Cpl @ Oba
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Cpl @ Oba
Anyone completed the above?
Lots of info on here about PPL not too much about CPL, especially interested as to if 14 days is a realistic timescale.
Lots of info on here about PPL not too much about CPL, especially interested as to if 14 days is a realistic timescale.
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Doing a PPL from 0hrs is a lot more work than doing a CPL from 150hrs. It's only 25hrs flying, and the test is essentially just a tighter PPL test. If the weather plays ball I think 14 days should be more than adequate.
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How exactly is it not a glorified PPL test? Nav, general handling, a bit of instrument flying, PFL if you're in a single, some asymmetics if you're in a twin... Sounds like a PPL test to me, simply that the tolerances are tighter on things like headings, altitudes, speeds etc...
If the weather is mostly good, and you've not forgotten how to fly by the rules during your hour-building I think it's a feasible timescale, although if you're combining it with an MEP perhaps 3 weeks is more of a cushion.
If the weather is mostly good, and you've not forgotten how to fly by the rules during your hour-building I think it's a feasible timescale, although if you're combining it with an MEP perhaps 3 weeks is more of a cushion.
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Thanks for the feedback, I can probably push work for 3 weeks off work but I dont think I will get away with 4.
I was planning on doing the the MEP and CPL combined with all the single hours on an Arrow to ease the transition onto the multi and get some more complex hours under the belt. As I understand it though OBA only have one arrow so aircraft availability could be an issue with this option.
I was planning on doing the the MEP and CPL combined with all the single hours on an Arrow to ease the transition onto the multi and get some more complex hours under the belt. As I understand it though OBA only have one arrow so aircraft availability could be an issue with this option.
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I would just email and ask how full the CPL course is looking for when you are looking to go. Any more than three others (especially five like when I was there!) and I would think three weeks would be pushing it; they only have two JAA CPL instructors as far as I am aware. The Arrow only accounts for 5hrs of the CPL training, and the other 20 are in the cadet, so it only becomes a bit of a bottleneck if a large number of people arrive to do their training at the same time, or if students require extra training in it. This is quite common as it is a bit of a transition to go from the cadet and re-learn everything in the arrow again (in three hours of training time with the other two for the 170) if you have never flown a complex before.
If you tell them when you arrive you need to be back in three weeks, they will try their best to get you done in that time. You won't be affected by the weather too much either since all the training is dual, and as long as there aren't too many CPL students going at the same time or any hurricanes in the area, I would think that you could probably scrape by in three weeks, if you are lucky you might get the multi as well.
It might be possible to do that ever popular up front payment for the CPL single engine, and then if you get that done with time to spare pay for the multi over there, so as not to waste your money.
If you tell them when you arrive you need to be back in three weeks, they will try their best to get you done in that time. You won't be affected by the weather too much either since all the training is dual, and as long as there aren't too many CPL students going at the same time or any hurricanes in the area, I would think that you could probably scrape by in three weeks, if you are lucky you might get the multi as well.
It might be possible to do that ever popular up front payment for the CPL single engine, and then if you get that done with time to spare pay for the multi over there, so as not to waste your money.
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Only counting people who actually took the test (since several left because they were getting fed up waiting) first time pass rate while I was there was 60%, although that was only a small sample (five people) over two months.
I think the main examiner that OBA uses is a tough examiner, but don't read that as an unfair examiner. There are figures floating around on here (as well as in the OBA restaurant) that suggest he has a 40% pass rate, but I am not sure if this is correct or not. It shouldn't make a difference anyway - if you are up to scratch you are up to scratch, it's just what level of scratchness the examiner thinks is worthy of a pass that might vary slightly! Basically, your flight test will probably be an... emotional experience with either outcome!
I think the main examiner that OBA uses is a tough examiner, but don't read that as an unfair examiner. There are figures floating around on here (as well as in the OBA restaurant) that suggest he has a 40% pass rate, but I am not sure if this is correct or not. It shouldn't make a difference anyway - if you are up to scratch you are up to scratch, it's just what level of scratchness the examiner thinks is worthy of a pass that might vary slightly! Basically, your flight test will probably be an... emotional experience with either outcome!
