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Aerodynamics Malaga REVIEW

Old 21st Jan 2010, 02:19
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Aerodynamics Malaga REVIEW

Alright guys. I wanted to give a little review of Aerodynamics Malaga especially for those who are contemplating the idea of converting their license to JAA.

When I finished all 14 written tests and completed my CPL in the US close to home, I started to do some research to complete my IR at some UK flight school. I sent a couple of emails with typical questions to get the course structure, the pricing and an idea of the accommodations. Days past without an answer from any of those so called reputable flight school. Well actually, let me take this back, one answered me about a week later and the pricing seemed ok for Europe, their equipment was top notch and the nearby accommodations seemed decent. Before finalizing everything, I asked again the time frame it would take to essentially do 10 hours of sim, about 5 hours of flight time and take the skill test. The reply was about a month. I couldn’t believe it. I had to call to make sure it was not a mistake. I have been a flight instructor in the US and this particular course would barely take a week to complete. Obviously, this was not option for me to take a month off for a conversion IR.

I had to start all over again. In the meantime, some two weeks after, I started to receive a chain of emails from the flight schools I originally contacted but I was just no interested to give them my business. Someone ought to teach them how to manage a business properly. No wonder some flight schools have financial difficulties. Rant over. Anyway, I sent an email the same evening to Aerodynamics Malaga and got an answer the following morning. The lady responsible for the IR conversion was really good communicating with me answering all questions and concerns. I was initially a little cautious with the price their were advertising as the difference was a couple thousand pounds different from what I was quoted in the UK. I pm a couple of guys on this forum to get their impressions on this flight school. Everyone seemed to be pleased with it. Little complains here and there but nothing that would turn me away. So I enrolled...

A month later I flew from JFK to Malaga. I took a cab (about 15 Euros) directly to the flight school. When I arrived, the first impression was a little scary. The school is located in a small street rather dirty and the front is not what you would picture. But once you enter, it was definitely reassuring. It’s clean and professional. I was directly met by the lady responsible for the program and we completed all the necessary paperwork.

After that she took me to the flight school accommodation (cost if I remember was 35 Euros). It’s about a 5 minute walk. Right next door there is a grocery store so that is convenient. Inside there are three rooms and two bathrooms. There is air conditioning, a washing machine and a tv. Don’t bother with the tv. There is only like 2-3 channels. There is also no internet. That’s what bothered me the most. It would have helped me a lot to keep in touch with my family. But a block away there is a internet cafe that charges 1 euro per hour. The place is kept very clean. However, at some point during my stay there was a very strong odor coming from one of the bathroom. The smell was really bad even with the door closed and perfum all over the place. I had only two days left so I dealt with it. Another guy who was training at the same time with me was staying at a local two star hotel (Hotel Solymar) close to the beach. It was also a 5 minute walk and it was relatively nice and very clean. Make sure if you go there to negotiate for the price of internet. The guy managed to get internet for the duration of his stay for like 30 Euro I think.

The night before you receive your schedule. I was given the checklist for the BE76 and all the approach plates. I didn’t have to buy anything which was definitely nice. The first few days consisted of sim training. This went without any itch. It was very easy. It really consists of doing approaches at the local airports. Just like any other aircraft you fly, study the limitations, systems and know the flows. This is crucial. Because my stay had to be short- they kindly put on one day 2 sims for me. The instructors are very polite but not necessarily experience ( I do have a couple thousand flight hours). On the last sim though, there was one flight instructor that was very rude and unprofessional. I don’t need to mention his name. If any Aero. Malaga management reads this - it may be time to get rid of him - seriously. Long story short, sitting in the back of the sim, he was reading his newspaper, making inappropriate comments and left once for about 20 minutes. Not the attitude you would want of a flight instructor. Anyway...

Now for the flight portion. You have three ways you can get to the airport: taxi, bus or train. Taxi again cost about 15 Euros one way. For the bus, you need to take the 19. It drops you off almost in front of general aviation. I think the cost was close to 2 Euros one way. The train forget about it. You have to walk initially about 15-20 minutes to just get to the train station. Bus works better but make sure to leave well in advance. It never really came on time and one day I was forced to take a taxi. You will by the way be provided with a package with all the infos to get around. AM done a good job about it so there is no sweat.

Now a word of caution before I forget. There is only 1 BE76. At least it was the case when it was there. Before you leave to Malaga, make sure to call to ensure it is up and running or not close to a maintenance check. If anything happens it may take some time before it is up and running. Also, they do not have maintenance during the week-end!!! So if you are not lucky you could be sitting doing nothing for a long time.

Like any other BE76, it’s old but very well maintained. They take good care of it. Depending on who you have, make sure you ask you FI to show you how to file a flight plan upstairs and how to print out the weather. This is really important as you will asked this during the skill test. Some FI don’t do it. Keep this in mind. The flights will essentially consists of small cross countries to local airports like Jerez or Grenada as an example. You will have practice this anyway plenty of times in the sim.

