Orlando Flight training
 

Hello
Im looking for someone who did all his training in Orlando Flight training...
-Is it a good school to do a PPL+CPL+IR multi?
-how long does it take to do it?
-pros and cons to go there?

thanks a lot!
:D

OFT
 

Did my intial training out there.
PPL Hour Build and MEP
Great place just watch the extra charges
Do a search on OFT and there are lots of answers to most questions.
Happy Flying;)

Orlando Flight Training Eligibility Confusion
 

Hi, I'm considering training at OFT in Florida for taking PPL and CPL Multi-Engine Courses and their requirements seem confusing to me :confused:

On their website on both the PPL and CPL pages it says the requirements for taking the courses, although some of them seem impossible to have for someone beginning flight training, e.g. on their PPL page it says this:

JAA Private Pilot Training Eligibility Requirements:
1. Be able to speak and understand the English language.
2. Hold a current JAA class 2 medical certificate.
3. Pass the JAA PPL written examinations with a score of 75% or more.
4. Pass a radiotelephony practical test.
5. Complete a qualifying a 150 NM cross country flight.
6. Pass a JAA skill test.

Are these requirements for STARTING the course or are they requirements for passing and being issued with the licence? The same questions apply for the requirements on the CPL page:

PRE-ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
JAA CPL ELIGIBILITY
1. Be able to speak and understand the English language.
2. Hold a JAA class 1 medical certificate.
3. Provide evidences of passing JAA ATPL/CPL written exams from the CAA.
4. Hold a radiotelephony license.

<SPAN class=body2><SPAN class=body2><FONT face="Times New Roman">

Sorry, missed a bit out :uhoh:

continued on from above:

JAR CPL AERONAUTICAL EXPERIENCE
1. Have completed 150 hours flight time.
2. Have at least 100 hours P1 (PIC) time.
3. Holder of Night Qualification.
4. Have completed a qualifying cross country flight of 300 nautical miles
with 2 landings at 2 different aerodromes other than the departure point.
5. Have complied with JAA-FCL 1.225 and 1.240 if a multi engine aeroplane is to be used on the skill test.

Obviously the last four points in the post above are needed before starting, but surely the ones titled Aeronautical Experience are well out of reach for someone starting CPL Training?

It doesn't seem very clear to me, but maybe its a stupid question.

Thanks,
Gotta_Hope

Hi

For the PPl these are requirements that you must achieve throughout the duration of your traing and are in no way pre entry requirements. i would however recommend you get the medical before you go, also think about doing the exams before you go.

With regards to the CPL they are indeed pre entry requirements. Feel free to PM me.

Hi again

I believe they are all requirements for the issue of a CPL.

think again
 

Hi , I did my PPL 3 years ago with OFT. Think again before you go there.
After PPL with OFT i decided to do FAA CPL/IR/Multi at the same airport but with another school. To many things that were NOT OK with OFT........oh yes they do have the accident record at Kissimmee airport....no doubt.

Like what? Has anyone else had any experience with them, good or bad? I did a search earlier and the results came up pretty good for OFT

I rented an aircraft (C172) from them two weeks ago.

The guy checking me out was great chap named XXXXXXX. The aeroplane was nice and tidy, and the outfit seemed well run. There was a lot of students milling around the place and it all looked very busy.

There was a slight misunderstanding over the time I agreed to take the aircraft and I got a stern talking to from the front desk but on the whole the experience was positive.

PD

They've had 2 airplanes crash in the last 8 months. Both students (on solo) both trained at (and by OFT). Be careful.

Try Sunstate Aviation, same airfield!

im heading out to oft on the 16th april to hour build and then complete my multi comm. Is anyone else out there going at the same time and fancy sharing some navs, or meeting up for a few beers

Take Care
 

Having moved to Orlando last Sept (from the UK) i'm currently studying for FAA licences in my own aircraft based in Kissimmee airport. I also have a job at one of the FBO's on the field and have heard (and experienced) some slightly scary stories originating from OFT. I would definately warn anyone considering training there to be cautious.
On the other hand, as mentioned elsewhere in this thread, Sunstate aviation (also at KISM) is a great outfit with good maintenance (their mechanics help maintain my aeroplane) and reasonable prices - in fact the best prices around (i was there only yesterday buying a few complex hours!). Hope this helps anyone coming to the area for training.
Beers and flying chat always good, anyone in the area interested let me know.