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60% pass rate very bad for any school, can't believe it. I will never go to school with 60% average pass rate! just think of almost 1200 Euro for CAA Fee (CPL Skill test)...It is a lot of money!
I can not believe this figure that it is average of OBA, but 5 people in 2 mounth...
I was thinking to go there, but... 
I can not believe this figure that it is average of OBA, but 5 people in 2 mounth...
I was thinking to go there, but...
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As I said - alot of people left before taking the test even though they were nearly ready; there could have been at least another four people to take the flight exam in that period.
I can't say what the pass rate is outside of that period because I don't know it, but I think that was a bit of a bobble. To be honest, the CPL course at OBA back in Feb - April was a bit of a fiasco, they didn't seem to turn students away, and there were six of us to two instructors. They were very good, but there were only two of them, which was then made worse with the fact that one was off over the weekend, and one had to work the desk! This, combined with strong winds over the period did not exactly give the best environment for a two week CPL. It took me five weeks to get to my initial flight test (and I was one of the ones who helped drag that first time pass rate down! <weepage>
Thankfully no such problems with the IR!)
Just make sure there aren't too many students before you go!
I can't say what the pass rate is outside of that period because I don't know it, but I think that was a bit of a bobble. To be honest, the CPL course at OBA back in Feb - April was a bit of a fiasco, they didn't seem to turn students away, and there were six of us to two instructors. They were very good, but there were only two of them, which was then made worse with the fact that one was off over the weekend, and one had to work the desk! This, combined with strong winds over the period did not exactly give the best environment for a two week CPL. It took me five weeks to get to my initial flight test (and I was one of the ones who helped drag that first time pass rate down! <weepage>
Thankfully no such problems with the IR!)Just make sure there aren't too many students before you go!
The average first-time pass rate for CPL candidates training at OBA is closer to 80%. Climate data are available for assessing probability of course completion inside a fortnight. The remaining uncertainty factor must be the CPL attendance volume.
The present CPL instructors deliver an enviable quality of training. The current fleet of PA28s are in good condition. Try not to give undue attention to the deranged revanchists lambasting OBA on other points... my own experience with OBA has been excellent.
Best of luck,
Selfin
The present CPL instructors deliver an enviable quality of training. The current fleet of PA28s are in good condition. Try not to give undue attention to the deranged revanchists lambasting OBA on other points... my own experience with OBA has been excellent.
Best of luck,
Selfin
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schools with good reputation have average of 95-98%, even 80% is very very low figure. I personally invest my own saved and hard-worked money in that training, not from parents, so I count every cent, 80% average-too much risk. IMHO only
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what ever you do don't go to Florida to do a CPL, go to one of the many good professional schools in the UK, All I have heard from Florida is mixed reports form the schools, Instructors and even the CPL examiners are not very good either.
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If you can find a recommendation for a flight school in FL I don't see a problem with conducting training and doing the GFT there to take advantage of the cheap flying and good weather. After all a CPL is a CPL.
On the other hand there are plenty of cowboy outfits over there ready to over book the aircraft in order to extract as much money from their students as possible but then the US is the home of the pilot factory and a lot of their flying academy's operate very successfully in that manner.
Having done the GFT in the UK I can tell you that unless you are very lucky with the weather you can waste a lot of time with cancelled lessons and tests. If you are driving to the airport every time before you cancel you're wasting a lot of money on fuel too and it's bad form not to at least turn up for the test unless the cloud base is on the deck or it's blowing a hoolie.
As has already been said though, if you go into the GFT with the attitude that it's a glorified PPL you will be in for a rude awakening. The flight has to conducted in a professional manner, the flying must be sharp and situational awareness impeccable and in short you need to fly like a well seasoned professional, certainly in the UK at least.
