Olympus Aviation Academy (Greece)
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Olympus Aviation Academy (Greece)
I'm looking for a decent school to help me with my FAA CPL to EASA frozen ATPL conversion, and came across Olympus Aviation Academy. Seems that their rates are the most affordable not even in Greece, but also among any other European schools that I explored.
However, information available on this school is very limited. Did anybody attend it? Any positive/negative feedback? How does it compare to Egnatia, FAS, Global?
However, information available on this school is very limited. Did anybody attend it? Any positive/negative feedback? How does it compare to Egnatia, FAS, Global?
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Olympus Aviation Academy - Bad experience.
I can not say a lot about their educational process at Olympus Aviation Academy, I never got that far, but in terms of their attitude, especially if you are an international student - this place is the worst!!, I have a PPL issued in Serbia and I tried to get my ATPL with them, falling for their relatively inexpensive program, compared to descent schools in Europe. Paid the 1/3 deposit of almost 11000 eur, got an invitation letter (which said that in case I don't get my visa I will be fully reimbursed) , applied for my visa and was denied (probably because of my age being 34). As soon as I requested my deposit back, all communication have stopped, no response to my multiple emails, now I have to seek for a legal help to somehow resolve this. So guys, don't be fools like me, go to a legit school, don't fall for cheap prices, avoid places like this, at the end it might cost you even more. I will be posting updates, when it shifts from a standstill point.
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Thanks for the write up, is there any update on this? I've also been in contact with them and they seem to offer a good program, provided they're not a bunch of con-artists, that is! If anyone else has any experience with this school, please share!
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It hasn't been resolved yet, they haven't gave me the money back, my attorney is handling the case now, and he is in the process of communicating with them , now they took a pause to digest everything. And within a month we either go to court, or it will be resolved peacefully. In anyway, I will be following up with further updates.
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Greetings Giorgio. I would advise you to stay as far as you can from this school. I was a student there not long ago. What I had found out was that this so called 'academy' had two serious accidents in the recent past (the first involving the head of training as captain in charge) and the school had to close down for some time under impending investigations.
There is only one graduate on the ATPL-integrated course in the seven years this school is operating. The flight training takes forever while students who have paid in advance are trapped there waiting to get flying hours (the pay as you fly policy is a joke and a luring trick for potential students).
Once the installments are paid in advance communication with the head of training becomes difficult and everything slows down. It is even worse for foreign ATPL-integrated students who have to pay 11000 euros in advance for their visa.
Many of them had to leave because they were drained both financially and psychologically by overextended time schedules and idleness (of course they received no refund of their fees). The main source of discontent amongst students was and is the very scarce availability of aircrafts and instructors. OAA has only two Cessna's through leasing, from which only one is operating to my knowledge. Add the fact that there are approximately 30 stagnant students waiting to fly and you do the math. I left as soon as I discovered those clues.
I will not advertise any flight schools in Greece (what you choose is your own business) and I have nothing to gain from what I am writing here. Nevertheless I implore any of you to not even think of this school as a viable choice and if you do, please think about it twice and investigate thoroughly. It's your future and your money you are putting at risk.
PS. Since I can't post any URL's here yet, you should search on google and type olympus aviation academy crash and you will see a 01/2018 link. Click it and you shall find an AAIASB report regarding their first accident (which occured at 22.3.2015 on Axios river, Greece).
Secondly you can copy and paste this greek sentence on google search: Ξάνθη: Συντριβή μονοκινητήριου αεροσκάφους and you will find news and photos on CNN Greece about their second crash (12.11.2018 at Neos Zygos airport, Xanthi). (regretfully the article is in greek, so you should google translate).
Best of luck
There is only one graduate on the ATPL-integrated course in the seven years this school is operating. The flight training takes forever while students who have paid in advance are trapped there waiting to get flying hours (the pay as you fly policy is a joke and a luring trick for potential students).
Once the installments are paid in advance communication with the head of training becomes difficult and everything slows down. It is even worse for foreign ATPL-integrated students who have to pay 11000 euros in advance for their visa.
Many of them had to leave because they were drained both financially and psychologically by overextended time schedules and idleness (of course they received no refund of their fees). The main source of discontent amongst students was and is the very scarce availability of aircrafts and instructors. OAA has only two Cessna's through leasing, from which only one is operating to my knowledge. Add the fact that there are approximately 30 stagnant students waiting to fly and you do the math. I left as soon as I discovered those clues.
I will not advertise any flight schools in Greece (what you choose is your own business) and I have nothing to gain from what I am writing here. Nevertheless I implore any of you to not even think of this school as a viable choice and if you do, please think about it twice and investigate thoroughly. It's your future and your money you are putting at risk.
PS. Since I can't post any URL's here yet, you should search on google and type olympus aviation academy crash and you will see a 01/2018 link. Click it and you shall find an AAIASB report regarding their first accident (which occured at 22.3.2015 on Axios river, Greece).
Secondly you can copy and paste this greek sentence on google search: Ξάνθη: Συντριβή μονοκινητήριου αεροσκάφους and you will find news and photos on CNN Greece about their second crash (12.11.2018 at Neos Zygos airport, Xanthi). (regretfully the article is in greek, so you should google translate).
