November 2008 - OBA. Anyone else going?
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: uk
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Must agree with WWW, I did my PPL in USA and passed first time in 3 weeks, on hindsight I would have done it in the UK, the cracks certainly do appear as you progress to higher ratings. I wouldn't say the RT and airspace are vastly different, never really had a problem switching between US and UK RT having done some hours over there, although I did ask Leuchars for Flight Following once and was granted a Flight Information service by the amused controller.
I don't think it is actually the instruction that is bad in the US its the timescale, no time to consolidate on your morning lesson until you are back up for your afternoon lesson then again for your evening lesson. So you have virtually forgotten what went on in the morning. I know when it comes to advanced ratings this ability to learn quickly is needed but when learning the foundations a bit more time is needed. Don't think I could trim properly or fly straight and level when I got back from the States, and my hour building with a bad technique compounded the issues.
If I had to do it again I'd do it at a local club, at weekends and at night after work if possible, 2 lessons a weekish, would give plenty of time to reflect on each lesson. Also saves you taking time off work and all the other added expenses it costs going to the states.
I don't think it is actually the instruction that is bad in the US its the timescale, no time to consolidate on your morning lesson until you are back up for your afternoon lesson then again for your evening lesson. So you have virtually forgotten what went on in the morning. I know when it comes to advanced ratings this ability to learn quickly is needed but when learning the foundations a bit more time is needed. Don't think I could trim properly or fly straight and level when I got back from the States, and my hour building with a bad technique compounded the issues.
If I had to do it again I'd do it at a local club, at weekends and at night after work if possible, 2 lessons a weekish, would give plenty of time to reflect on each lesson. Also saves you taking time off work and all the other added expenses it costs going to the states.
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: SW
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You pays your money and.....
WWW is a bigot (as exemplified by his... uhmm... 'unfortunate' offensive stereotype 'Florida monkey') with a track record of rubbishing 'foreign' aviation training and that at USA JAA-FTO's in particular.
It is certainly and obviously true that 100 hours would 'train' anyone better than 50 hours, whether in a car, tractor, aircraft etc. Predictably, most people don't have the money or patience to do much more than the minimum required to obtain any licence or rating. Also, there is the practical problem that aircraft availability, weather etc. mean that 'getting it' in the UK usually takes a great deal longer than in the USA. That said, training in the UK will suit plodders and people whose business/job/relationship will not allow them to leave the country for a few weeks. It is, also, necessary for those who save-up for their next weekly lesson and take a year to obtain their PPL.
Going to the USA does involve additional expense of flight, visa etc. but it will be much cheaper overall
Lastly, in response to two more myths:
1. OBA and, presumably, others don't care if you want to take more than however long is allocated to their packages- the time pressure is mainly from the customers rather the FTO's who will happily extend- you only have to pay for accommodation time which is not included in your course package.
2. If you turn-up to rent at Old Farts Flying Club, with a new PPL obtained anywhere else, it won't matter if you are a Welsh wizard, a 'Florida monkey' or an Essex expert, they'll give you a hard time and insist on checking you out, familiarisation, membership etc. etc. before you're accepted.
It is certainly and obviously true that 100 hours would 'train' anyone better than 50 hours, whether in a car, tractor, aircraft etc. Predictably, most people don't have the money or patience to do much more than the minimum required to obtain any licence or rating. Also, there is the practical problem that aircraft availability, weather etc. mean that 'getting it' in the UK usually takes a great deal longer than in the USA. That said, training in the UK will suit plodders and people whose business/job/relationship will not allow them to leave the country for a few weeks. It is, also, necessary for those who save-up for their next weekly lesson and take a year to obtain their PPL.
Going to the USA does involve additional expense of flight, visa etc. but it will be much cheaper overall
Lastly, in response to two more myths:
1. OBA and, presumably, others don't care if you want to take more than however long is allocated to their packages- the time pressure is mainly from the customers rather the FTO's who will happily extend- you only have to pay for accommodation time which is not included in your course package.
2. If you turn-up to rent at Old Farts Flying Club, with a new PPL obtained anywhere else, it won't matter if you are a Welsh wizard, a 'Florida monkey' or an Essex expert, they'll give you a hard time and insist on checking you out, familiarisation, membership etc. etc. before you're accepted.
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Scotland
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True. I earned my PPL at OBA and had to go through the old checkout and familiarisation routine with the local club when I returned. That said, I enjoyed it and was pleased to learn that the CFI thought that things were fine, despite an unhealthy trust of USA 3¬4 week PPL'rs.
If you study before you leave, the exams are easy and you can concentrate on and consolidate your flying. Even better, do the exams before you leave. (Extra cost though).
Going out without studying is foolish - stress, pressure and division of effort. Also, if you plan to visit the theme parks and drink every night, you may find you have not got your head in the right place and the cheap costs will become expensive in the long run as you fail to acheive the targets on time.
Stay focused and prepare and you'll be fine.
If you study before you leave, the exams are easy and you can concentrate on and consolidate your flying. Even better, do the exams before you leave. (Extra cost though).
Going out without studying is foolish - stress, pressure and division of effort. Also, if you plan to visit the theme parks and drink every night, you may find you have not got your head in the right place and the cheap costs will become expensive in the long run as you fail to acheive the targets on time.
Stay focused and prepare and you'll be fine.
