Orlando Flight Training
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Re: Hi ya...anyone know any info on orlando flight training
I'd rather pay a bit more to learn in an aircraft which is not dirty, rusty, mouldy etc etc.
I have been to 2 UK approved flyingschool´s in Florida,
both of them having planes in the condition´s described above.
You get what you pay for
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Re: Hi ya...anyone know any info on orlando flight training
With the pixel count in modern phones (let alone cameras) and hosting sites like photobucket there's absolutely no reason why PPRuNers can't help each other with making educated decisions regarding vast sums of money before traveling to any FTO, UK or elsewhere.
Airframes are only one part of the value equation but unless you look to a career in bush flying or the bottom of the freighting market you will find the state of the aircraft a very important factor for a professional pilot and their career decisions.
The theme on this forum is endemic - they're tatty but them do fix what breaks. As and when your finances recover you will not use that as a basis for buying a home or a car. Many of you are hypnotised and willingly suspending your standards in desperation to fly while accepting the demanding and expensive academic hoops you have to jump through.
In the real world you will find that entirely reversed. You ticket is your ticket and you'll never intentionally fly a mouldy shed.
So there's the challenge. Let's see more photos.
Rob
Airframes are only one part of the value equation but unless you look to a career in bush flying or the bottom of the freighting market you will find the state of the aircraft a very important factor for a professional pilot and their career decisions.
The theme on this forum is endemic - they're tatty but them do fix what breaks. As and when your finances recover you will not use that as a basis for buying a home or a car. Many of you are hypnotised and willingly suspending your standards in desperation to fly while accepting the demanding and expensive academic hoops you have to jump through.
In the real world you will find that entirely reversed. You ticket is your ticket and you'll never intentionally fly a mouldy shed.
So there's the challenge. Let's see more photos.
Rob
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Contacting Orlando Flight Centre
I want to build some hours out of here in March, however after several emails I have had no reply to what I need to know? Is there anyone from there looking at this that can help and send me some details? If so please PM me. Thanks
Kilo
Kilo
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Was at OFT July and August 05 for Hour Building + MEP, Night and JAA CPL. Great place, great people, awesome flying. Never had a problem with double booking, but as an hour builder your slot is open to be taken by a guy/gal who needs to do a flight pre-CPL or PPL skills. They may not have quite the number of instructors required for JAA CPL, they could probably hire another instructor to get people through in the time that they promise. However, I did 135 hours in 7 weeks and I can't wait to go back for some more flying when I have the money.
I certainly would not describe their aircraft as mouldy old sheds. They are certainly very well used and with the cost of flying in the US, coupled with the weather then what do you expect? They are in the sky for many hours a day. Therefore if the VOR goes u/s on a 152 it will still fly until the next maintenance. Saying that though, I found their 172s to be immaculate as they are only a few years old and their Warrior IIIs are also in tip top nick. However if you want to pay £35 an hour then you will fly an aircraft that doesn't look new - i.e. a 20+ year old 152. That stands wherever you go. I got incredible value for money on aircraft that may not all look shiny and new but I assure you that they fly just the same, I mean I've paid £100+ an hour to fly said aircraft in the UK and that is before landing/touch and go fees. If you're loaded, pay more and get the shiniest aircraft you can - if you're not (like me), hunt for a bargain, whichever you choose you will hone exactly the same skills. If they are well maintained then there should be few problems with your bargain. Enjoy OFT if you go, I recommend it.
I certainly would not describe their aircraft as mouldy old sheds. They are certainly very well used and with the cost of flying in the US, coupled with the weather then what do you expect? They are in the sky for many hours a day. Therefore if the VOR goes u/s on a 152 it will still fly until the next maintenance. Saying that though, I found their 172s to be immaculate as they are only a few years old and their Warrior IIIs are also in tip top nick. However if you want to pay £35 an hour then you will fly an aircraft that doesn't look new - i.e. a 20+ year old 152. That stands wherever you go. I got incredible value for money on aircraft that may not all look shiny and new but I assure you that they fly just the same, I mean I've paid £100+ an hour to fly said aircraft in the UK and that is before landing/touch and go fees. If you're loaded, pay more and get the shiniest aircraft you can - if you're not (like me), hunt for a bargain, whichever you choose you will hone exactly the same skills. If they are well maintained then there should be few problems with your bargain. Enjoy OFT if you go, I recommend it.
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Are Yes OFT
OFT,
I went there in 2003 and had a great time. If you are planning to go the whole hog i.e ATPL then this is a good start.
All the guys that went out there when I was there all have jobs bar 1/2 people now.
I believe it was an extremely good grounding in flying to start with. I now have time to reflect on a number of points/posts made.
