November 2008 - OBA. Anyone else going?
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Suffolk
Matt,
I did send you a PM but I take it your definately off to OBA in November to finish everything off?
Hope it all goes well for you out there, have fun and wise choice on doing the g.school before you go
Thats what I'm aiming to do as that gives me more time to focus on the flying itself... Just wish I'd never let my PPL exams lapse now as that means going through it all again which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but, does mean doing 'Air Law' again, oh the joys!!
Anyone looking at going to OBA next April/May time??
Cheers L
I did send you a PM but I take it your definately off to OBA in November to finish everything off?
Hope it all goes well for you out there, have fun and wise choice on doing the g.school before you go
Thats what I'm aiming to do as that gives me more time to focus on the flying itself... Just wish I'd never let my PPL exams lapse now as that means going through it all again which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but, does mean doing 'Air Law' again, oh the joys!!
Anyone looking at going to OBA next April/May time??
Cheers L
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Suffolk
VFR Transit,
G'day... Yes I will be finishing my PPL off out there, currently got 24 hours in a PA-28 warrior, so, hopefully with all being well it's not going to take too long to finish it off
As for exact dates yet I'm not entirely sure, but will definately be during April/May... Looking to do a few things whilst out there too.
Daytona speedway, karting, NASA centre...do as much as I can whilst there in my free time (no doubt a drink or 'two' when I know I wont be flying) so I'm really looking forward to it.
Do you have any particular date's in mind???
Cheers L
G'day... Yes I will be finishing my PPL off out there, currently got 24 hours in a PA-28 warrior, so, hopefully with all being well it's not going to take too long to finish it off
As for exact dates yet I'm not entirely sure, but will definately be during April/May... Looking to do a few things whilst out there too.
Daytona speedway, karting, NASA centre...do as much as I can whilst there in my free time (no doubt a drink or 'two' when I know I wont be flying) so I'm really looking forward to it.
Do you have any particular date's in mind???
Cheers L
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: France & UK
Hiya Ghost Rider.
I have not got any dates in mind other than i am looking for the start / mid next year, say about april - july.
I live in Bury St edmunds, where in cambridge are you from.
NASA is great and so is the karking
.
VFR
I have not got any dates in mind other than i am looking for the start / mid next year, say about april - july.
I live in Bury St edmunds, where in cambridge are you from.
NASA is great and so is the karking
.VFR
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Suffolk
Wicked, well as soon as I have the fund's it will be booked!
I live just to the SE of the 'bridge in a small village close to the A11 called Fulbourn, have you heard of it??
Oh rite, I know Bury St Edmunds fairly well, I know they have an 'exceptional' nightclub called 'Brazillias' lol!
Probably on par with most of the clubs in Cambridge though! Normally go to N.market, Norwich for nights out!
Yeah I think that would be pretty damn cool too
Where did you do your PPL training?
PM for you VFR transit!
L
I live just to the SE of the 'bridge in a small village close to the A11 called Fulbourn, have you heard of it??
Oh rite, I know Bury St Edmunds fairly well, I know they have an 'exceptional' nightclub called 'Brazillias' lol!
Probably on par with most of the clubs in Cambridge though! Normally go to N.market, Norwich for nights out!
Yeah I think that would be pretty damn cool too
Where did you do your PPL training?
PM for you VFR transit!
L
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: blackpool
Hey,
Be very wary of OFT I was there last December (2007). Originally I planned to do my PPL in 5 weeks but the aircraft kept going tech and were not brilliant. Also they kept changing my instructor which was not helpful. They are affiliated with Cab Air in Bournmouth and as soon as they send out students everyone else get put to the back.
RE Naples I heard you spend about 25 minutes waiting to take off sat burning fuel which you pay for......
I left OFT after extending my stay to three months leaving due to work commitments having only 30 hours in the bank.
Also if you go DO NOT stop in Kissimmee Pines there accomodation its not pleasent.
I finished the training here in the UK and to be honest found the training much better. I had a great well experienced instructor here in Blackpool who I learnt loads off, im sure he wont mind me mentioning his name Robert Murgatroyd www.flybpl.com.
