered if anyone has any info/advice on them... The western Australian Aviation College. Offer an Ab-initio JAA fATPL, 57 weeks, 235hrs, IR in UK, £39,871 plus £2700 accommodtion.
www.waaviationcollege.com
I am trying to weigh them up against OAT (or any FTO) and would really appreciate any advice.
cheers
Andy
Im a new user, just registered and have been looking through all the archives.
Im 20 and in the pilot wannabe club. Ive decided against uni, and am working to save some cash. I am 7.5 hours into a 15hour Airleague scholarship, before looking to probably go integrated. I have my class one med.
Ive visited Cabair and OAT. and i loved OAT. Really suited me, but I am worried about that huge price tag.
Anyways, I met these guys at the Flyer show and wondered if anyone has any info/advice on them... The western Australian Aviation College. Offer an Ab-initio JAA fATPL, 57 weeks, 235hrs, IR in UK, £39,871 plus £2700 accommodtion.
www.waaviationcollege.com
I am trying to weigh them up against OAT (or any FTO) and would really appreciate any advice.
cheers
Andy
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Hi there Andy,
I am a native West Aussie who has also been through OAT, so I thought I could shed some light on your questions. Firstly WA is a great place to fly. The weather is blue sky CAVOK around 300 days of the year and the people are laid back and friendly. Jandakot (where the avairtion college is located) is a very busy GA airport servicing many operators and is a couple miles from Perth International. The Aviation college has only just started, but from what I hear from the people I know there, it is a first class outfit with good facilities and aircraft. I completed my PPL, CPL and IR at Jandakot/Perth
OAT is another kettle of fish. I went through in 2001, so things have obviously changed since then, so my info may be a little old.
Firstly, all things considered anything to do with flying (training, theory, exams, flight tests, medicals, fuel, books) is more expensive in the UK. (My opinion only)
The people at OAT were friendly and knowledgable, however the organisation, or management of the school left a lot to be desired. I also think they tended to lean a little heavily on the marketing side of things, especially overdoing it with plenty pictures of nice shiny jets and model pilots "recently graduated"!
Good for motivation, not necessarily realistic.
The flying side of things was OK. Instructors nice friendly people, however again trouble with scheduling, flight delays and overall management of the booking systems for students. Weather delays also didn't help.
I know this is a limited review of both places, however whatever you decide, if you do go to Australia, at least you will have experienced time in another country, and the Aussie beach babes are pretty nice also!
Best of luck
Curvature
I am a native West Aussie who has also been through OAT, so I thought I could shed some light on your questions. Firstly WA is a great place to fly. The weather is blue sky CAVOK around 300 days of the year and the people are laid back and friendly. Jandakot (where the avairtion college is located) is a very busy GA airport servicing many operators and is a couple miles from Perth International. The Aviation college has only just started, but from what I hear from the people I know there, it is a first class outfit with good facilities and aircraft. I completed my PPL, CPL and IR at Jandakot/Perth
OAT is another kettle of fish. I went through in 2001, so things have obviously changed since then, so my info may be a little old.
Firstly, all things considered anything to do with flying (training, theory, exams, flight tests, medicals, fuel, books) is more expensive in the UK. (My opinion only)
The people at OAT were friendly and knowledgable, however the organisation, or management of the school left a lot to be desired. I also think they tended to lean a little heavily on the marketing side of things, especially overdoing it with plenty pictures of nice shiny jets and model pilots "recently graduated"!
Good for motivation, not necessarily realistic.
The flying side of things was OK. Instructors nice friendly people, however again trouble with scheduling, flight delays and overall management of the booking systems for students. Weather delays also didn't help.
I know this is a limited review of both places, however whatever you decide, if you do go to Australia, at least you will have experienced time in another country, and the Aussie beach babes are pretty nice also!
Best of luck
Curvature
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WAAC
Thanks for your replies guys.
My main worries is the fact that it is a very new scheme, and too far away to visit for an open day! There for research is limited to websites and hopefully past students.
My second worry is the lack of training in the UK, Im not sure exactly how many hours are flown in the UK, I know the IR is done at Cranfield. So im worried that UK airlines may not be interested due to lack of UK airspace experience.
