Emirates Flight Training Academy in Dubai
Thread Starter

Joined: Nov 2012
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From: UK
Emirates Flight Training Academy in Dubai
I see this is opening later this year at DWC, and they are looking at 150+ students per year.
They plan to do the UAE GCAA syllabus. Are the ground exams the same / similar to EASA, and convertible to them ?
Is EFTA being set up to provide UAE nationals as cadets for Emirates/Etihad, or are they aiming to make this a regional training centre for a wider base of candidates ?
It suggests that it will be based at DWC - I would have thought that a 5 runway airport could be a bit over the top for use for ab-initio training ! Is it at a separate airfield nearby ?
Anyone able to add some detail ?
They plan to do the UAE GCAA syllabus. Are the ground exams the same / similar to EASA, and convertible to them ?
Is EFTA being set up to provide UAE nationals as cadets for Emirates/Etihad, or are they aiming to make this a regional training centre for a wider base of candidates ?
It suggests that it will be based at DWC - I would have thought that a 5 runway airport could be a bit over the top for use for ab-initio training ! Is it at a separate airfield nearby ?
Anyone able to add some detail ?

Joined: Sep 2009
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From: London
EFTA is principally designed to train local cadets for EK thus providing an in-house solution to the current arrangements with external ATO's.
The intention is for an EASA approved syllabus with GCAA oversight.
The intention is for an EASA approved syllabus with GCAA oversight.
Thread Starter

Joined: Nov 2012
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From: UK
Thanks R-B. So its the 14 exams system plus Integrated or MPL for the flying ?
I saw they are using Phenom jets for Multi-engine training - sees a bit over the top !
I assume any staff they are looking for would be those used to delivering the EASA syllabus ?
I saw they are using Phenom jets for Multi-engine training - sees a bit over the top !
I assume any staff they are looking for would be those used to delivering the EASA syllabus ?
de minimus non curat lex

Joined: Feb 2001
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From: sunny troon
If they need flying instructors for the multi engine phase, where exactly will they come from with the necessary previous jet time.
They might put some of the EK TRIs/TREs through a FIC course. Can you do FI multi engine (jet) only qualification? EASA?
The bottle neck will be the output on the flying side.
Has MPL ever been on the cards?
Training over 3 years.........until line checked..?
They might put some of the EK TRIs/TREs through a FIC course. Can you do FI multi engine (jet) only qualification? EASA?
The bottle neck will be the output on the flying side.
Has MPL ever been on the cards?
Training over 3 years.........until line checked..?
Joined: Sep 2015
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From: GMTT
Sorry if I'm wrong, but I think that this cadets have to do a Type Rating in the Phenom before the ME rating isn't? I read in a French forum that a French FTO propose to their studets to finish their Integrated ATPL with 5 hours in a VLJ... but without a TR in the jet they can't log those hours...

Joined: Jun 2008
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
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From: More up than down.
Kilomike,
I think it is possible because the Lufthansa students also do their IR/ME on a CJ1+.
Regarding the Phenom 100E, it is a VLJ. It is possible to operate under single pilot ops. So if the FI has a TR on the aircraft, it should be possible to undergo IR/ME on this plane as a student.
I think it is possible because the Lufthansa students also do their IR/ME on a CJ1+.
Regarding the Phenom 100E, it is a VLJ. It is possible to operate under single pilot ops. So if the FI has a TR on the aircraft, it should be possible to undergo IR/ME on this plane as a student.
Last edited by captain.weird; 10th April 2016 at 17:56.
de minimus non curat lex

Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,510
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From: sunny troon
The issue is a civil FI, whose is not an ex military A2, making a quantum leap from MEP to jet operations.
Yes the prospective FI would need to undertake a type rating, and gain sufficient experience on type before they became competent on type prior to teaching on it. The standardisation process will no doubt be robust. It needs to be when jet training is involved.
Just because the VLJ is capable of single crew operations, it does not mean it is a stroll in the park, unless you are an ex A2 with jet teaching experience. You might get lucky and have airline pilots who return to a previous FI life ~ flying club etc.
Significantly faster, operating above unpressurised MEP (light twins) capability, and comparative complexity of type. This will take time for the osmosis to work. Not to be rushed.
If you undertake the type rating, then clearly one engine inoperative (engine failure etc) is part of the training/testing in the simulator prior to the base training prior to type rating issue.
What is interesting is that the licensed skill test includes the IRT for multi-pilot operations.
So the interphase of simulator / airborne training will be interesting, and the timing of events/ tests.
This will therefore be the multi-engine training phase?
The 5 hours through the French ATO will be LOFT training? Famil?
It will be logged, and clearly approved as part of the course by their regulator.
Yes the prospective FI would need to undertake a type rating, and gain sufficient experience on type before they became competent on type prior to teaching on it. The standardisation process will no doubt be robust. It needs to be when jet training is involved.
Just because the VLJ is capable of single crew operations, it does not mean it is a stroll in the park, unless you are an ex A2 with jet teaching experience. You might get lucky and have airline pilots who return to a previous FI life ~ flying club etc.
Significantly faster, operating above unpressurised MEP (light twins) capability, and comparative complexity of type. This will take time for the osmosis to work. Not to be rushed.
If you undertake the type rating, then clearly one engine inoperative (engine failure etc) is part of the training/testing in the simulator prior to the base training prior to type rating issue.
What is interesting is that the licensed skill test includes the IRT for multi-pilot operations.
So the interphase of simulator / airborne training will be interesting, and the timing of events/ tests.
This will therefore be the multi-engine training phase?
The 5 hours through the French ATO will be LOFT training? Famil?
It will be logged, and clearly approved as part of the course by their regulator.
Last edited by parkfell; 11th April 2016 at 09:27. Reason: Syntax
Joined: Dec 2016
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From: Ohio
is this program only for UAE nationals? i have been thinking about applying to EFTA OR AAG for my MPL. i tried looking everywhere to find some way to contact the people at EFTA but no luck. It'll be really helpful if someone on here can provide me with some contact info and more insight about the academy. by the way i tried emailing them no response.
cheers!
cheers!
Joined: May 2014
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From: Oz
EFTA almost ready to start operations
EFTA will become partially operational in April 2017, when the building is handed over and ATPL ground school instruction starts being delivered there. 22 Cirrus SR22 aircraft are scheduled for delivery from July 2017 through June 2018 and the first of five P100EV Phenoms will arrive in October 2017. Cirrus flying instruction for the first course starts September.
The full programme encompasses an initial 18 month Foundation course of English, maths, physics and aviation science, to ensure cadets are sufficiently efucated to undertake ATPL ground school. 14 GCAA exams which mirror EASA. Then circa 300 + hours total in both sim and aircraft (culminating in CPL MEIR and Single Pilot Type Rating on P100EV) prior to being handed over to the airline to start their B777 Type Rating.
Entry curently only available to Emirati nationals, but may open to other GCC airline sponsored students in the future.
The full programme encompasses an initial 18 month Foundation course of English, maths, physics and aviation science, to ensure cadets are sufficiently efucated to undertake ATPL ground school. 14 GCAA exams which mirror EASA. Then circa 300 + hours total in both sim and aircraft (culminating in CPL MEIR and Single Pilot Type Rating on P100EV) prior to being handed over to the airline to start their B777 Type Rating.
Entry curently only available to Emirati nationals, but may open to other GCC airline sponsored students in the future.