Best of luck
Last edited by John John; 22nd Jan 2020 at 19:21.
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i already have prescharge against them. But they are not interested to co-operate. they are total fraud. i have a court decision and i'm looking for team-mates to join in a sue against OAA. if you interest we can talk
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I wish you could reconsider your decision Giorgio, but again, it is your own choice in the end. All I have to advise you is that under no circumstance should you sign any binding contract with them nor pay anything in advance. They are over enthusiastic and co-operative at the beginning with potential students, therefore more fresh cash, and give them flying priority over older ones. Once fees are prepaid as installments in advance to 'boost' their training as management claims, new students are stuck in a vicious cycle of miscommunication with management and infighting amongst them on who should have flying priority with the only operating aircraft. At the same time many of them are also quite fatiqued by having to study hard to pass their theoretical exams and unfortunately they cannot perform adequately on their already scarce flight training. The result of such a combination was a crash at Neos Zygos airport, Xanthi Greece at 12.11.18. At any case my intention is not, in any way, to make you change your mind but to give you some clues from my experience there, food for some thought if you will, to research further before doing something more irreversible.
Again, best of luck and safe flying
ps. I would be happy if we could talk Moudiaris, of course.
Again, best of luck and safe flying
ps. I would be happy if we could talk Moudiaris, of course.
Last edited by John John; 11th Dec 2019 at 13:11.
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Hi everyone. I would also recommend giorgio89 to look for better a flight school. Moudiaris and Incantator, I am sorry about your monetary loss. Incantator, maybe at least you have saved your soul from the toxic atmosphere out there? This school is mess, ruined by its own owner who has been completely overtaken by events and dishonesty. Dramas after another. As serious as 2 crashes they all were lucky to survives. Sure he is an excellent story teller. I had a few good experienced flight instructors, almost all left for better places to work, in addition to the dramas they often didn't get paid.
As students with OAA, we thought after we hit the wall, we are optimistic thinking a relatively young flight school would learn from its mistakes. Not here, it's a 5 years story repeating. If you ask actual students from this school, very few might dare exposing what's going on out there. They have lost too much not yet accepting the reality, which is going nowhere. That's how I've been fooled with that place. Quickly after partially paid things changed to the worst. later, I met with some former students, they revealed insane experience, it was still hard to believe back then. Almost all these former students where already with other flight schools to rescue their flight training. They had to afford paying again for training already paid and sometimes already done! I've been trapped there for months for an ATPL training, the only students I've seen getting successfully a pilot license the "honest way" out there were pilots having being trained abroad doing CPL or ATPL EASA conversions.
The accident report John is referring is a crash that occurred in 2015, the owner of the school was flying himself with 2 Italian students. You can find it on the AAIASB Air Accident Investigation and Safety Board: aaiasb.gr/en/aaiasb-reports/2018-reports-gr/412-01-2018.html
The AAIASB makes their investigation public only after release of their final report, usually after around 3 years, so you won't find anything yet concerning the 2018 crash.
You really want to do your commercial flight training in Northern Greece? You have Egnatia Aviation. Not your budget? You have Sky Aviation Academy, they are often that flight school rescuing the flight training of OAA's students. They are serious, but you have to accept flying at the main airport of operation, LGAL Alexandroupolis.
Flight training barely possible at LGTS thessaloniki. General aviation and flight training operation no longer welcome at LGTS since the Fraport management took over. I'd say you have more choice of flight school in Athens/Megara, if you are willing to go there..
As students with OAA, we thought after we hit the wall, we are optimistic thinking a relatively young flight school would learn from its mistakes. Not here, it's a 5 years story repeating. If you ask actual students from this school, very few might dare exposing what's going on out there. They have lost too much not yet accepting the reality, which is going nowhere. That's how I've been fooled with that place. Quickly after partially paid things changed to the worst. later, I met with some former students, they revealed insane experience, it was still hard to believe back then. Almost all these former students where already with other flight schools to rescue their flight training. They had to afford paying again for training already paid and sometimes already done! I've been trapped there for months for an ATPL training, the only students I've seen getting successfully a pilot license the "honest way" out there were pilots having being trained abroad doing CPL or ATPL EASA conversions.
The accident report John is referring is a crash that occurred in 2015, the owner of the school was flying himself with 2 Italian students. You can find it on the AAIASB Air Accident Investigation and Safety Board: aaiasb.gr/en/aaiasb-reports/2018-reports-gr/412-01-2018.html
The AAIASB makes their investigation public only after release of their final report, usually after around 3 years, so you won't find anything yet concerning the 2018 crash.
You really want to do your commercial flight training in Northern Greece? You have Egnatia Aviation. Not your budget? You have Sky Aviation Academy, they are often that flight school rescuing the flight training of OAA's students. They are serious, but you have to accept flying at the main airport of operation, LGAL Alexandroupolis.
Flight training barely possible at LGTS thessaloniki. General aviation and flight training operation no longer welcome at LGTS since the Fraport management took over. I'd say you have more choice of flight school in Athens/Megara, if you are willing to go there..
