Ormond Beach.
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: SW
Watch This Space
Who knows, or cares, what you've heard?
Like you, the OBA/USA haters have been predicting the demise of CAA/JAA training there for 20 years but, in fact, it's only got bigger with others joining the bandwagon and Cabair & co attempting to copy but shafting with surcharges.
Plenty of others have come and gone in the UK and USA but OBA has proved its staying power and popularity. You can bet that OBA is ahead of the latest game because, whatever you think about OBA, the owner is no-one's fool.
OBA has never claimed to be the place for poseurs and precious brats so, if you want your ego massaged, go elsewhere. If you want your licence or rating at lowest cost, OBA is the place so I have always been mystified by complaints about 'sausage factory' (=their predictably efficient methods) and 'penalties' (=sanctions on idiots for their lack of commitment, non-compliance etc.). Otherwise, it would be you (the serious clients) who would have to pay a lot more for what you want.
Like you, the OBA/USA haters have been predicting the demise of CAA/JAA training there for 20 years but, in fact, it's only got bigger with others joining the bandwagon and Cabair & co attempting to copy but shafting with surcharges.
Plenty of others have come and gone in the UK and USA but OBA has proved its staying power and popularity. You can bet that OBA is ahead of the latest game because, whatever you think about OBA, the owner is no-one's fool.
OBA has never claimed to be the place for poseurs and precious brats so, if you want your ego massaged, go elsewhere. If you want your licence or rating at lowest cost, OBA is the place so I have always been mystified by complaints about 'sausage factory' (=their predictably efficient methods) and 'penalties' (=sanctions on idiots for their lack of commitment, non-compliance etc.). Otherwise, it would be you (the serious clients) who would have to pay a lot more for what you want.
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Stockholm
On their site they state a JAA PPL can be done in 21 days! Is this possible? Even if it was 1,5 month. Is it possible to do a JAA PPL in 1,5 month ??? 
It sounds crazy. In sweden they say 6-8 month (although not full time ofcours).
Eikido
It sounds crazy. In sweden they say 6-8 month (although not full time ofcours).Eikido
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Stockholm
Amazing!!! I thought it was a joke when i heard it the first time.
Because i don't want to rush it. I want to fly MAX 2 hours a day. A friend told me it's quiet intense, each flight/hour.
So did you feel comfortable doing it in 5 weeks?
Because i don't feel like doing it in 21 days
.
Eikido
Because i don't want to rush it. I want to fly MAX 2 hours a day. A friend told me it's quiet intense, each flight/hour.
So did you feel comfortable doing it in 5 weeks?
Because i don't feel like doing it in 21 days
.Eikido
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: SW
I've heard that with favourable conditions and commitment, under 2 weeks has been achieved by some.
In UK, they say it takes months because of weather, lack of aircraft etc. but, on pay-as-you-go, the longer you take the more money they make !
If you find a 3 week course worrying, just ask OBA to quote for 5 or 6 weeks. As far I know, OBA will only charge you for extra accommodation time which was cheap and quite acceptable (modern single storey houses just outside the airport site). You could pay extra to guarantee your own en-suite room.
In UK, they say it takes months because of weather, lack of aircraft etc. but, on pay-as-you-go, the longer you take the more money they make !
If you find a 3 week course worrying, just ask OBA to quote for 5 or 6 weeks. As far I know, OBA will only charge you for extra accommodation time which was cheap and quite acceptable (modern single storey houses just outside the airport site). You could pay extra to guarantee your own en-suite room.
Flies for fun
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 789
Likes: 0
From: Wishing it was somewhere sunny!
The OBA aircraft may be old, well used or whatever you choose to call them but the fact is that although the airframes (the aircraft bodies) may be old, the engines are certainly not the originals, there is a limit on the number of hours (not miles) that an aircraft engine can be used before it is subject to a major overhaul which essentially means rebuilding the engine by a licensed engineering company to "as new" condition ("zero timed"). In the UK that is normally after around 2000 hours of use. The fact that an aircraft is say 30 years old does not mean that it has the same wheezy old engine in it as it rolled off the production line. Most of the accidents and incidents at OBA appear to be due to "pilot error". Not surprising really since most if not all of the pilots flying their aircraft are students or inexperienced pilots!
Personally, I have no confidence issues in flying an old aircraft since the maintenance of aircraft are subject to strict Civil or Federal Aviation rules regarding maintenance and engine rebuilding at set periods. Given the number of hours flown at OBA by inexperienced pilots, it is not surprising that there is the odd accident.
Yes, a PPL in 21 days is more than possible, it is likely in Florida! Allow much more time in the UK, almost certainly months! The Florida JAA schools certainly know their stuff when it comes to getting you through a PPL at minimum cost! A PPL is a PPL the only difference is on cost!
How is Adrian of OBA fame these days? is he old and grey or old and bald? Certainly, he is no fool when it comes to PPL training, bad attitude or not!