Cost wise doing it in America will probably cost less including costs to get there and living there, perhaps about £6000, Being messed about it cost me £8000 and I finished here in Blackpool. Just be wary.
I would strongly suggest doing your JAA PPL here then going to the USA. If I could turn back the clock id happily have given Robert £8k back in December. I Know I know though the weather is predictably bad in the UK for the aviation enthusiast restricted to VFR.......
by for now choose wisely rob
Be very wary of OFT I was there last December (2007). Originally I planned to do my PPL in 5 weeks but the aircraft kept going tech and were not brilliant. Also they kept changing my instructor which was not helpful. They are affiliated with Cab Air in Bournmouth and as soon as they send out students everyone else get put to the back.
RE Naples I heard you spend about 25 minutes waiting to take off sat burning fuel which you pay for......
I left OFT after extending my stay to three months leaving due to work commitments having only 30 hours in the bank.
Also if you go DO NOT stop in Kissimmee Pines there accomodation its not pleasent.I finished the training here in the UK and to be honest found the training much better. I had a great well experienced instructor here in Blackpool who I learnt loads off, im sure he wont mind me mentioning his name Robert Murgatroyd www.flybpl.com.
Cost wise doing it in America will probably cost less including costs to get there and living there, perhaps about £6000, Being messed about it cost me £8000 and I finished here in Blackpool. Just be wary.
I would strongly suggest doing your JAA PPL here then going to the USA. If I could turn back the clock id happily have given Robert £8k back in December. I Know I know though the weather is predictably bad in the UK for the aviation enthusiast restricted to VFR.......
by for now choose wisely rob
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 468
Likes: 3
From: London
Please be advised - if you do go, and you purchase the PPL Package, and you already have logged a few hours, you will still be charged the full rate.
In effect, you will pay for hours that you do not fly.
This does not apply to those on "completion" courses.
In effect, you will pay for hours that you do not fly.
This does not apply to those on "completion" courses.
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: UK
If you pay for your kitchen upfront and the wideboy does a gash job, or if you book a holiday and it's "not what it says on the tin" then you have many official channels to get compensation/money back etc. This of course doesn't erase any bad experiences but its not all lost.
Flight training is a completely different can of worms, it’s a "training course" they are not ordering a load of custom fitted units to be made and delivered to your house. I just don't see why you would want to give what is presumably a Limited Liability company a load of YOUR cash up front. Just have a look at other schools around the world, they are perfectly happy with a deposit and then a pay as you go arrangement.
Of course all of you will probably come back with a nice JAA PPL ticket and be "well chuffed", but if and when this school ever gets into difficulty you will be at the bottom of the list of debtors to get your cash back.
I speak from experience in that I was unhappy with my training provider so I moved schools. Piece of pi$$ to do. If the original school had a few thousand quid of my money they would have had me by the plums and I would have had to stick it out and not enjoy it, and if I'm spending thousands of pounds I want to have fun while doing it that’s for sure.
I'm just offering so friendly advice to sit back and chew over, don't let the "super low cost" drive you. As a well known operator say "low cost but not at any cost"
Good luck though and be sure to come back with any feedback for future students, whether that be positive or negative.
Camel Toe
"Over Macho Grande"
Flight training is a completely different can of worms, it’s a "training course" they are not ordering a load of custom fitted units to be made and delivered to your house. I just don't see why you would want to give what is presumably a Limited Liability company a load of YOUR cash up front. Just have a look at other schools around the world, they are perfectly happy with a deposit and then a pay as you go arrangement.
Of course all of you will probably come back with a nice JAA PPL ticket and be "well chuffed", but if and when this school ever gets into difficulty you will be at the bottom of the list of debtors to get your cash back.
I speak from experience in that I was unhappy with my training provider so I moved schools. Piece of pi$$ to do. If the original school had a few thousand quid of my money they would have had me by the plums and I would have had to stick it out and not enjoy it, and if I'm spending thousands of pounds I want to have fun while doing it that’s for sure.
I'm just offering so friendly advice to sit back and chew over, don't let the "super low cost" drive you. As a well known operator say "low cost but not at any cost"
Good luck though and be sure to come back with any feedback for future students, whether that be positive or negative.