Can I ask those who have been through OAT recently how its really like to pay back the loan? How long/ how much/ how practical? etc etc
cheers
andy
My main worries is the fact that it is a very new scheme, and too far away to visit for an open day! There for research is limited to websites and hopefully past students.
My second worry is the lack of training in the UK, Im not sure exactly how many hours are flown in the UK, I know the IR is done at Cranfield. So im worried that UK airlines may not be interested due to lack of UK airspace experience.
Can I ask those who have been through OAT recently how its really like to pay back the loan? How long/ how much/ how practical? etc etc
cheers
andy
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WAAC reply
Hi Andy,
I work for the Western Australian Aviation College and would like to highlight a couple of points. I strongly agree with Gator that you do your research prior to deciding on a training provider. There are many factors to consider including quality of training, history of the provider and value for money etc.
Gator points out that we are an 'unknown product' in his opinion. I disagree. The college has been successfully training pilots on Australian Integrated courses since 1995. We have graduates flying for many companies around the world including major airlines. The process involved in gaining JAA Intergrated training approval is exhaustive. The CAA do not issue these approvals to just anyone as I am sure the other holders of the approval can attest to. Part of the approval process was a thorough audit and inspection by the CAA. They will only issue the approval if the training organisation meets their stringent quality standards. Our college has met these standards and is now fully approved to offer Integrated ATPL training. We also have modular approvals for both flying and ground school. With this in mind, I don't think it is accurate to classify us as an 'unknown product'.
Gator goes on to list prices with conversion rates. It is stated on our website that our prices are calculated on current conversion rates. When you begin a course the price is calculated and offered at the current rate. The cost of the course is then fixed for the duration regardless of what happens to conversion rates.
The extent and tone of Gators reply would suggest to me that he is involved with one of our competitors although he has not disclosed this. Apologies to Gator if I am off the mark here.
In the end, regardless of who you choose to provide your training, look for a college that offers quality training and good customer service. Whilst our course is significantly cheaper than others, it is still alot of money that you are handing over. You need to feel confident that you will get the best value for your money and that you enjoy your training. Good luck!
I work for the Western Australian Aviation College and would like to highlight a couple of points. I strongly agree with Gator that you do your research prior to deciding on a training provider. There are many factors to consider including quality of training, history of the provider and value for money etc.
Gator points out that we are an 'unknown product' in his opinion. I disagree. The college has been successfully training pilots on Australian Integrated courses since 1995. We have graduates flying for many companies around the world including major airlines. The process involved in gaining JAA Intergrated training approval is exhaustive. The CAA do not issue these approvals to just anyone as I am sure the other holders of the approval can attest to. Part of the approval process was a thorough audit and inspection by the CAA. They will only issue the approval if the training organisation meets their stringent quality standards. Our college has met these standards and is now fully approved to offer Integrated ATPL training. We also have modular approvals for both flying and ground school. With this in mind, I don't think it is accurate to classify us as an 'unknown product'.
Gator goes on to list prices with conversion rates. It is stated on our website that our prices are calculated on current conversion rates. When you begin a course the price is calculated and offered at the current rate. The cost of the course is then fixed for the duration regardless of what happens to conversion rates.
The extent and tone of Gators reply would suggest to me that he is involved with one of our competitors although he has not disclosed this. Apologies to Gator if I am off the mark here.
In the end, regardless of who you choose to provide your training, look for a college that offers quality training and good customer service. Whilst our course is significantly cheaper than others, it is still alot of money that you are handing over. You need to feel confident that you will get the best value for your money and that you enjoy your training. Good luck!
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Peto Hi,
thanks for your reply. I fully agree with the research I need to do. Its difficult as all I have for WAAC is a 4 page print out from the Flyer show and their website. Is there a brochure with more info? How can i chat with current/past students on the JAA integrated fATPL course?
How many hours are actually flown in the UK? i believe the IR is done in Cranfield?
Can i ask about your main market for graduate JAA ATPL students, is there interest from UK airlines or more from Australian airlines? (even though it is a JAA licence)
Im also quite interested to read about the option to complete a Type Rating after and the option for the Degree course in OZ.
Thanks for your advice
Andy
thanks for your reply. I fully agree with the research I need to do. Its difficult as all I have for WAAC is a 4 page print out from the Flyer show and their website. Is there a brochure with more info? How can i chat with current/past students on the JAA integrated fATPL course?