Personally, I have no confidence issues in flying an old aircraft since the maintenance of aircraft are subject to strict Civil or Federal Aviation rules regarding maintenance and engine rebuilding at set periods. Given the number of hours flown at OBA by inexperienced pilots, it is not surprising that there is the odd accident.
Yes, a PPL in 21 days is more than possible, it is likely in Florida! Allow much more time in the UK, almost certainly months! The Florida JAA schools certainly know their stuff when it comes to getting you through a PPL at minimum cost! A PPL is a PPL the only difference is on cost!
How is Adrian of OBA fame these days? is he old and grey or old and bald? Certainly, he is no fool when it comes to PPL training, bad attitude or not!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: uk
I did PPL in a tad under 2 weeks a few years back at OBA (and lost some flying days due wx); it was heavy going but as I wouldn't describe myself as a latter day Yeager I don't see why any similar half sensible ham fisted wannabee can't do it in 3 weeks provided they put the effort in and don't get totally screwed by weather.
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 2
From: Iraq and other places
So did you feel comfortable doing it in 5 weeks?
Because i don't feel like doing it in 21 days .
Because i don't feel like doing it in 21 days .
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Newcastle, UK
I did my PPL at OBA in 3 weeks... it was no problem as long as you study sufficiently prior to getting out there. There was a couple of people that didn't complete in the 3 weeks but most did.
I didn't find it intense at all and enjoyed my time there.
I didn't find it intense at all and enjoyed my time there.
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Just beneath the cloudbase
I took the afternoon off work, went to OBA, passed all my theory exams and completed the PPL the following day (I had to wait until the evening to do my night flying). Show me a pilot who has come fresh from OBA after 4 or 5 weeks training and can successfully navigate in the UK and I'll show you a picture of Lord Lucan taking his pet dodo for a walk. You WILL need additional training when you return. Civil Aviation, stop banging your OBA drum. OBA will get you the ticket, if you're committed. Now Stephen Fisher is in charge and most, if not all, of the instructors have left. That, coupled by 3 recent engine failures is writing on the wall, as far as I'm concerned. The sad fact is, there is not 1 JAA school in Florida at the moment that can be recommended.
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Stockholm
That is what i thought.
A friend told me you won't feel as safe when taking the PPL that fast as someone who did it in months. Plus the different climate in SE/UK.
I guess I will need further instruction when i get back if i do it in the US.
I still don't know when to start training. I want to start tomorrow but I hope i can do it in January.
I'm dependent of 1-2 friends. We're going to do it together.
Regards
Eikido
A friend told me you won't feel as safe when taking the PPL that fast as someone who did it in months. Plus the different climate in SE/UK.
I guess I will need further instruction when i get back if i do it in the US.
I still don't know when to start training. I want to start tomorrow but I hope i can do it in January.
I'm dependent of 1-2 friends. We're going to do it together.
Regards
Eikido
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 919
Likes: 0
From: uk
TicketyBlue, I'd like to see that photo of Lord Lucan taking his pet dodo for a walk, I know a fair few people who got their PPL at OBA and just had a 1 hour checkflight at their respective schools upon their return and were signed off.
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: on a big flight deck
Nope (McGoo)
Flown a few at different locales and always had to do a check ride. Even went back to OBA for hours and had to do a check 2 months after at the place I passed at!!
Good wee school, with some decent FI's. 0-PPL in 16 days. Even bolted on 10 hrs at the end within my 3 weeks.
Flown a few at different locales and always had to do a check ride. Even went back to OBA for hours and had to do a check 2 months after at the place I passed at!!
Good wee school, with some decent FI's. 0-PPL in 16 days. Even bolted on 10 hrs at the end within my 3 weeks.
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: ireland
Am looking towards a flying career with no experience at all and I want to go to OBA next year to do my PPL BUT is it essential you need some kind of experience or study under your belt to complete it in 3 weeks? I am reading a flight manual if that helps so am not completely useless?
Thanks,
Francie
Thanks,
Francie
Guest
Posts: n/a
eikido,
Yes, it totally do-able but ask yourself one question 'am I the sort of person who can hack an intensive course?' If the answer is yes, then go for it.
As for those who talk about about Lord Lucan and question a two-week PPL - you're entitled to your opinions just the like the rest of are. Yep, did mine in 14 days (13 years ago) and a list of willing volunteers (should that be guinea pigs
) willing to join me - including all of my family who have flown with me numerous times.
I've never encountered any issues with checkouts whether it be here in the UK or Florida and California.
Yes, it totally do-able but ask yourself one question 'am I the sort of person who can hack an intensive course?' If the answer is yes, then go for it.
As for those who talk about about Lord Lucan and question a two-week PPL - you're entitled to your opinions just the like the rest of are. Yep, did mine in 14 days (13 years ago) and a list of willing volunteers (should that be guinea pigs
) willing to join me - including all of my family who have flown with me numerous times.I've never encountered any issues with checkouts whether it be here in the UK or Florida and California.