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olympus aviation
Hello to you all
I was recently informed that Olympus Aviation Academy Anonymous Company will soon be officially closed by its owner. He is going to transfer, or already has the school's students and stuff to a new building (in Kalamaria, an eastern municipality of Thessaloniki) founding there a new school under the name Horizons Aviation Academy registered under a new VAT number. I can only think that Olympus is no more because of its owner's financial misdeeds and aggresive mismanagement, leading to considerable debt, otherwise I strongly believe that this school had potential. If OAA is declared bankrupt, something unfortunately I cannot know for sure, former students will not be able to press charges against the school and reclaim their refund since OAA won't exist as a legal identity. And there are various ongoing court cases against OAA.
This is not the first time that the owner and head of training Stauros Anastasiadis has done such a thing. Before 2013 he was running a namesake Horizons Academy in Peraia, Thessaloniki, and for unknown reasons he and the co-owners chose to shut down the school and split their paths. He founded Olympus at 2013 while they founded TAE aviation academy (now operating at Megara, Athens).
What I assume he is doing now is jumping from his shady and full of debts OAA enterprise into his older one HORIZONS by simply changing its VAT identification number and now he has a company with a clean record. And why wouldn't he, since he has been luring, via the school's arab facebook page, plenty unsuspecting arab students willing to offer cash upfront for visas. Most of their money end up paying his debts and if they are lucky they might get some flying hours before getting stuck (2 airplanes for more than 70 students). Sadly in the world of business such moves are only natural but almost always the one with the damage at the end is the student-client.
I will disclose any new information I have and if anyone has something new to share, please do.
With regards
I was recently informed that Olympus Aviation Academy Anonymous Company will soon be officially closed by its owner. He is going to transfer, or already has the school's students and stuff to a new building (in Kalamaria, an eastern municipality of Thessaloniki) founding there a new school under the name Horizons Aviation Academy registered under a new VAT number. I can only think that Olympus is no more because of its owner's financial misdeeds and aggresive mismanagement, leading to considerable debt, otherwise I strongly believe that this school had potential. If OAA is declared bankrupt, something unfortunately I cannot know for sure, former students will not be able to press charges against the school and reclaim their refund since OAA won't exist as a legal identity. And there are various ongoing court cases against OAA.
This is not the first time that the owner and head of training Stauros Anastasiadis has done such a thing. Before 2013 he was running a namesake Horizons Academy in Peraia, Thessaloniki, and for unknown reasons he and the co-owners chose to shut down the school and split their paths. He founded Olympus at 2013 while they founded TAE aviation academy (now operating at Megara, Athens).
What I assume he is doing now is jumping from his shady and full of debts OAA enterprise into his older one HORIZONS by simply changing its VAT identification number and now he has a company with a clean record. And why wouldn't he, since he has been luring, via the school's arab facebook page, plenty unsuspecting arab students willing to offer cash upfront for visas. Most of their money end up paying his debts and if they are lucky they might get some flying hours before getting stuck (2 airplanes for more than 70 students). Sadly in the world of business such moves are only natural but almost always the one with the damage at the end is the student-client.
I will disclose any new information I have and if anyone has something new to share, please do.
With regards
Last edited by John John; 11th Dec 2019 at 21:42.
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Hello there friend
Sadly I know nothing of this school but there are threads here on pprune you can look to..
Type aeolus aviation academy pprune and you will find one. Kind of old though.
And if you are greek you can search on airliners.GR too.
Sadly I know nothing of this school but there are threads here on pprune you can look to..
Type aeolus aviation academy pprune and you will find one. Kind of old though.
And if you are greek you can search on airliners.GR too.
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Olympus Aviation Academy Greece
Hello Everyone
I am an active student of the school since a year now and i am honestly very surprised to read these exaggerated comments about the school.
i will try to give honest and unbiased opinion here as i my own money and time and energy is being put in this school. Again, this is my personal experience which I am sharing.
Yes the school has certain management issues (which school doesn’t) as it does not have big Investors or a big management staff but till now i have personally not faced any major issue with school as stated above by a person or two here. It is a school not as big as other big names in Greece but that was the prime reason I chose it so I don't get stuck behind all the cadet programs or sponsored programs.
I realised satisfied students dont make an effort to review the school but they should. After reading all the bad stuff here i felt i should shed some light on the other side of the story as well.
My ground school was done on time and with instructors who are actual airline pilots with airlines like ryan air, aegean airlines, ellin air and instructors who are ex NATO. Some students do complain about the irregularity of ground school however my batch got an uninterrupted ground school.
My flying is being completed on time and as per my availibilty since i have finished my ground school, now appearing fro exams and moved to LGAL fligt base. All flight instructors are Ex Greek Airforce Chief pilots etc who are very knowledgeable and excellent trainers. Wherein other schools are absorbing their own pass-out students as instructors, in Olympus all instructors come with years of experience from airforce or from seaplanes etc.
The school does asks you to sign a contract and i think every school is doing this nowadays to protect themselves from anything that may arise from a misunderstanding between them and a student. There is a payment plan you are expected to follow as well.
I would like to confirm the school has legally changed its name to Horizon Aviation Academy and moved few kilometres away from their previous location and i have personally checked the license ATO with the Greek CAA website and the owner remains the same and the school has an uninterrupted license for flight training etc.(can be confirmed on ypa.gr)
In official papers the name remains as “Horizon Aviation Academy (powered by Olympus Aviation Academy)”.
