Egnatia Aviation Greece
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Sorry you are right it does work out cheaper than doing it in the UK. I hadn't looked carefully on their website & didn't really take into account the exchange rate, test fees & hire etc being included. They have modern aircraft for training i.e the DA42 & I haven't heard a good word about these in terms of reliability etc, can anyone shed any light please!?
Join Date: Sep 2011
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Zulu...the planes are awesome,comparing to the PA28's I've flown in US these diamonds were like porsches,never being grounded due to technical reasons,the only negatives I can point out is the fact that there isn't many planes,although their fleet will double by the end of june I was told!It took me 3 months to do what I had to do but to me it was ok as there isn't any jobs anyway 
Another negative (if you see it that way,debatable)regarding the school is that the town is reaaaaally boring mate,but it won't cause many distractions when you need it most,and you'll need to put a lot of study into it.
Another negative (if you see it that way,debatable)regarding the school is that the town is reaaaaally boring mate,but it won't cause many distractions when you need it most,and you'll need to put a lot of study into it.
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Hey guys,
I'm going to Egnatia Aviation on July to start my 0-fATPL training. Would be nice to know if somebody else is going there also. I've heard only good about the school, looking forward to go there.
Greece situation in general might be bad but at least everything is cheap I just wonder am I going to like living there, I've heard that the town is really small.
I'm going to Egnatia Aviation on July to start my 0-fATPL training. Would be nice to know if somebody else is going there also. I've heard only good about the school, looking forward to go there.
Greece situation in general might be bad but at least everything is cheap
I just wonder am I going to like living there, I've heard that the town is really small.
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Zulu..it took me 3 months but they have more planes now and have been recruiting instructors for the past month!so you should get it done quicker,plus the summers in Greece actually include sunny days comparing to ours,so you'll be alright 
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I don't think so Anunaki, says on their site you need 150 hours to start CPL, 100 as PIC whereas UK FTO's want 70 hours PIC to start, maybe it's false economy after all....!?
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I think you misunderstood what's on the site,I went there with less P1 time but I had 150 hours,I just had to pay for the hour building left.You can go but then they will charge you more than what it's quoted,reason it says you'll need the 100 PIC before you go(if you want THAT price)got it?this other place probably will tell you to go with less hours but along the course you'll need to get those hours done,so they'll sell it,or over-sell it,so be careful.From the 200tt you'll need the 100PIC and 150 to start right,so what's the point go through with the CPL,then when you're ready for the skills test you won't have the hours done?unless most of their students don't finish with minimums..or they work that way so the instructor can maximise his/her earnings(like in Florida,where the instructors and the school would ALWAYS find a way to make you fly more).Don't know mate,I can only share what I experienced..
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Hi guys,
I posted earlier here about my plans going to Egnatia Aviation for starting my 0-fATPL training. Well, it seems that local politicians are still arguing about everything and can't get anything done. Now they're going to have a new election on June and it will be the turning point, are they going to stay in euro or fall out to economical chaos. I don't have any idea what such situation could do for flight training there etc.
What you guys think? Should I just keep waiting and see what will happen or should I just start looking other school. I've found Intercockpit in Germany, they look really good so maybe I have to change there if inevitable is going to happen
I posted earlier here about my plans going to Egnatia Aviation for starting my 0-fATPL training. Well, it seems that local politicians are still arguing about everything and can't get anything done. Now they're going to have a new election on June and it will be the turning point, are they going to stay in euro or fall out to economical chaos. I don't have any idea what such situation could do for flight training there etc.
What you guys think? Should I just keep waiting and see what will happen or should I just start looking other school. I've found Intercockpit in Germany, they look really good so maybe I have to change there if inevitable is going to happen
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From what I understood,they haven't got a choice,stay in the Eurozone and face the measures or leave and face similar measures to get back to competitiveness, Drachma would devalue at least 30% and the country would struggle to reinstate confidence from investors. After all, they have failed dramatically to meet their promises to their people and their financial commitments to EU/investors,so who trusts a Greek politician?
