AEROFAN Flight Training (merged)
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: UK
Sam, a JAA 55 hour is a JAA 55 hour course wherever you do it. All schools are regularly inspected by the authorities (Aerofan were having their annual inspection while I was there). I admit that doing it in 3 weeks is tough but I already had an ICAO IR which I use in anger on a regular basis so for me it was no big deal.
That having been said, I met several students who were doing the IR from scratch and 3-4 weeks seemed about average. As I said before, the instruction was first rate, the whole course was done on aircraft, Madrid was fantastic fun and I completed on time and on budget. I can't say more than that really - it seems there are plenty of people on this forum who have had first hand experience of Aerofan and would agree with me. By the way, I didn't need to study mathematics as I did the ATPL writtens before I went.
That having been said, I met several students who were doing the IR from scratch and 3-4 weeks seemed about average. As I said before, the instruction was first rate, the whole course was done on aircraft, Madrid was fantastic fun and I completed on time and on budget. I can't say more than that really - it seems there are plenty of people on this forum who have had first hand experience of Aerofan and would agree with me. By the way, I didn't need to study mathematics as I did the ATPL writtens before I went.
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: Earth
Hello,
sam34 don't worry as a French I can tell that the french are very pretentious when it comes to the aviation we are the best pilots of the world (joke) and the DGAC doesn't play the JAA game it's just to protect the business.
It always the same thing plenty of planes coming from all over the world and as far as I know they don't get lost : ))) so an IR is an IR it's just the method or the way they focus on the subject who differs, for example in UK they do like NDB approach it's not the case in the US for example or maybe in Spain maybe also because of the facilities.
Me personally I will take the cheapest way and aerofan is cheapest for me than the UK even if I'm in the case of a conversion from a FAA licence, oh my god he has an american licence you know the licence we give you for free
Take care.
sam34 don't worry as a French I can tell that the french are very pretentious when it comes to the aviation we are the best pilots of the world (joke) and the DGAC doesn't play the JAA game it's just to protect the business.
It always the same thing plenty of planes coming from all over the world and as far as I know they don't get lost : ))) so an IR is an IR it's just the method or the way they focus on the subject who differs, for example in UK they do like NDB approach it's not the case in the US for example or maybe in Spain maybe also because of the facilities.
Me personally I will take the cheapest way and aerofan is cheapest for me than the UK even if I'm in the case of a conversion from a FAA licence, oh my god he has an american licence you know the licence we give you for free
Take care.
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: UK
IO520M
I did my initial IR on a 310R with Aerofan. It was in pretty good condition with all the necessary bits and pieces. It had HSI and RMI and digital avionics (can't remember which make).
The exam route for your renewal will likely be chosen the night before and will probably involve DME arcs to VOR/DME approaches based on one of the local VORs rather than an ILS into Madrid or similar. They were extremely efficient and good value when I went there - quite a breath of fresh air compared to the UK. I stayed in a "Hostal" in the centre of Madrid which was arranged by the school - about an hour by tube and bus from the airport and surrounded by great bars and restaurants.
If I were you I would give James a ring and have a chat - maybe search for other threads on the school - I know there have been a few.
A
I did my initial IR on a 310R with Aerofan. It was in pretty good condition with all the necessary bits and pieces. It had HSI and RMI and digital avionics (can't remember which make).
The exam route for your renewal will likely be chosen the night before and will probably involve DME arcs to VOR/DME approaches based on one of the local VORs rather than an ILS into Madrid or similar. They were extremely efficient and good value when I went there - quite a breath of fresh air compared to the UK. I stayed in a "Hostal" in the centre of Madrid which was arranged by the school - about an hour by tube and bus from the airport and surrounded by great bars and restaurants.
If I were you I would give James a ring and have a chat - maybe search for other threads on the school - I know there have been a few.
A
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: between the books
You might want to try the following threads.