You can't be a pussy when taking decisions with the weather either, if you elect not to go because the wind isn't down the pipe or the forecast isn't CAVOK you will p*ss a lot of people off. If the weather is within limits you should take the professional but safe decision to go, it wont be held against you if it craps out and the forecast turns out to be inaccurate. PROB30s are a bugger here, that's where you need the experience. (Oh and you've got to do all this with your sphincter going ten to the dozen).
On the other hand there are plenty of cowboy outfits over there ready to over book the aircraft in order to extract as much money from their students as possible but then the US is the home of the pilot factory and a lot of their flying academy's operate very successfully in that manner.
Having done the GFT in the UK I can tell you that unless you are very lucky with the weather you can waste a lot of time with cancelled lessons and tests. If you are driving to the airport every time before you cancel you're wasting a lot of money on fuel too and it's bad form not to at least turn up for the test unless the cloud base is on the deck or it's blowing a hoolie.
As has already been said though, if you go into the GFT with the attitude that it's a glorified PPL you will be in for a rude awakening. The flight has to conducted in a professional manner, the flying must be sharp and situational awareness impeccable and in short you need to fly like a well seasoned professional, certainly in the UK at least.
You can't be a pussy when taking decisions with the weather either, if you elect not to go because the wind isn't down the pipe or the forecast isn't CAVOK you will p*ss a lot of people off. If the weather is within limits you should take the professional but safe decision to go, it wont be held against you if it craps out and the forecast turns out to be inaccurate. PROB30s are a bugger here, that's where you need the experience. (Oh and you've got to do all this with your sphincter going ten to the dozen).
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PPL go go for it in the states, have fun and just learn to be safe! but if you want a professional license with the intention of working in a european airline invest in the best school you can afford!
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It is utter rubbish saying that the CPL instructors in the US are not very good. Instructors are good, and examiners are also very thorough.
Also, this idea that the weather in Florida is sunshine and fun, and the UK is a real challenge, and you need to be a great aviator to fly in it, is rubbish.
In Florida, the wx changes by the minute. You can read a METAR, decide to go, get to the runway, and find the wx completely differnt to when you began to taxi. It really challenges your descision making, and wx interpretation skills.
Also, coming in to an airport, the wx is equally changable. You can plan on returning to KOMN - but find a massive TS in your way, and have plenty of real life diversion experience.
In the UK - yes it rains - it rains for days. But the wx is generally settled compared to Florida. Which is great experience if you want to fly airline - look at the crazy wx on mainland Europe this week.
Also, the airspace is busier than most UK fields can only dream of (think of those £££ to be made in landing fees!). ATC get extremely busy, changes are common, and a challenging circuit are great experience. KOMN is an extremely busy airport, which I feel would make a great location for CPL training.
Yes I would agree, invest in the best you can afford, but that's very easy for a lot of people in here to say, as they are not paying for their training!
Also, this idea that the weather in Florida is sunshine and fun, and the UK is a real challenge, and you need to be a great aviator to fly in it, is rubbish.
In Florida, the wx changes by the minute. You can read a METAR, decide to go, get to the runway, and find the wx completely differnt to when you began to taxi. It really challenges your descision making, and wx interpretation skills.
Also, coming in to an airport, the wx is equally changable. You can plan on returning to KOMN - but find a massive TS in your way, and have plenty of real life diversion experience.
In the UK - yes it rains - it rains for days. But the wx is generally settled compared to Florida. Which is great experience if you want to fly airline - look at the crazy wx on mainland Europe this week.
Also, the airspace is busier than most UK fields can only dream of (think of those £££ to be made in landing fees!). ATC get extremely busy, changes are common, and a challenging circuit are great experience. KOMN is an extremely busy airport, which I feel would make a great location for CPL training.
Yes I would agree, invest in the best you can afford, but that's very easy for a lot of people in here to say, as they are not paying for their training!
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I too was in the same position a few months back regarding doing the CPL at OBA or in the UK and could only get 3 weeks off work.