The school currently has 2 Cessna 172 and a third one that was in an accident by a student which is in the maintenance base of school and we have been told a process to acquire another single engine airplane is underway. the multi engine training is done with a rental Seneca for now in Athens along with the SIM training.
I did hear some bad stuff from certain people when i newly joined but i have come to realise that may be certain students kind of reflect their own shortcomings onto the school and pretend like they were never at fault.These are the people who could either not clear medicals after arriving into Greece or couldn’t clear exams or flight checks.
The accident people are talking about here happened in 2005 I believe and as it does not have any influence on current license of school or training of students, I personally do not care about it.
I can confirm students are clearing their atpls and getting their hours and getting their licenses like any other school.
There are delays in some cases but they are due to airplane being on maintenance or weather etc etc. certain issues which are beyond the control of students, school and civil aviation authority.
I believe everyone should do their research while selecting a school for such big amounts of money but dont believe every negative comment being made, there is always two sides to the story.
I can answer further questions about the school if asked.
I am an active student of the school since a year now and i am honestly very surprised to read these exaggerated comments about the school.
i will try to give honest and unbiased opinion here as i my own money and time and energy is being put in this school. Again, this is my personal experience which I am sharing.
Yes the school has certain management issues (which school doesn’t) as it does not have big Investors or a big management staff but till now i have personally not faced any major issue with school as stated above by a person or two here. It is a school not as big as other big names in Greece but that was the prime reason I chose it so I don't get stuck behind all the cadet programs or sponsored programs.
I realised satisfied students dont make an effort to review the school but they should. After reading all the bad stuff here i felt i should shed some light on the other side of the story as well.
My ground school was done on time and with instructors who are actual airline pilots with airlines like ryan air, aegean airlines, ellin air and instructors who are ex NATO. Some students do complain about the irregularity of ground school however my batch got an uninterrupted ground school.
My flying is being completed on time and as per my availibilty since i have finished my ground school, now appearing fro exams and moved to LGAL fligt base. All flight instructors are Ex Greek Airforce Chief pilots etc who are very knowledgeable and excellent trainers. Wherein other schools are absorbing their own pass-out students as instructors, in Olympus all instructors come with years of experience from airforce or from seaplanes etc.
The school does asks you to sign a contract and i think every school is doing this nowadays to protect themselves from anything that may arise from a misunderstanding between them and a student. There is a payment plan you are expected to follow as well.
I would like to confirm the school has legally changed its name to Horizon Aviation Academy and moved few kilometres away from their previous location and i have personally checked the license ATO with the Greek CAA website and the owner remains the same and the school has an uninterrupted license for flight training etc.(can be confirmed on ypa.gr)
In official papers the name remains as “Horizon Aviation Academy (powered by Olympus Aviation Academy)”.
The school currently has 2 Cessna 172 and a third one that was in an accident by a student which is in the maintenance base of school and we have been told a process to acquire another single engine airplane is underway. the multi engine training is done with a rental Seneca for now in Athens along with the SIM training.
I did hear some bad stuff from certain people when i newly joined but i have come to realise that may be certain students kind of reflect their own shortcomings onto the school and pretend like they were never at fault.These are the people who could either not clear medicals after arriving into Greece or couldn’t clear exams or flight checks.
The accident people are talking about here happened in 2005 I believe and as it does not have any influence on current license of school or training of students, I personally do not care about it.
I can confirm students are clearing their atpls and getting their hours and getting their licenses like any other school.
There are delays in some cases but they are due to airplane being on maintenance or weather etc etc. certain issues which are beyond the control of students, school and civil aviation authority.
I believe everyone should do their research while selecting a school for such big amounts of money but dont believe every negative comment being made, there is always two sides to the story.
I can answer further questions about the school if asked.
Last edited by Kaur777; 19th Dec 2019 at 09:22. Reason: grammatical errors and additional information added
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So, as I asked informations about Aeolus here, is correct that I report my experience with them.
I needed to do my conversion FAA to easa.
I can say just something, they did miracles.
Family running the school, loved so much how they are really passionate in what they do.
They did all the best that was possible for take care of me, of my issues, of my short time and of my budget.
I believe that the son of the owner and as well the chief flight instructor is well prepared and very kind.
For my personal experience I can raccomand the school.
I needed to do my conversion FAA to easa.
I can say just something, they did miracles.
Family running the school, loved so much how they are really passionate in what they do.
They did all the best that was possible for take care of me, of my issues, of my short time and of my budget.
I believe that the son of the owner and as well the chief flight instructor is well prepared and very kind.
For my personal experience I can raccomand the school.
Last edited by Flyingdog84; 3rd Jan 2020 at 21:33.
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olympus aviation
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Greetings to you all
Hello Kaur
I absolutely agree that all sides must be heard and be seen.
The ground school for as long as I was involved there, was decent, not great, with very good instructors like Mr. Papadopoulos who since has resigned. Since I have never completed it I take you at your word that it was done on time.
What I remember is that there were no flights for more than four months due to maintenance reasons. I don't know about you but I didn't have that luxury of time even if at that same time I could study the ATPL theory.