Camel Toe
"Over Macho Grande"
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: SW
Confused
ROB - sorry to hear of your bad experiences with OFT but this is about OBA- a completely different FTO although they are both in Florida.
There is obviously a risk in going anywhere but OBA have been around and under the same ownership for (15? 20?) years. They were the originators of the genuine guaranteed price (not the usual training course 'estimate' rip-off common in UK and USA) and, although every system has snags, OBA must have trained thousands at a lower cost than available anywhere else.
I am confident that if anyone wanted to pay-as-you-go, the proprietor would happy to quote and take your money but it would obviously cost you a lot more in total than their package price- the factor is 'commitment'. If you go to Old Farts Flying Club or commercial FTO's in UK and just pay for one lesson, you and they have no commitment so you might find you won't be getting another, or any, lesson when you want it. You will probably discover, also, that your 'course' has lots of nasty financial surprises because it isn't actually a package and they won't let you pass until you've paid them enough. The current OBA PPL package price (£3995) is well under £100 an hour and includes lots of 'extras', e.g. exams, night rating etc. which most FTO's will stuff you for. Also and it is unusual, OBA do not require any deposit (they TRUST you to turn-up) and advertise NO FUEL SURCHARGE (another current rip-off at some FTO's).
For anyone quitting any package, you're fortunate to get any sort of refund. Don't moan because it's you, not them, demonstrating a lack of commitment. Just try quitting a package holiday half-way through and asking for a refund ! BTW You could/should get travel insurance to cover genuine reasons for curtailment such as illness, death of relative etc.
Not my business but I am sure if anyone has genuinely relevant hours and asked OBA for a quote you would get a discount from normal package price.
There is obviously a risk in going anywhere but OBA have been around and under the same ownership for (15? 20?) years. They were the originators of the genuine guaranteed price (not the usual training course 'estimate' rip-off common in UK and USA) and, although every system has snags, OBA must have trained thousands at a lower cost than available anywhere else.
I am confident that if anyone wanted to pay-as-you-go, the proprietor would happy to quote and take your money but it would obviously cost you a lot more in total than their package price- the factor is 'commitment'. If you go to Old Farts Flying Club or commercial FTO's in UK and just pay for one lesson, you and they have no commitment so you might find you won't be getting another, or any, lesson when you want it. You will probably discover, also, that your 'course' has lots of nasty financial surprises because it isn't actually a package and they won't let you pass until you've paid them enough. The current OBA PPL package price (£3995) is well under £100 an hour and includes lots of 'extras', e.g. exams, night rating etc. which most FTO's will stuff you for. Also and it is unusual, OBA do not require any deposit (they TRUST you to turn-up) and advertise NO FUEL SURCHARGE (another current rip-off at some FTO's).
For anyone quitting any package, you're fortunate to get any sort of refund. Don't moan because it's you, not them, demonstrating a lack of commitment. Just try quitting a package holiday half-way through and asking for a refund ! BTW You could/should get travel insurance to cover genuine reasons for curtailment such as illness, death of relative etc.
Not my business but I am sure if anyone has genuinely relevant hours and asked OBA for a quote you would get a discount from normal package price.
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 468
Likes: 3
From: London
Another thing ot be careful of is fuel supplements. OBA doesn't have fuel supplements. It's PPL price has increased by about 40% in price in three years, to fly the same aeroplanes, but there are no fuel surcharges.
Other less reputable places don't hide the fuel surcharge in the course price. They charge it on top.
What if someone cancels because they are unhappy, they are not happy of the standards, the instructors are not what they expected. Does that show lack of commitment from me? What if I, and other people are not treated with any ounce of dignity. Called "cun*s" in front of an airport full of people by the owner, and intimidated. If I watch people I've made good friends with being screwed over, and humilliated for making simple, basic, reasonable requests.
Would that show lack of commitment from me?
Other less reputable places don't hide the fuel surcharge in the course price. They charge it on top.
What if someone cancels because they are unhappy, they are not happy of the standards, the instructors are not what they expected. Does that show lack of commitment from me? What if I, and other people are not treated with any ounce of dignity. Called "cun*s" in front of an airport full of people by the owner, and intimidated. If I watch people I've made good friends with being screwed over, and humilliated for making simple, basic, reasonable requests.