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=215585
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=214385
The search function is a lovely tool
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=215585
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=214385
The search function is a lovely tool
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: 3rd rock from the sun
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...hlight=aerofan
{if you understand spanish!}
maybe:
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...hlight=aerofan
or
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=215585
{if you understand spanish!}
maybe:
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...hlight=aerofan
or
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=215585
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: In two, very different worlds
AEROFAN FTO - Instrument Rating?
There is very little English Language debate about Aerofan FTO, Madrid in recent times - YES-I have read all the previous reviews about the school, But recently they have dried up.
Im quite nervous, Im doing my Multi-IR out there in two weeks time and Im a little nervous to say the least. Quite frankly I'm looking to hear the experiences of RECENT people who have completed the course. At the moment Ive onnly paid the deposit but will be paying another 13k so any help guys?
I just want genuien recent experiences guys - still running well? Aircraft? Instructors? etc From what I have read : cheap, cheerful, does what it says on the tin??? Still the case?
Thanks in advance!
WTL
Im quite nervous, Im doing my Multi-IR out there in two weeks time and Im a little nervous to say the least. Quite frankly I'm looking to hear the experiences of RECENT people who have completed the course. At the moment Ive onnly paid the deposit but will be paying another 13k so any help guys?
I just want genuien recent experiences guys - still running well? Aircraft? Instructors? etc From what I have read : cheap, cheerful, does what it says on the tin??? Still the case?
Thanks in advance!
WTL
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: London
I read in a forum in Spain that Aerofan had an inspection from DGAC (Spanish CAA) and will have an inspection from the British CAA this summer. This is the first time in history that CAA makes an inspection outside UK. Must be something big.
Somebody knows something???
Somebody knows something???
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: UK
Walk The Line
Although I am not an Aerofan student I do attend another school at Cuatro Vientos and know several people attending there at the moment. From what I hear and see u have absolutely nothing to be concerned about. I see there aircraft in action most days and everything looks fine. School usually has a few Irish and Brits at all times. I had a friend finish up his IR there in January and no problems reported. They also fly quite frequently unlike other schools at the airport which is obviously good news for you. Hope this helps ease your concerns.
Redout
Although I am not an Aerofan student I do attend another school at Cuatro Vientos and know several people attending there at the moment. From what I hear and see u have absolutely nothing to be concerned about. I see there aircraft in action most days and everything looks fine. School usually has a few Irish and Brits at all times. I had a friend finish up his IR there in January and no problems reported. They also fly quite frequently unlike other schools at the airport which is obviously good news for you. Hope this helps ease your concerns.
Redout
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: In two, very different worlds
Thanks to all for your private messages and public ones!
It's really very helpful-I will keep you all posted and write up a trip report when I get back-hopefully all goes well! One thing is a non-variable certainty-I will come back minus 13K!
WTL
It's really very helpful-I will keep you all posted and write up a trip report when I get back-hopefully all goes well! One thing is a non-variable certainty-I will come back minus 13K!
WTL
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Europe
It's easy to get to cuatro vientos from barajas. Get the Metro from Barajas ( Buy a 10 trip ticket, it'll save you money) and make your way to Aluche. DO NOT get off at the cuatro vientos stop as I did, otherwise you face a long walk. From Aluche there is a bus which passes the airport, (you need to press the stop button when you see the huge Nissan factory). If you pm me I'll have a look through my paperwork to see which bus number it is.
I completed my IR there last year and had a great time, really friendly instructors and reliable aircraft. Unfortunately I've not yet got a flying job, so I'll be off back to renew my licence in the next month or so. If you get the chance to fly over Toledo, DO IT! It's such a wonderful sight. Also I can recommend flying to Casarubios for a coffee, you'll be able to watch sukhois and extras doing aeros!
Good Luck!
I completed my IR there last year and had a great time, really friendly instructors and reliable aircraft. Unfortunately I've not yet got a flying job, so I'll be off back to renew my licence in the next month or so. If you get the chance to fly over Toledo, DO IT! It's such a wonderful sight. Also I can recommend flying to Casarubios for a coffee, you'll be able to watch sukhois and extras doing aeros!
Good Luck!