The Aircraft: I did my ppl in a Cadet which was fine. Then for my hour build I used the might 152. Note regarding the mould/rusty etc Does the mould effect your flying? Nope!! Does the rust effect your flying yes.. Well come on a second, would the plane be flying if it wasn't airworthy? Nope So rust is not really the right word to use. If there is some thing wrong with the plane you as a responsible pilot or wannabe pilot would and should notice this on your walk round. It is after all your pink body that is about to commit aviation and with every flight you can make the go / no go decision. If in doubt ask. There is no such thing as a stuppid question. Anyway I think you catch my drift.
(I don't require a dig from anyone about the above)
I had a wicked time me and another guy went all over florida together and then, when we returned to UK did Ground school together and he now flies Q400's and I fly corporate aircraft.
The accomodation on the other hand was crap and extremely over priced so be carefull on that part.
My advice is to get the ground exams out the way before going out there as this will release more time for you to get to grips with how to fly and enjoying the Kissimmmeeeeee/Orlando entertainment.
If you are in it for the long term I personally would recommend you do your CPL / IR in the UK because it is different flying in UK then it is in the States. Yes it costs more but at some point you are likey to be in UK airspace.
I hope this helps you and if you do go to Florida make sure you go to : Sharky's in Venice on the beach for lunch.
Ocala for great burgers.
Key West for an over night.
If you get the chance go to the Bahamas in a twin.
Fly with another aircraft from Venice down to Naples along the coast.
Touch and goes at Lake wales. I could go on for ever.
Just the only thing to watch out for is any hidden costs right at the start.
And OFT are quite good at those hidden costs
Happy Days
I went there in 2003 and had a great time. If you are planning to go the whole hog i.e ATPL then this is a good start.
All the guys that went out there when I was there all have jobs bar 1/2 people now.
I believe it was an extremely good grounding in flying to start with. I now have time to reflect on a number of points/posts made.
The Aircraft: I did my ppl in a Cadet which was fine. Then for my hour build I used the might 152. Note regarding the mould/rusty etc Does the mould effect your flying? Nope!! Does the rust effect your flying yes.. Well come on a second, would the plane be flying if it wasn't airworthy? Nope So rust is not really the right word to use. If there is some thing wrong with the plane you as a responsible pilot or wannabe pilot would and should notice this on your walk round. It is after all your pink body that is about to commit aviation and with every flight you can make the go / no go decision. If in doubt ask. There is no such thing as a stuppid question. Anyway I think you catch my drift.
(I don't require a dig from anyone about the above)
I had a wicked time me and another guy went all over florida together and then, when we returned to UK did Ground school together and he now flies Q400's and I fly corporate aircraft.
The accomodation on the other hand was crap and extremely over priced so be carefull on that part.
My advice is to get the ground exams out the way before going out there as this will release more time for you to get to grips with how to fly and enjoying the Kissimmmeeeeee/Orlando entertainment.
If you are in it for the long term I personally would recommend you do your CPL / IR in the UK because it is different flying in UK then it is in the States. Yes it costs more but at some point you are likey to be in UK airspace.
I hope this helps you and if you do go to Florida make sure you go to : Sharky's in Venice on the beach for lunch.
Ocala for great burgers.
Key West for an over night.
If you get the chance go to the Bahamas in a twin.
Fly with another aircraft from Venice down to Naples along the coast.
Touch and goes at Lake wales. I could go on for ever.
Just the only thing to watch out for is any hidden costs right at the start.
And OFT are quite good at those hidden costs
Happy Days
Last edited by Tim_donovan; 5th Feb 2006 at 09:28.
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I was at OFT for 2 months (Oct-Dec 2004), mainly flying C172 for PPL and hour building, with some Duchess hours for a multi rating. The C172's they had then were excellent and I didn't have any major problems with the school.
As per most places for training, you do sometimes need to keep on top of them to make sure your slots are booked and you are getting what you want out of your time there. However, if you are not easily messed around, then you will enjoy it.
I would recommend OFT, although I haven't been for over a year. At least there is a use for Disney Land as a vrp, instead of just being a place for gourging on burgers, just to revisit your lunch on the roller coasters.
As per most places for training, you do sometimes need to keep on top of them to make sure your slots are booked and you are getting what you want out of your time there. However, if you are not easily messed around, then you will enjoy it.
I would recommend OFT, although I haven't been for over a year. At least there is a use for Disney Land as a vrp, instead of just being a place for gourging on burgers, just to revisit your lunch on the roller coasters.
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I have been to OFT twice in the past 3 years. I have flown their twins, singles and helicopters. Even though an administrative problem stopped my helicopter flying last time the situation was resolved amicably. I would recommend OFT to anybody but bear in mind the following points which apply to all flying schools in the USA:
1. The majority of instructors are people building hours to go onto better jobs. They get paid about $10.00 per flying hour. So treat them with respect especially if they have put themselves out for your benefit.