As far as the skill test, the examiner was really nice. Prior to him coming, I had already the file plan on file and printed it along with all the necessary current and forecast weather. Make sure to present this nicely in a package in the correct order. Be professional. After all the paperwork, you both will go to the plane. He will ask you questions about the documents. Make sure you know where they are located. The skill test itself was straight forward - no tricks. We went to Grenada to shoot a couple of approaches and came back on a high speed approach. It seems examiners like to go only Grenada so you are in and out quickly otherwise you will spend too much time in straight and level flight going to another airport.

I was quoted at the beginning 3542 Euros and this is exactly what I spent. Not one cent more. This included all the sims, all the flight time, the skill test and the examiner fee! I actually went beyond 5 hours of flight instruction. They did not charge me for it. The other guy that was there with spent exactly the same amount. Nothing more.

Bottom line especially in this recession, this was a very good deal. I don't think you can find better than that. On the other hand, if you are looking for top notch instruction (which I was not), this is not the place for you. But like the saying, you get what you pay for. I was very pleased overall with the course. Like I mentioned, there was only one FI that really needs to go away. He may be by now. I don’t know. Oo and it took under two weeks to do it - NOT one month.
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Old 21st Jan 2010, 03:27
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My Experiance there was 100% the same, I really could have written that review.
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Old 21st Jan 2010, 04:33
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I think its a very good opportunity, if you already have experience

Would you recomend it for someone with lets say 15 hours of average ICAO instrument training in multi engine, never flown in europe, and also having to convert the icao commercial licence
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Old 21st Jan 2010, 12:39
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Thanks for the post it is very informative
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Old 21st Jan 2010, 12:57
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Well actually I would recommend them regardless if you have experience or not. What I meant is that you are not going to get top notch flight instruction from an old and wise FI. But would I pay a couple thousand more for a very short course just to get a better FI. Me? No. For me I didn't really learn anything. I have the international experience having flown already in Europe ferrying aircrafts across the pond and flying also to Central and South America. Just make sure you have a good FI. The one I mentioned is the one that has the most experience but his attitude was terrible and not prone for you to learn. All the young guys I had were doing their job correctly and professionally showing me everything that I needed to know.

What I can say about this place is that you will get there more of a real life experience. There are a lot of jets coming in and out of this airport and you will often be asked to accelerate the pace. If you have never flown in European airspace - it's a good start but of course don't limit yourself to just this environment. Fly in other countries as well.
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Old 21st Jan 2010, 14:48
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I asked because, i think someone who only has 20 hours of ifr flying, and never flown in europe wont make it in the minimuns, probably 10 hours of IFR in the multi will do, thus doubling the course price.

For me right now its a cost based decision, but still their price is very good, this is where i would do it if i had to convert the ir and cpl.
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Old 22nd Jan 2010, 16:24
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Well... I just finished the IR conversion course at Aerodynamics Malaga.

To the most I can agree, but there is a lag of communication because some of the instructor and management person (downstairs) cant speak a proper english.

The other part for me was, the schedule times. I had a sim schedule at 0600 in the morning (I have to arrive 30 minutes earlier) and one at night 2200! You get the schedule at 2100 at night. Thats a little bit late.... It will be better to get a 2-3 days schedule.

If you go to Aerodynamics be careful that you get a girl as an instructor. The girls are very good. Some of the mens are unmotivated especially in the aircraft.

For the test, there are 2 examiner. One of them is just a joke. He is crying and changing everything. Be careful that you dont get this examiner. I got that guy but still passed . If you get this one dont argue with him, then you will pass!
 
Old 30th Jun 2010, 09:31
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Hi,
I recently did my IR conversion course at AD. My experience was also positive. I had to split the training in two due to work back home, but they were flexible and adapted to that. Since I was in a hurry I asked for double booking in the simulator and when it was possible I got it. There is always some things that could have been differently (like getting a schedule for the whole week), but the instructors were good, I finished on time and I paid was I was told when booking the course so I am happy.
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Old 2nd Jul 2010, 19:55
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I'm going to play devil's advocate.

You may have had a good time and all that good stuff down there...but...

Honestly what are your IR skills like?

Unfortunately your not in a position to judge.
I see many students from this school a year and the old expression is very true:

You get what you pay for.

On the other hand, if you are looking for top notch instruction (which I was not), this is not the place for you
Agreed.

And what you should worry about is what happens when you go for sim check against someone who has had better instruction and has better basic skills.

For the record I do not have any financial interest in people doing their IR in the UK - ie I don't work in flight training in the UK, but do work in aviation.

Last edited by BigGrecian; 2nd Jul 2010 at 19:57. Reason: Adding my position
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Old 2nd Jul 2010, 21:22
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On the other hand I know several people who went there and are employed with good airlines and one civi FI with the MOD....

Whenever AD is mentioned Big Grecian and/or Concerned IR turn up with the usual you didnt train in the UK therefore your rubbish.
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Old 2nd Jul 2010, 21:28
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I think the same, its good for conversions, I did mine there and got the pass, the training would have to be much better for an initial but I was not concerned with this as was a previous FAA CFI so had the skills already to pass an IR sim check

they may work harder with you for an initial? who knows,, but I would research that for sure.