Mate,I feel sorry for them but I can see why they are in that mess and you'll see when you go there(NOT EGNATIA) I meant the country,their productivity levels are low(at least up north) e.g the HCAA only opens in the morning(state job he?!)and they are very hard to reach as they can't be bothered to pick up the phone.There are other fields in Greece under the government umbrella that people get paid alright to do nothing,the old case of unfair distribution of wealth,people thinking they are "the great nation bla bla.." and end up milking the system not caring where the money comes from.You'll go to the beach and their beautiful girls well dressed,guys in nice cars etc,when they earn so little...We all had a share of spending recklessly but they are up to another level.But in fairness to them,Their high and political class are the culprits,quite ironic that the land of Democracy had little say when, for example, the minister of defence was buying defective Helicopters and Submarines at half price and declaring them as new,keeping the cash to himself,or when the Olympics in 2004 turned out to be a financial fiasco,and goes on...
This is not an attack on the Greeks, I like the place and the people but they had to face reality now,the EU is not after them,we are all struggling and who wrote the austerity measures they are facing was the government,Sarko and Merkel just agreed to what they had to pay back.
If it's going to affect the school?off course...how?I can't tell you exactly,but assume they would fix prices according to their new/old currency, if it happens like it happened when Argentina went bust,expect the prices to soar over there and a lot of civil unrest.I believe Egnatia is owned by a group of foreign and greek investors,I think they will be OK tho,but take it with a pinch of salt as I am not a insider nor a economist
Mate,I feel sorry for them but I can see why they are in that mess and you'll see when you go there(NOT EGNATIA) I meant the country,their productivity levels are low(at least up north) e.g the HCAA only opens in the morning(state job he?!)and they are very hard to reach as they can't be bothered to pick up the phone.There are other fields in Greece under the government umbrella that people get paid alright to do nothing,the old case of unfair distribution of wealth,people thinking they are "the great nation bla bla.." and end up milking the system not caring where the money comes from.You'll go to the beach and their beautiful girls well dressed,guys in nice cars etc,when they earn so little...We all had a share of spending recklessly but they are up to another level.But in fairness to them,Their high and political class are the culprits,quite ironic that the land of Democracy had little say when, for example, the minister of defence was buying defective Helicopters and Submarines at half price and declaring them as new,keeping the cash to himself,or when the Olympics in 2004 turned out to be a financial fiasco,and goes on...
This is not an attack on the Greeks, I like the place and the people but they had to face reality now,the EU is not after them,we are all struggling and who wrote the austerity measures they are facing was the government,Sarko and Merkel just agreed to what they had to pay back.
If it's going to affect the school?off course...how?I can't tell you exactly,but assume they would fix prices according to their new/old currency, if it happens like it happened when Argentina went bust,expect the prices to soar over there and a lot of civil unrest.I believe Egnatia is owned by a group of foreign and greek investors,I think they will be OK tho,but take it with a pinch of salt as I am not a insider nor a economist
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I was discussing this today. The general view was that if Greece go out of the Euro the drachma will devalue, making Greek products cheap to outsiders paid in euros and imported goods expensive for Greeks. That may give Greek FTOs a competitive advantage overall.
Last edited by Alex Whittingham; 16th May 2012 at 16:28.
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I was serching for clues about Egnatia and immediately jumped over the 2007 posts, as I believe that in five years the school had its chance to improve.
My first contact with them has been good enough. They responded within reasonable time and cleared my mind of doubts other schools were not able (or not willing) to clear. So far, from my research with other schools, Egnatia is the only one that includes EVERYTHING, except meals (though they can arrange that as well).
Concerning the country's recession, I believe if they come out of EU it would just be better and we'll save some money. I speak from Italy and we wish so much, oh yes we do, to go back to the old currency. However, I don't believe the school's service would suffer if the country bails out... training might become cheaper!
The only thing that concerns me is their English. I would prefer to learn in an English-speaking country, but it's also true that they have instructors of different countries... and the English on their emails was perfect
By the way, Tessaloniki is not Athens, it's a more "rural" part of Greece... so it may be better.
My first contact with them has been good enough. They responded within reasonable time and cleared my mind of doubts other schools were not able (or not willing) to clear. So far, from my research with other schools, Egnatia is the only one that includes EVERYTHING, except meals (though they can arrange that as well).
Concerning the country's recession, I believe if they come out of EU it would just be better and we'll save some money. I speak from Italy and we wish so much, oh yes we do, to go back to the old currency. However, I don't believe the school's service would suffer if the country bails out... training might become cheaper!
The only thing that concerns me is their English. I would prefer to learn in an English-speaking country, but it's also true that they have instructors of different countries... and the English on their emails was perfect
By the way, Tessaloniki is not Athens, it's a more "rural" part of Greece... so it may be better.