Would that show lack of commitment from me?
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Just beneath the cloudbase
OBA
Just stick in and focus on the flying. Don't get caught up in the 3 B's - Booze, Birds and Beaches. Flying is TOP priority. If you keep this is mind, you'll be fine at OBA. Their current batch of instructors are excellent. I've been there already and looking forward to returning.
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: SW
Excellent advice which some don't heed.
Idiots always object to anyone saying no or pointing out that they are wrong. Whether it's said nicely or nastily doesn't matter to the brats- they still moan about anybody and anything. So spicejetter- if you were called a c**t it was because you are one -even on the basis of your postings.
It seems OBA cannot win with wannabe wankers and, if they go elsewhere, I am sure OBA and their serious customers would be highly delighted.
OBA offer a straight package price deal but are then accused of including increased fuel costs to 'mask' increased costs ! However no-one has identified any comparable total PPL course price of less than £3995 at OBA.
Idiots always object to anyone saying no or pointing out that they are wrong. Whether it's said nicely or nastily doesn't matter to the brats- they still moan about anybody and anything. So spicejetter- if you were called a c**t it was because you are one -even on the basis of your postings.
It seems OBA cannot win with wannabe wankers and, if they go elsewhere, I am sure OBA and their serious customers would be highly delighted.
OBA offer a straight package price deal but are then accused of including increased fuel costs to 'mask' increased costs ! However no-one has identified any comparable total PPL course price of less than £3995 at OBA.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: West Sussex, UK
I've spoken to a few people now who've been - all of whom have had positive experiences. I'm not going to go for 3B's - I want to go and get my PPL purely and simply. I'm going to work my ass off to get it done in that timeframe.
I have to say thank you for the fresh and honest conversation this thread has generated. I didn't expect it as people had said OBA had been covered to death. I hear Adrian is a bit of a tough cookie, straight talking Yorkshireman but I plan to treat him with respect and be as professional as I can.
I'm still intent on training with OBA and I'll be sure to write a thorough report so that any future students have some more information.
Thanks again everyone.
Matt
I have to say thank you for the fresh and honest conversation this thread has generated. I didn't expect it as people had said OBA had been covered to death. I hear Adrian is a bit of a tough cookie, straight talking Yorkshireman but I plan to treat him with respect and be as professional as I can.
I'm still intent on training with OBA and I'll be sure to write a thorough report so that any future students have some more information.
Thanks again everyone.
Matt
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: SW
This is a good example of a question which you should ask of the FTO rather than believe anyone on here. Most would not lie but they could be genuinely mistaken or things might have changed.
OBA had a reasonable and cheap pilot shop for all sorts of goodies and I'd be surprised if they don't still sell a range of headsets. Again ask OBA to quote what they sell and for what prices currently. There is an obvious advantage in buying when you start because, if there is any inherent defect, there is plenty of time for it to appear and be resolved before you leave.
OBA had a reasonable and cheap pilot shop for all sorts of goodies and I'd be surprised if they don't still sell a range of headsets. Again ask OBA to quote what they sell and for what prices currently. There is an obvious advantage in buying when you start because, if there is any inherent defect, there is plenty of time for it to appear and be resolved before you leave.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: West Sussex, UK
They no longer loan you a headset you have to buy them. There are prices up on their site. They have a David Clark H10-13.4 which I'm going to get. They also no longer loan maps and all the other stuff - you need to buy it, but the prices are very reasonable. This is all because they've lowered their prices and taken out all the stuff they gave you for free.
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 468
Likes: 3
From: London
This is all because they've lowered their prices and taken out all the stuff they gave you for free.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: UK
what does the course (zero to atpl) cost include? i have seen a quote of £28,590 for this, but then have noticed the atpl groundschool, and conversion is conducted at a JAA approved school.
im a little confused!
im a little confused!
PS.. this is mentioned at the bottom of their ATPL package PDF.......Module Budget Cost is available at Ormond Beach Aviation - JAA Commerical Pilots Licence and payable directly to the course provider.
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: cnutsville
Prices lowered? Are you sure? It's about £1300 more expensive than it was a couple of years ago. And I've never seen prices at OBA higher than they are now.