Personally, if I, as an investor could know the history of the school (even the accidents that you seem to not care about) in detail I wouldn't choose it. That's me, that is my prerogative.
A company doesn't change its name for the sake of appearances only. It disappears as a legal identity and appears as an entirely new one under a new VAT number. For what reasons they did that I don't know and personally I don't care. But a healthy business doesn't do that. This is not a company I am willing to do business with.
Since I am so sinking into my shortcomings and projecting them everywhere ( this is not only OAA's luxury) I would like to ask you some questions:
1) How many active students are there now? Are two planes going to suffice?
2) How many 0 to ATPL graduates does the school have since 2013?
3) Are the civilian ground instructors licenced by HCAA for ground school? (not the air force guys) And if yes have you seen their licence?
Also how many flight instructors does the school have now?
4) When somebody doesn't get cleared for medicals, flights, exams or visa requirements, and logically has to leave the school, why management doesn't see to reimburse their funds? Are they protecting any interests there by being evasive and non co-operative?
5) Under the current circumstances how much time you estimate will it take for a student to complete the ATPL integrated course with OAA-Horizons?
I take that you have already invested in this school and so any negative feedback is bad for the influx of future students therefore not beneficial for your progression.
At any case I hope that I am wrong and the school might start fresh now and for the better, but I am keeping my negative opinion for now.
I truly wish the very best for you and all other students
With regards
ps. If Stavros chose you as his PR executive he did right.
You are great.
Hello Kaur
I absolutely agree that all sides must be heard and be seen.
The ground school for as long as I was involved there, was decent, not great, with very good instructors like Mr. Papadopoulos who since has resigned. Since I have never completed it I take you at your word that it was done on time.
What I remember is that there were no flights for more than four months due to maintenance reasons. I don't know about you but I didn't have that luxury of time even if at that same time I could study the ATPL theory.
Personally, if I, as an investor could know the history of the school (even the accidents that you seem to not care about) in detail I wouldn't choose it. That's me, that is my prerogative.
A company doesn't change its name for the sake of appearances only. It disappears as a legal identity and appears as an entirely new one under a new VAT number. For what reasons they did that I don't know and personally I don't care. But a healthy business doesn't do that. This is not a company I am willing to do business with.
Since I am so sinking into my shortcomings and projecting them everywhere ( this is not only OAA's luxury) I would like to ask you some questions:
1) How many active students are there now? Are two planes going to suffice?
2) How many 0 to ATPL graduates does the school have since 2013?
3) Are the civilian ground instructors licenced by HCAA for ground school? (not the air force guys) And if yes have you seen their licence?
Also how many flight instructors does the school have now?
4) When somebody doesn't get cleared for medicals, flights, exams or visa requirements, and logically has to leave the school, why management doesn't see to reimburse their funds? Are they protecting any interests there by being evasive and non co-operative?
5) Under the current circumstances how much time you estimate will it take for a student to complete the ATPL integrated course with OAA-Horizons?
I take that you have already invested in this school and so any negative feedback is bad for the influx of future students therefore not beneficial for your progression.
At any case I hope that I am wrong and the school might start fresh now and for the better, but I am keeping my negative opinion for now.
I truly wish the very best for you and all other students
With regards
ps. If Stavros chose you as his PR executive he did right.
You are great.
Last edited by John John; 29th Dec 2019 at 21:01.
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OLYMPUS AVIATION ACADEMY
Hello everyone
I recently completed training with Olympus Aviation Academy. Excellent place ,Great instructors , they know what your priorities are .I was being guided and supported throughout.
I am shocked to read comments about school. If i hadn't been to school i would also have believed comments written about school. Luckily i am a former student of Olympus and as a former student i highly recommend Olympus Aviation Academy for training.
HAPPY LANDING.
I recently completed training with Olympus Aviation Academy. Excellent place ,Great instructors , they know what your priorities are .I was being guided and supported throughout.
I am shocked to read comments about school. If i hadn't been to school i would also have believed comments written about school. Luckily i am a former student of Olympus and as a former student i highly recommend Olympus Aviation Academy for training.
HAPPY LANDING.
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Dear John John,
I am really shocked about all the details you mentioned above, how do you know all this stuff?
What you trying to gain from all of this?
Could you please be more precise how many school's have you attended so far?
And about the accident's you mentioned do you think is not happening anywhere else?
By the way did you passed your ATPL'S and where?
You just came out of the blue with some stuff you personally don't have a clue and you blame the school about what?
1st About the foreign students Non-EU they need to pay 30% of the amount of the tuition fee to get the visa it is happening everywhere. Now if the student didn't passed the ATPLS who's fault it is?
2nd Why you give false information about something you haven't seen it by your self, as you mentioned you left more than 1 year. You repeat some rumors which you don't know if there true.
3rd You mentioned about the accident's you knew about them so why you enrolled? No-one is hiding anything as far as I enrolled the H.O.T gave me USB with the all the information about the school and guess what else the accident report issued by the HCAA included in the USB.
4th You mentioned in 7 years only 1 student finished the integrated course, again just last 6 months 8 students finished and I don't count the conversions.