Last edited by Dogfactory; 19th May 2012 at 20:11.
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as a greek,i second what anunaki said about the greek situation.people are so greedy for everything,they spend their money on expensive clothes,cars etc which are far higher than their bugdet.Most of the times,they lend money from the banks for new houses and every other thing that will get them a step closer to the "higher" class.
the good thing is that since the crisis,we 've changed lifestyle and have continuously been decreasing our personal outcome.i have to clarify though that this is the way we raised up.we know that is not the right one,but this is it.This current economic situation is due to politicians promises and lies that "there is money" and many more which made us this way after 80s when greece joined the eurozone.Did i mention what a greek politician life consists of?
Houses,cars,no taxes,chicks,ships,planes and so on.And for these reasons,we will never ever stop blaming them.
Dogfactory,
as far as egnatia goes,there s nothing to worry about.the level of english,at least inside the school,is quite good.all lectures are of course in english and everyday conversations between instructors and students(even if they are both greeks) are in english as well at a very acceptable level.there is no radar in Kavala,so tower may be confusing some times.The only negative is HCAA who will reprint your licence after 3 months!!
the good thing is that since the crisis,we 've changed lifestyle and have continuously been decreasing our personal outcome.i have to clarify though that this is the way we raised up.we know that is not the right one,but this is it.This current economic situation is due to politicians promises and lies that "there is money" and many more which made us this way after 80s when greece joined the eurozone.Did i mention what a greek politician life consists of?
Houses,cars,no taxes,chicks,ships,planes and so on.And for these reasons,we will never ever stop blaming them.
Dogfactory,
as far as egnatia goes,there s nothing to worry about.the level of english,at least inside the school,is quite good.all lectures are of course in english and everyday conversations between instructors and students(even if they are both greeks) are in english as well at a very acceptable level.there is no radar in Kavala,so tower may be confusing some times.The only negative is HCAA who will reprint your licence after 3 months!!
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Thank you Airbuslover for the assurance that english wont be a problem at Egnatia. Though, can I ask you why it takes so long to issue the licence? Is it only burocracy? Will they solve the problem, say, one year from now?
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Hi,
I just called to Egnatia Aviation to ask about their situation. They said that they don't have any assets in Greece nor any transactions with the local banks. They, or he said me that if Greece will fall out from euro they will keep everything same as usually. The school will only use euros and the tuition will remain same.
Also he advertised how great everything is and they are expanding the school all the time. Well, you can't say if you haven't seen it yourself, I'm going there on July so I can give some feedback then
I just called to Egnatia Aviation to ask about their situation. They said that they don't have any assets in Greece nor any transactions with the local banks. They, or he said me that if Greece will fall out from euro they will keep everything same as usually. The school will only use euros and the tuition will remain same.
Also he advertised how great everything is and they are expanding the school all the time. Well, you can't say if you haven't seen it yourself, I'm going there on July so I can give some feedback then
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Juzir, I'm really looking forward to what you've got to say about Egnatia.
I've been bombarding them with emails to get a clear picture and I must say it sure looks good. I haven't confirmed a spot yet but I'm aiming on starting in November.
I've been bombarding them with emails to get a clear picture and I must say it sure looks good. I haven't confirmed a spot yet but I'm aiming on starting in November.
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Opinion
Hi everyone,
I'd like to pass on my personal feedback regarding the services offered by Egnatia Aviation as I did my IR conversion from FAA to JAA in March 2012.
First of all, this is an excellent school: the planes are clean and well maintained, mainly DA-40s and DA-42s. Although their number is relatively small compared to other bigger European schools it didn't pose any problems of availability.
The staff is excellent and helpful. The overall administration in terms of paperwork and diligence was far above the level one can see in most schools.
The CFI and the HOT are amazingly available and friendly yet serious and professional when required. The instructors were also nice and professional on average. I had a limited time commitment to complete my conversion and was given at least two hours every day between sim and flights. The examiner was also fair and attentive to the fact that students aren't full time pilots per se (and as such are subject to errors) and, rather than partially punishing for a non sense issue, he would provide advice and guidance towards to the right action to do, which I felt would put anyone in confidence.