I did it here in UK in the end , the main reason being that if the training over-ran for some reason ( aircraft u/s, unavailabilty of examiner, i get flu or 100's of other possiblities!) then it would mean coming home without finishing and the extra cost( and extra leave from work) to return to the states.
As for the weather , I did my hour building out there and it can throw up a few surprises so you still have that aspect to think about, and some airspace is very busy,OMD/Daytona, just make sure you dont get rusty on your UK flying.
Lastly DO NOT go in with the glorified PPL theory as you will be in for a surprise(talking from experience!). The PPL skills are used for sure but its about building on them and developing your skills, confidence and decision making.
Good luck whatever you choose and, most importantly, enjoy it
I did it here in UK in the end , the main reason being that if the training over-ran for some reason ( aircraft u/s, unavailabilty of examiner, i get flu or 100's of other possiblities!) then it would mean coming home without finishing and the extra cost( and extra leave from work) to return to the states.
As for the weather , I did my hour building out there and it can throw up a few surprises so you still have that aspect to think about, and some airspace is very busy,OMD/Daytona, just make sure you dont get rusty on your UK flying.
Lastly DO NOT go in with the glorified PPL theory as you will be in for a surprise(talking from experience!). The PPL skills are used for sure but its about building on them and developing your skills, confidence and decision making.
Good luck whatever you choose and, most importantly, enjoy it
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Hi Guys,
Just to let you know...
I did my CPL in Florida at OBA earlier this year - two weeks, very hard work, great instructors and saved loads of cash. UK CAA examiner so there's no question about the standard - ive done training in the UK as well so I can compare standards - I have nothing but praise for OBA. I will say that no one will spoon feed you at OBA - be prepared to put in the effort yourself and work v hard to get the courses done in time - some expect the quals to be handed on a silver plate after the advertised time frame...
I also did my ME and FAA IR at OBA - once again I had success within the stated cost and time frame - and I saved a huge amount with regards to European prices. I did all my IR training in an aircraft i.e. 42 hours, no sim, at less than half the cost of a UK IR. The examiner was a United Airlines Captain, ex F16 pilot - I promise you he expected a high standard to pass and the training at OBA provided this.
I now have a job flying Twin Turbo Prop in Europe and love every second! I have never felt that the training I received at OBA did not equip me with the necessary skills. I conducted the type rating course on the Twin Turbo Prop in the UK. My examiner was very pleased with my ability and I passed in the minimum required hours. The majority of my flying training was in the USA at OBA up till this point. I had a real emergency shortly after I started work on the Twin Turbo Prop - after dealing with it successfully the response from the aviation world was 'Great flying Great skills!' - the skills all came from OBA!
Good luck
Just to let you know...
I did my CPL in Florida at OBA earlier this year - two weeks, very hard work, great instructors and saved loads of cash. UK CAA examiner so there's no question about the standard - ive done training in the UK as well so I can compare standards - I have nothing but praise for OBA. I will say that no one will spoon feed you at OBA - be prepared to put in the effort yourself and work v hard to get the courses done in time - some expect the quals to be handed on a silver plate after the advertised time frame...
I also did my ME and FAA IR at OBA - once again I had success within the stated cost and time frame - and I saved a huge amount with regards to European prices. I did all my IR training in an aircraft i.e. 42 hours, no sim, at less than half the cost of a UK IR. The examiner was a United Airlines Captain, ex F16 pilot - I promise you he expected a high standard to pass and the training at OBA provided this.
I now have a job flying Twin Turbo Prop in Europe and love every second! I have never felt that the training I received at OBA did not equip me with the necessary skills. I conducted the type rating course on the Twin Turbo Prop in the UK. My examiner was very pleased with my ability and I passed in the minimum required hours. The majority of my flying training was in the USA at OBA up till this point. I had a real emergency shortly after I started work on the Twin Turbo Prop - after dealing with it successfully the response from the aviation world was 'Great flying Great skills!' - the skills all came from OBA!
Good luck