2. Be fully aware of what you are paying for and what charges will be levied. Some schools have fees that they don’t advertise as fully as their basic charges, but are there to be found. It is an all too often situation where people are not fully aware of all the charges, their account runs out early and they complain of being overcharged.
3. The time at the school is work and not a holiday. Be on time, ready to go and be prepared to put in study at night.
4. The profit margin at flying schools is very low, so if you are after cheap flying expect the aircraft to be a bit tatty and a little tired. Due to legislation in the USA, the maintenance schedule should make all the aircraft legal and safe.
5. Sh1t happens; expect aircraft to go tech, bad weather and other problems.
6. Enjoy.
1. The majority of instructors are people building hours to go onto better jobs. They get paid about $10.00 per flying hour. So treat them with respect especially if they have put themselves out for your benefit.
2. Be fully aware of what you are paying for and what charges will be levied. Some schools have fees that they don’t advertise as fully as their basic charges, but are there to be found. It is an all too often situation where people are not fully aware of all the charges, their account runs out early and they complain of being overcharged.
3. The time at the school is work and not a holiday. Be on time, ready to go and be prepared to put in study at night.
4. The profit margin at flying schools is very low, so if you are after cheap flying expect the aircraft to be a bit tatty and a little tired. Due to legislation in the USA, the maintenance schedule should make all the aircraft legal and safe.
5. Sh1t happens; expect aircraft to go tech, bad weather and other problems.
6. Enjoy.
Join Date: Feb 2006
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Orlando Flight Training
HI all
Im interested in hearing from anyone who trained at OFT in Kissimmee, im going out there to do some hour building and commercial training and want to know what to expect.
Cheers
Im interested in hearing from anyone who trained at OFT in Kissimmee, im going out there to do some hour building and commercial training and want to know what to expect.
Cheers
Join Date: Feb 2006
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hey, how you doing?
check out page 7 of this forum, plenty of info there.
i have done all my training there and shall be returning next week to the FIC.
just make sure you establish from the beginning what you intend to do there and what time frame you have. allow for weather, a/c going tech, and the laid back approach.
check out page 7 of this forum, plenty of info there.
i have done all my training there and shall be returning next week to the FIC.
just make sure you establish from the beginning what you intend to do there and what time frame you have. allow for weather, a/c going tech, and the laid back approach.
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OFT
I take it from the "laid back" quote, its down to me to arrange all of my bookings etc.
You dont know if im able fly 7 days a week if i fall behind on my schedule do you? Whether thats hour building, night imc and comm instruction.
cheers
You dont know if im able fly 7 days a week if i fall behind on my schedule do you? Whether thats hour building, night imc and comm instruction.
cheers
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yes indeed, it is up to you to schedule your a/c, and to make sure you get what you want.
you can fly 7 days a week with the weekends usually being quite quiet when hr building. When I was there last september there was only one JAA CPL instructor and we had to obviously work around his days off but they were going through a transitional period and hopefully that has been overcome by now.
When do you expect to be going?
you can fly 7 days a week with the weekends usually being quite quiet when hr building. When I was there last september there was only one JAA CPL instructor and we had to obviously work around his days off but they were going through a transitional period and hopefully that has been overcome by now.
When do you expect to be going?
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OFT
Im hoping to get out there for the beginning of April, around the 1st 2nd or 3rd.
Basically im just waiting on OFT to send me the forms i need to book my appointment at the embassy in London. Ive been told that i can expect to get my visa appoinment about 3 weeks after posting my application. HOPEFULLY thats the case. Im out there for about 9 weeks, then im coming back to do my IR and MCC.
Then im sure that Virgin are going to hire me as an A380 1 OF
Otherwise i will do an instructors rating after completing my MCC
When are you getting out there, and for how long,
Basically im just waiting on OFT to send me the forms i need to book my appointment at the embassy in London. Ive been told that i can expect to get my visa appoinment about 3 weeks after posting my application. HOPEFULLY thats the case. Im out there for about 9 weeks, then im coming back to do my IR and MCC.
Then im sure that Virgin are going to hire me as an A380 1 OF
Otherwise i will do an instructors rating after completing my MCC
When are you getting out there, and for how long,
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I'll be out there tue 28th feb.
Should be doing my FI from thursday in Sebastian for 4 weeks, returning 5th April.
If there is anything you need to know whilst I'm out there let me know and I'll keep you posted.
Should be doing my FI from thursday in Sebastian for 4 weeks, returning 5th April.
If there is anything you need to know whilst I'm out there let me know and I'll keep you posted.