How many hours are actually flown in the UK? i believe the IR is done in Cranfield?
Can i ask about your main market for graduate JAA ATPL students, is there interest from UK airlines or more from Australian airlines? (even though it is a JAA licence)
Im also quite interested to read about the option to complete a Type Rating after and the option for the Degree course in OZ.
Thanks for your advice
Andy
I think Peto is, perhaps understandably, stretching credibility just a little in a couple of areas.
The point is that WAAC has no track record in training for JAA licences and ratings. Experience in training for CASA integrated courses is no better preparation than a school training for FAA Part 141, etc.
Not true. The UK CAA will approve any training organisation that meets JAA requirements. No part of the approvals process deals with training quality and the CAA does not have any 'quality standards' of its own, stringent or otherwise.
Since no JAA student has yet, to my knowledge, graduated from WAAC, the quality of the product is wholly 'unknown'. This is, of course, not to say that it will not be as good as or better than the product of any other JAA approved organisation but only time will tell.
Gator points out that we are an 'unknown product' in his opinion. I disagree.
They will only issue the approval if the training organisation meets their stringent quality standards.
I don't think it is accurate to classify us as an 'unknown product'.
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WAAC reply
Hi Andy,
Our website contains the most important information about our courses. Many people have further questions though and we welcome their enquiries. I would be more than happy to provide you with contact details of some former students from our Australian courses (some of whom are from the U.K.) and some current students on our JAR modular theory course. I will e-mail them to you direct along with answers to some of your more specific questions.
Our first JAR Integrated ATPL course starts on 24 Jul. We are currently running a JAR modular ATPL theory course.
Our JAR courses are specifically designed to prepare you for the European airline industry. You can also gain your Australian licences if you wish for minimal extra training.
I encourage you to gain as much information as possible so you will be able to make a sound decision on your training. Please make sure that it is accurate information though. The previous post from BilliBob appears to have commercial undertones and I would suspect he is connected in some way to our competitors. As such, the information provided is not always 100% accurate.
If you would like to chat further about our college and course then I would be happy to meet with you in person at the next Flyer show (March) at Heathrow if you are planning on attending.
Best regards
Peto
Our website contains the most important information about our courses. Many people have further questions though and we welcome their enquiries. I would be more than happy to provide you with contact details of some former students from our Australian courses (some of whom are from the U.K.) and some current students on our JAR modular theory course. I will e-mail them to you direct along with answers to some of your more specific questions.
Our first JAR Integrated ATPL course starts on 24 Jul. We are currently running a JAR modular ATPL theory course.
Our JAR courses are specifically designed to prepare you for the European airline industry. You can also gain your Australian licences if you wish for minimal extra training.
I encourage you to gain as much information as possible so you will be able to make a sound decision on your training. Please make sure that it is accurate information though. The previous post from BilliBob appears to have commercial undertones and I would suspect he is connected in some way to our competitors. As such, the information provided is not always 100% accurate.
If you would like to chat further about our college and course then I would be happy to meet with you in person at the next Flyer show (March) at Heathrow if you are planning on attending.
Best regards
Peto
The previous post from BilliBob appears to have commercial undertones and I would suspect he is connected in some way to our competitors.
For the record, I have absolutely no connection with any FTO but, as a semi-freelance SFI, I work with the graduates of many as they train for their first MPA type rating. Consequently, I have a unique opportunity to compare objectively the products of a number of organisations, including your own. Having experienced the product of the CASA system from WAAC, I await with interest the first graduates of the JAA course. Meanwhile, perhaps you would care to indicate which of the statements in my previous post is/are inaccurate?
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I am currently doing the Modular JAA Theory course with WAAC and will be sitting their first CAA exams in a few weeks.I have a AUS ATPL with turbine multi crew time and am converting to a JAA ATPL.
So far all they have been very helpful and efficient with the course. I have had a few small issues with logistics etc. but all have been resolved quickly. Their course material is under licence from CATS and we have access to their CBT and forums which is of excellent quality.
Cheers
So far all they have been very helpful and efficient with the course. I have had a few small issues with logistics etc. but all have been resolved quickly. Their course material is under licence from CATS and we have access to their CBT and forums which is of excellent quality.