Everything you mentioned are outdated/false/lies.
P.S. I am one of the 8 mentioned above 😉
In aviation I learned one thing unfortunately most of the future aviators are spoiled and they have attitude issues.
Happy New year.
I am really shocked about all the details you mentioned above, how do you know all this stuff?
What you trying to gain from all of this?
Could you please be more precise how many school's have you attended so far?
And about the accident's you mentioned do you think is not happening anywhere else?
By the way did you passed your ATPL'S and where?
You just came out of the blue with some stuff you personally don't have a clue and you blame the school about what?
1st About the foreign students Non-EU they need to pay 30% of the amount of the tuition fee to get the visa it is happening everywhere. Now if the student didn't passed the ATPLS who's fault it is?
2nd Why you give false information about something you haven't seen it by your self, as you mentioned you left more than 1 year. You repeat some rumors which you don't know if there true.
3rd You mentioned about the accident's you knew about them so why you enrolled? No-one is hiding anything as far as I enrolled the H.O.T gave me USB with the all the information about the school and guess what else the accident report issued by the HCAA included in the USB.
4th You mentioned in 7 years only 1 student finished the integrated course, again just last 6 months 8 students finished and I don't count the conversions.
Everything you mentioned are outdated/false/lies.
P.S. I am one of the 8 mentioned above 😉
In aviation I learned one thing unfortunately most of the future aviators are spoiled and they have attitude issues.
Happy New year.
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Poland
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Dear Polirised89
First of all, congratulations on your success with the ATPL training and I wish for many more to come.
I haven't attended any other school, since I don't have the luxury to pay more than 50.000 euros (the price was another factor for choosing OAA) and my job doesn't allow me to fully leave everything behind. I have studied the ATPL theory but without enrolling in a school one cannot give exams at HCAA.
In how much time did you complete your course if I may ask? Did you attend any other flight school before that?
As far as your questions go now
1) While you correctly have stated that non EU-students have to pay 30% of tuition fee to the school for visa you strategically neglect to mention how the school ommits to reimburse them if they leave. Incantator didn't even enroll and they still kept his money. Two fellow students of mine left at the same time as me and the school still owes them 15.000 and 11.000 euros respectively. Maybe they were at fault for not being mentally or physically fit, maybe not, but these money are theirs and no contract of agreement will change that.
2) What I know I learned from within the school. During my short tenure as a student at OAA I managed (by luck you might say) to get in contact with some disgruntled ex students who prepaid significant amounts of money, their training was progressing extremely slowly, if at all, and eventually they left.
Now since I don't have their permission I cannot disclose their names. How convenient you maybe say but nevertheless I will respect their privacy.
Additionally the accident at Xanthi was widely known when it occured and eventually I came to find about the 2015 accident at AAIASB page. These are reported almost fatal incidents for anyone to find on Google. Now if they are outdated and not worthy of attention, since they are happening everywhere else as you say, is a matter of one's perspective.
I didn't and couldn't know about them when I enrolled and I admit I should have known sooner.
Of course I don't know the technicalities of accidents' investigation but the whole process strains financially even the best of companies. What I remember was that at these times I could not find myself paying the school a dime without knowing the actual risks. Even the former CEO Olympia Giannakidou had left the school at the start of 2019 for Skies Academy at Peraia, for being unpaid in months.And she was actually registered on the VAT number of OAA as a shareholder, co-owner etc. Management didn't inform me adequately about all these factors unlike you of course who had the pleasure. They just told me that accidents happen. But time has passed you say and I truly hope things have changed for the better.
3) 9 ATPL integrated graduates is a fine number but, again, not so grand in 7 years of operating. When did they first enroll?
4) All the time I was there I had never even seen any plane. Every week we were waiting to go to Alexandroupoli airport and every time it was postponed without even the slightest briefing. One Cessna was stuck in Slovenia for maintenance reasons then another was about to be purchased. I understand that now the school has two operating Cessnas and one Seneca for MCC they rent at Megara as Kaur mentioned above.That is progress I suppose. Still they are not enough for 60-70 students.
In conclusion I estimated at the time that the school couldn't provide me the training in quality and in time for the money I was going to pay for.
This is my opinion as you are entitled to yours.
I have nothing to gain. In practical terms I am wasting my time monumentally right now, writing here.
And if OAA or Horizon or whatever is of high quality, then negative information on pprune won't change that. Students will flock there by themselves.
Please next time don't be so 'shocked', like Bimala above, and feel free to counter-argue with actual fruitful arguments and facts instead of generalizations. Accusing me of falsehoods and lies won't help the people you supposedly want to help here.
With regards and wishes for a happy new year
First of all, congratulations on your success with the ATPL training and I wish for many more to come.
I haven't attended any other school, since I don't have the luxury to pay more than 50.000 euros (the price was another factor for choosing OAA) and my job doesn't allow me to fully leave everything behind. I have studied the ATPL theory but without enrolling in a school one cannot give exams at HCAA.
In how much time did you complete your course if I may ask? Did you attend any other flight school before that?