The problam may lie in the fact the instructors are not dedicated to one student and are rostered like an airline really, thay have there days on and off and thats it, the sessions are tailers like 1-20 and they may take you for lesson 1, 5,11,16 so you dont get that steady build up of skill level with them working with you on your strong and weak point, its a lesson plan, they sit down, go through the lesson and tick the box as compleate then go home and you come in for your next lesson the next day,,, not real training in my eyes.
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Old 18th Sep 2010, 11:57
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Just revamping this tread, is there anyone at Aerodynamics at the moment who would like to post an up to date review?
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Old 11th Sep 2011, 12:50
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I agree with the sentiments that they are a nice little school and have an efficient system for conversion courses. That contrasts between the UK based schools that have such a fanfare about every last thing and of course you pay through the nose for it.

As the original poster stated "not a cent more" and that's with a slight overrun on the course hours , now where else are you going to get that?
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Old 31st Oct 2013, 14:42
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Hi All,

Some interesting comments above. I'm currently undertaking my IR with a UK based school, however I'm having serious issues with weather, serviceability and general customer service and I'm seriously considering going abroad to finish off my training with and EASA school. At my current school, I'm struggling to get one flight every two weeks despite being booked in to fly every day.

I've read some very good things about Aerodynamics Malaga. Does anyone have any more up to date info about them? Prices, flexibility, timescales for completion etc? The most recent info I can find is from early 2012 and their website is currently undergoing an upgrade. I have contacted them directly but wanted to find out peoples opinions.

Also, has anyone been in my boat before, e.g. moving from one school in the UK to another abroad mid way through a course? Did you experience any issues getting your license issued etc.
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Old 31st Oct 2013, 18:50
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Much the same for me did my initial there, a renewal and one of my three revalidations there. Never stopped me getting an airline job, which people always used to claim was the case here.

As for ADM I'd say they're good. They're not perfect, but who is?
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Old 1st Nov 2013, 08:09
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At my current school, I'm struggling to get one flight every two weeks despite being booked in to fly every day.
That is ridiculous. What is the main reason for that? It surely can't be the weather, in a deiced twin you should be able to fly most winter days in the UK.

You don't necessarily have to look beyond the UK to find a school that will get you flying most days at this time of the year.

Last edited by Contacttower; 1st Nov 2013 at 08:09.
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Old 3rd Nov 2013, 12:11
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ADM

hi guys,
i did my initial IR in malaga last year. i was extremely happy about it. i did not spend 1c extra from the quote and whenever I went slightly over in the flights i was never charged. it does happen because malaga is quite a busy airport so atc can ask you to either hold or vector around to wait.
instructors are great especially sebas, being young he know whats its like to be in our position and really take his job seriously.
im actually going back next month to renew the ir because i was extremely happy with their deals. if you have any questions feel free
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Old 3rd Nov 2013, 16:20
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Thanks for the info so far guys. It's certainly sounding appealing.

Contacttower
That is ridiculous. What is the main reason for that? It surely can't be the
weather, in a deiced twin you should be able to fly most winter days in the UK.
Unfortunately it is that bad at my current school. An example of this last week is outlined below:

Monday: No flying due to winds aloft at 30kts (I'm told that's too strong)
Tuesday: No flying due to winds aloft at 30kts
Wednesday: Perfect weather but on start up, the aircraft was found to be u/s with no contingency
Thursday: No flying due to a test and wednesday's aircraft was still u/s
Friday: Managed to eventually fly

Most weeks are like that at my current school. I'm currently three months into my IR, however I have only actually managed three flights in the aeroplane in that time. My flight on Friday was my first flight in 9 days due to weather. I appreciate that aircraft can break down anywhere, however the weather at my current school seems to be the primary issue. That's why I'm seriously considering completing my training abroad.
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Old 4th Nov 2013, 03:48
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30kts aloft is too much?? I am instructing at a school and our only wind limit is 30kts (well, pre-private pilot level students have stricter requirements).
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Old 4th Nov 2013, 17:17
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Often 30kt winds aloft might be indicative of turbulent conditions but honestly in of itself that wind speed should not be a reason to cancel a flight.

I mean perhaps if you are just starting holding it might be a bit of challenge depending on the drift angle but certainly I know most IR schools in the UK would fly in much worse simply because if they didn't they'd hardly fly. I know of people who have passed their IR tests in 40kts+.

It sounds like they also have an aircraft availability problem which is never ideal.

As a ball park figure the good modular schools in the UK; Stapleford, Airways, PAT, BCFT, ACS etc will get an IR done in two to three months.

Now it may well be that Aerodynamics is great place to finish off your IR, it probably is and most people certainly seem happy with it. I'm just saying that you don't have to leave the UK to find a good school that will get in done in reasonable time...

Personally I'm a fan of doing the IR in the UK mainly because the weather is IMC a lot of the time and there is nothing like the real thing when it comes to flying in cloud...
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