Cheers
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Ill back up Hedge, and Peto, as an ex WAAC student....ok I didnt sit the JAR course, but did the CASA ATPL...and all is good, great tutors, Great facilities, etc, in fact...econd to none!
AP
AP
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Hi there,
A good friend of me migrated to Perth Australia 6 months ago. So last december I visited him there. I was looking for ATPL courses in Holland (where I live) for the last 2 years. So I did a little research in ATPL courses in Australia while I was in Perth. I visited the WAAC myself which was the only college to offer JAA ATPL Courses (good atmosphere btw). The price in Holland is € 110.000 and at the WAAC € 60.000 for almost (the same) product...
I did the application and passed my aptitude test and interview. I will only need my class 1 medical (CAA or JAA still not quite clear to me, I will get answer soon from the WAAC) and get my finance fixed and I am able to start at the 24th of July.
Andy are you still trying to get on this ATPL course ?
"How can i chat with current/past students on the JAA integrated fATPL course?
How many hours are actually flown in the UK? i believe the IR is done in Cranfield?
Can i ask about your main market for graduate JAA ATPL students, is there interest from UK airlines or more from Australian airlines? (even though it is a JAA licence)" did you already receive some contact information of other students? Maybe we can have a chat soon?
Best regards
Michael
A good friend of me migrated to Perth Australia 6 months ago. So last december I visited him there. I was looking for ATPL courses in Holland (where I live) for the last 2 years. So I did a little research in ATPL courses in Australia while I was in Perth. I visited the WAAC myself which was the only college to offer JAA ATPL Courses (good atmosphere btw). The price in Holland is € 110.000 and at the WAAC € 60.000 for almost (the same) product...
I did the application and passed my aptitude test and interview. I will only need my class 1 medical (CAA or JAA still not quite clear to me, I will get answer soon from the WAAC) and get my finance fixed and I am able to start at the 24th of July.
Andy are you still trying to get on this ATPL course ?
"How can i chat with current/past students on the JAA integrated fATPL course?
How many hours are actually flown in the UK? i believe the IR is done in Cranfield?
Can i ask about your main market for graduate JAA ATPL students, is there interest from UK airlines or more from Australian airlines? (even though it is a JAA licence)" did you already receive some contact information of other students? Maybe we can have a chat soon?
Best regards
Michael
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A message down under
Hey guys,
I'm a student at CATS (Cranfield Aviation Training school)
Just like to say hello/G'day to my fellow students!!
I started my ATPL course in November and took my first stage in February, i passed all the exams with high 80's plus the inevitable 100% in comms ( Stuarts dvd on comms was a great help) so guess I'm on the same stage as our Aussie friends.
Good luck to all of the students, I hope you wont do too bad over there- just keep your head down and you'll get through!
See you in the sky!
PlaneEasy7
I'm a student at CATS (Cranfield Aviation Training school)
Just like to say hello/G'day to my fellow students!!
I started my ATPL course in November and took my first stage in February, i passed all the exams with high 80's plus the inevitable 100% in comms ( Stuarts dvd on comms was a great help) so guess I'm on the same stage as our Aussie friends.
Good luck to all of the students, I hope you wont do too bad over there- just keep your head down and you'll get through!
See you in the sky!
PlaneEasy7
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Congratulations
Congratulations to WAAC students who achieved, I believe, an 81% pass rate at their first attempt at JAA examinations.
P.S. - Sorry I missed the instructional team at the Flyer show last month
Hope to see you at Earls Court LONDON FLY show
P.S. - Sorry I missed the instructional team at the Flyer show last month
Hope to see you at Earls Court LONDON FLY show
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Don't let a lack of exposure to UK airspace worry you. Without an IR, you are not going to get in it anyway (besides it is easier in it than outside it!). What really counts is a good grounding in aviation, which the Aussies can give. You'll actually do real nav-exs, right out in the sticks (or the gaffa) and in general, their instructors are excellent. Janadakot also has some nice side attractions such as the Royal Aero Club (I strongly recommend membership), Feemantle, Swan River and the beaches (in Rottnest Island). And what really counts is the JAA licence. Can they deliver? Only you can decide that one.
Best of Luck.
PM
Best of Luck.
PM