As far as your questions go now
1) While you correctly have stated that non EU-students have to pay 30% of tuition fee to the school for visa you strategically neglect to mention how the school ommits to reimburse them if they leave. Incantator didn't even enroll and they still kept his money. Two fellow students of mine left at the same time as me and the school still owes them 15.000 and 11.000 euros respectively. Maybe they were at fault for not being mentally or physically fit, maybe not, but these money are theirs and no contract of agreement will change that.
2) What I know I learned from within the school. During my short tenure as a student at OAA I managed (by luck you might say) to get in contact with some disgruntled ex students who prepaid significant amounts of money, their training was progressing extremely slowly, if at all, and eventually they left.
Now since I don't have their permission I cannot disclose their names. How convenient you maybe say but nevertheless I will respect their privacy.
Additionally the accident at Xanthi was widely known when it occured and eventually I came to find about the 2015 accident at AAIASB page. These are reported almost fatal incidents for anyone to find on Google. Now if they are outdated and not worthy of attention, since they are happening everywhere else as you say, is a matter of one's perspective.
I didn't and couldn't know about them when I enrolled and I admit I should have known sooner.
Of course I don't know the technicalities of accidents' investigation but the whole process strains financially even the best of companies. What I remember was that at these times I could not find myself paying the school a dime without knowing the actual risks. Even the former CEO Olympia Giannakidou had left the school at the start of 2019 for Skies Academy at Peraia, for being unpaid in months.And she was actually registered on the VAT number of OAA as a shareholder, co-owner etc. Management didn't inform me adequately about all these factors unlike you of course who had the pleasure. They just told me that accidents happen. But time has passed you say and I truly hope things have changed for the better.
3) 9 ATPL integrated graduates is a fine number but, again, not so grand in 7 years of operating. When did they first enroll?
4) All the time I was there I had never even seen any plane. Every week we were waiting to go to Alexandroupoli airport and every time it was postponed without even the slightest briefing. One Cessna was stuck in Slovenia for maintenance reasons then another was about to be purchased. I understand that now the school has two operating Cessnas and one Seneca for MCC they rent at Megara as Kaur mentioned above.That is progress I suppose. Still they are not enough for 60-70 students.
In conclusion I estimated at the time that the school couldn't provide me the training in quality and in time for the money I was going to pay for.
This is my opinion as you are entitled to yours.
I have nothing to gain. In practical terms I am wasting my time monumentally right now, writing here.
And if OAA or Horizon or whatever is of high quality, then negative information on pprune won't change that. Students will flock there by themselves.
Please next time don't be so 'shocked', like Bimala above, and feel free to counter-argue with actual fruitful arguments and facts instead of generalizations. Accusing me of falsehoods and lies won't help the people you supposedly want to help here.
With regards and wishes for a happy new year
Last edited by John John; 1st Jan 2020 at 18:19.
Join Date: Dec 2019
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2page. These are reported almost fatal incidents for anyone to find on Google. Now if they are outdated and not worthy of attention, since they are happening everywhere else as you say, is a matter of one's perspective.
John John
Thanks for your wishes,
As I mentioned above you going in too much details with name's and amounts etc which again it's unnecessary. I don't know your situation but the way you present it it's like criminals running the academy and you was/are the victim. Again thankfully the school is operating in European country which have rules and regulations and no COMPANY/SCHOOL can do what you mentioning without getting caught. By your words the school is illegal but the same time is EASA/HCAA approved with ATO number, something doesn't add up.
I personally don't believe this is the case
I will try to answer all your questions regarding me and if you need more feel free to ask.
I have finished my course in 19 months, I have attended only one school I am on the same page as you I don't have that privilege to shop around.
You asking about my classmates, they enrolled same year but again everyone is going in different pace it is up to the individual the ground school is the same flights are the same then is the exams different story. Again I just mentioned ONLY about my classmates.
I don't get the number you keep saying in 7 years only 9 integrated students finished? Before you was saying only 1 now it's 9?
About the former CEO or Co-owner I don't really know the case and to be more precise I don't care, again that's me.
About the accident's go in the website of AAIASB and have a look for the so called the biggest aviation school of the Balkans had an incident where they forgot the landing gear on their landing, 2 POB student and instructor. This is just an example accident's happen even to the "best".
I hope I covered almost everything.
Ps. I don't have anything to gain from all of this circus which happening on here. And just a friendly advice/reminder GDPR is in place from 2018.
John John
Thanks for your wishes,
As I mentioned above you going in too much details with name's and amounts etc which again it's unnecessary. I don't know your situation but the way you present it it's like criminals running the academy and you was/are the victim. Again thankfully the school is operating in European country which have rules and regulations and no COMPANY/SCHOOL can do what you mentioning without getting caught. By your words the school is illegal but the same time is EASA/HCAA approved with ATO number, something doesn't add up.
I personally don't believe this is the case
I will try to answer all your questions regarding me and if you need more feel free to ask.
I have finished my course in 19 months, I have attended only one school I am on the same page as you I don't have that privilege to shop around.
You asking about my classmates, they enrolled same year but again everyone is going in different pace it is up to the individual the ground school is the same flights are the same then is the exams different story. Again I just mentioned ONLY about my classmates.
I don't get the number you keep saying in 7 years only 9 integrated students finished? Before you was saying only 1 now it's 9?