All in one, the prices are extremely competitive if one takes into account the full package inclusive of the accommodation, which I must say was very comfortable (free wifi). If you drive, rent a car as it is a must have. For the rest, the region isn't the best party place ever and is probably more enjoyable in summer.
I have no problem recommending the school to anyone and provide more details if requested. I will definitely go back there for my rating renewal.
I just hope Egnatia will not become the victim of its own success with too many students for a limited number of aircraft, which could lead to longer waiting time to fly.
I'd like to pass on my personal feedback regarding the services offered by Egnatia Aviation as I did my IR conversion from FAA to JAA in March 2012.
First of all, this is an excellent school: the planes are clean and well maintained, mainly DA-40s and DA-42s. Although their number is relatively small compared to other bigger European schools it didn't pose any problems of availability.
The staff is excellent and helpful. The overall administration in terms of paperwork and diligence was far above the level one can see in most schools.
The CFI and the HOT are amazingly available and friendly yet serious and professional when required. The instructors were also nice and professional on average. I had a limited time commitment to complete my conversion and was given at least two hours every day between sim and flights. The examiner was also fair and attentive to the fact that students aren't full time pilots per se (and as such are subject to errors) and, rather than partially punishing for a non sense issue, he would provide advice and guidance towards to the right action to do, which I felt would put anyone in confidence.
All in one, the prices are extremely competitive if one takes into account the full package inclusive of the accommodation, which I must say was very comfortable (free wifi). If you drive, rent a car as it is a must have. For the rest, the region isn't the best party place ever and is probably more enjoyable in summer.
I have no problem recommending the school to anyone and provide more details if requested. I will definitely go back there for my rating renewal.
I just hope Egnatia will not become the victim of its own success with too many students for a limited number of aircraft, which could lead to longer waiting time to fly.
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Thank you very much for your good words Olivier. This is the reward we strive for everyday. Our ex-students being happy for the choice they made to train with us.
I want to assure you that what you fear won't happen. We have a fleet of 9 aircraft currently and we are expecting another 4 the next 2 months. We will do our best to continue delivering the high standards training you talked about always with the student in the focus.
Thank you very much again
Alexandros Chatzirafailidis
Course Coordinator
Egnatia Aviation
I want to assure you that what you fear won't happen. We have a fleet of 9 aircraft currently and we are expecting another 4 the next 2 months. We will do our best to continue delivering the high standards training you talked about always with the student in the focus.
Thank you very much again
Alexandros Chatzirafailidis
Course Coordinator
Egnatia Aviation
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I have never trained at Egnatia but have visited them twice (2009, 2011) on the GA fly-ins held at LGKV every so often, and spoke to them regarding the FAA IR to JAA IR conversion (which as the URL shows I eventually did here in the UK, so I could use my own aircraft).
My impression was that of a well organised school which ran smoothly. I also got the impression they would not spend countless hours on the UK's anal obscession with NDB holds and NDB approaches
So based on what I know I would concur with Olivez' post above, and I recommend Egnatia for someone wanting to do an intensive away-from-home piece of training.
The area is truly lovely and is the best place I have ever been to for hanging out for X weeks. Yes, do hire a car...
On the minus side, their email comms have been poor to nonexistent so if this has improved that's a big plus, because few people will part with 4+ figures without getting stuff in writing. For example I never got a written confirmation that they would accept the 7 UK IR exams. The 14 UK ATPL exams were no problem but I wasn't doing that. The other minus was that they absolutely required the wearing of the full pilot uniform, which in the heat....
My impression was that of a well organised school which ran smoothly. I also got the impression they would not spend countless hours on the UK's anal obscession with NDB holds and NDB approaches
So based on what I know I would concur with Olivez' post above, and I recommend Egnatia for someone wanting to do an intensive away-from-home piece of training.
The area is truly lovely and is the best place I have ever been to for hanging out for X weeks. Yes, do hire a car...
On the minus side, their email comms have been poor to nonexistent so if this has improved that's a big plus, because few people will part with 4+ figures without getting stuff in writing. For example I never got a written confirmation that they would accept the 7 UK IR exams. The 14 UK ATPL exams were no problem but I wasn't doing that. The other minus was that they absolutely required the wearing of the full pilot uniform, which in the heat....
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Does anyone have any experience with icao-jaa distance learning conversion course? I need to do cpl/ir conversion. Can I do both in single skill test?
Any answer would be higly appreciated.
Any answer would be higly appreciated.