About the former CEO or Co-owner I don't really know the case and to be more precise I don't care, again that's me.
About the accident's go in the website of AAIASB and have a look for the so called the biggest aviation school of the Balkans had an incident where they forgot the landing gear on their landing, 2 POB student and instructor. This is just an example accident's happen even to the "best".
I hope I covered almost everything.
Ps. I don't have anything to gain from all of this circus which happening on here. And just a friendly advice/reminder GDPR is in place from 2018.
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Poland
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Hello again
The devil hides in the details as they say. For me providing true details is essential since it makes arguments more robust.
I didn't insinuate at all that OAA is runned by criminals since that would be laughable. EASA-HCAA approval is not a quarantee that a school operates without training, financial or other irregularities nor that we as students won't risk our money eventually. If you are Greek or have worked in Greece you would know that even HCAA as part of the public sector has many internal problems in terms of transparency and control.
Fortunately I didn't lose any serious amount of money, lucky me, but my friends did as I mentioned. I understand this doesn't concern you since you have graduated as you said but it is important to me in terms of justice, not victimhood.
When I am about to pay such an amount of money, I believe it's 53.900 euros now, I want to know everything about how the company I will be doing business with, is operating in all aspects. That is me of cource.
One graduate that I was informed of but never actually met was Isidoros Pantelis who is one of the ground instructors. Plus the 8 you mentioned with you are 9 graduates that I am aware of as of now. I understand that there would be more. Could you disclose how many graduates of ATPL integrated does the school have so far?
Since you mentioned the so called best school in Balkans I take that you mean Egnatia aviation at Kavala. I don't know much about them only that they are very expensive for my taste.
Also since you took the time to read reports at AAIASB page take a look at the Olympus report of the 2015 accident at Axios river. The owner and captain in charge claimed he faced engine failure but the investigation didn't show signs of stall in the debris which eventually got stolen from the sight.
The report closes with:
Probable causes
The failure to adhere to the regulations and procedures specified for Makedonia TMA VFR Routes and, more specifically, the safety altitudes specified for the said routes. The incorrect assessment of the risks of low flying which resulted in the aircraft striking the overhead power transmission lines.
You cannot equate all accidents by being caused of simple human neglect which is natural.
Forgetting the landing gear is a serious but quite a human mistake.
Low flying against the air laws, for showing off and crashing is another thing.
You can see the questions I made to Kaur above. If you'd like feel free to answer them because I think you have covered only two parameters.
While I am losing my time here I respect what all the above had to say and I don't think this thread is a circus. It can provide healthy dialogue and save some time for future students and aviators in their endeavors with any school.
ps. Now that the school has changed its name to Horizon doesn't it take some considerable time to be ATO approved again since it is a new company?
Could you or Kaur confirm upon that?
Also thanks for the GDPR reminder. That is kind of you.
With regards
The devil hides in the details as they say. For me providing true details is essential since it makes arguments more robust.
I didn't insinuate at all that OAA is runned by criminals since that would be laughable. EASA-HCAA approval is not a quarantee that a school operates without training, financial or other irregularities nor that we as students won't risk our money eventually. If you are Greek or have worked in Greece you would know that even HCAA as part of the public sector has many internal problems in terms of transparency and control.
Fortunately I didn't lose any serious amount of money, lucky me, but my friends did as I mentioned. I understand this doesn't concern you since you have graduated as you said but it is important to me in terms of justice, not victimhood.
When I am about to pay such an amount of money, I believe it's 53.900 euros now, I want to know everything about how the company I will be doing business with, is operating in all aspects. That is me of cource.
One graduate that I was informed of but never actually met was Isidoros Pantelis who is one of the ground instructors. Plus the 8 you mentioned with you are 9 graduates that I am aware of as of now. I understand that there would be more. Could you disclose how many graduates of ATPL integrated does the school have so far?
Since you mentioned the so called best school in Balkans I take that you mean Egnatia aviation at Kavala. I don't know much about them only that they are very expensive for my taste.
Also since you took the time to read reports at AAIASB page take a look at the Olympus report of the 2015 accident at Axios river. The owner and captain in charge claimed he faced engine failure but the investigation didn't show signs of stall in the debris which eventually got stolen from the sight.
The report closes with:
Probable causes
The failure to adhere to the regulations and procedures specified for Makedonia TMA VFR Routes and, more specifically, the safety altitudes specified for the said routes. The incorrect assessment of the risks of low flying which resulted in the aircraft striking the overhead power transmission lines.
You cannot equate all accidents by being caused of simple human neglect which is natural.
Forgetting the landing gear is a serious but quite a human mistake.
Low flying against the air laws, for showing off and crashing is another thing.
You can see the questions I made to Kaur above. If you'd like feel free to answer them because I think you have covered only two parameters.
While I am losing my time here I respect what all the above had to say and I don't think this thread is a circus. It can provide healthy dialogue and save some time for future students and aviators in their endeavors with any school.
ps. Now that the school has changed its name to Horizon doesn't it take some considerable time to be ATO approved again since it is a new company?
Could you or Kaur confirm upon that?
Also thanks for the GDPR reminder. That is kind of you.
With regards
Last edited by John John; 2nd Jan 2020 at 23:29.