I use Sunstate when I take a winter break in Kissimmee - great people, great airplanes, great prices BUT, they don't do JAA training, only FAA.

I believe, although will no doubt be corrected, that for JAA training, there is a choice between OFT, OBA and NAC in the whole of Florida,

<<edit: You missed EFT @ Ft Pierce. - but you included NAC, who (currently) are no longer JAA approved. That makes it EFT, OBA and OFT (in alphabetical order).>>

I heading there tomorrow to fly with Sunstate for a week, it does seem strange that the 3 JAA providers are all a little dodgy! I reckon if you want to train for a European licence you should do it in Europe! Same goes for an American one, do it in America! Jez, if you're around I'll be in Sunstate, pop in and say hi!

When I was there there was the question: "What's the difference between the swamp and a flight school in Florida"; answer:"There are far fewer alligators in the swamp."

OFT
 

I did my PPL at OFT many many moons ago (Last centuary!). It was great. Prices were good, aircraft clean, tidy and always available when they said they would be. Instructor was excellent, got me a first time pass at the flight test. I`m now flying professionally and no problems were found during my advanced training that could be blamed on basic training.

I think with some schools, you pays your moneys and takes your chances.:cool:

HighFlyer21
 

Fatboyslimfast...... I am heading out to OFT on the 4th April do do my JAA CPL. This is the second time I have been to OFT, the first time was in 2004 to do my PPL. I have already done my hour building, but that beer sure sounds like a plan!!!.

Orlando Flight training.....??
 

This school offers a Frozen ATPL for $18000, but no one seems to comment on it....Anyone been there or have any advise?

Bravely venturing across the pond
 

Hi People,

I've booked to do my PPL/Night rating with OFT early in September 2006, any one else going to be there?

Did my night rating, JAA CPL and hour building at OFT last summer. Had a great time and encountered few problems that aren't endemic across the entire training spectrum. I recommend it.

hey pilotprincess

i'll be at OFT doing my ME CPL for 3 weeks from the 10th of september so hopefully see you there??

type1

Hellooooo
 

Hi Type 1,

Yes, I guess so! I see that you are going out to do your ME CPL, where did you do your previous training?

At the moment i'm just trying to get the rest of my PPL exams done. Aeroplane technical next. Also trying to sort out my visa for USA, interview with the US Embassy on the 24th July, i've heard you spend ages queuing. Have you been to USA before?

regards,

PP

oft
 

Did my CPL there...they messed me around something terrible.... wouldn't recommend them....also kissimmee a dump!!!

Hi Guys

I'm headed to OFT on 24th July to do my PPL/ Night Rating. Anyone else going to be there then? I'm still not fully up to scratch on all my exams so would be up for a few beers and perhaps someone who is still needing to finish of work for the ground exams.

PAJ

<<edit: Night What? It's a night "qualification" - not a rating.>>

Residential ATPL at Orlando Flight Training?
 

Dear Fellow Ppruners,

I heard in my "rumor" network that Orlando Flight Training wil start a residential ATPL course as of this summer/fall?

Is there anybody on Pprune who can confirm that? I checked there website but it doesn't say anything about it. Seems to be quite inviting to go to Florida for the ATPL and do the hourbuilding and the JAA ME/CPL in one go and enjoy the nice weather and save a lot of $$$ on top of it. Althought I heard that Kissimee is not realy the best place to be, anyway, I would like to know the fact's about this. Since the other school is not doing JAA flighttraining for the time being.


Speed220

I hear that the other school will be up and running with the flight training by the end of this week. The ground school is excellent aswell a good pass rate. So keep your options open

Options
 

OK TheChiefPilot , I guess there is more to choose from when you're looking for flyingtraining including ATPL in the US:)

And yes, pass rates are important to me:) Oh wel, we will see how things turn out at the other school, I am sure they'll let us know on Pprune if things are up to speed again.

But then again, if they have a new HOT and CPL instructor, what will the First time passrate be for the CPL/ME practical? Wich is even een more costly thing then an ATPL exam.

Dicisions Dicisions :ugh:

Speed220

Hi

I have also heard that rumour the other day from a friend of mine. Apparently ATPL ground school starts in October 2006. I am just waiting for an email to confirm though. If any one else can shed any more light, it would be appreciated.

well i spoke to my source and he is finding out the course prices and times, as soon as i have any more info will let fellow p pruners know

Was once at OFT . How is the school now? Are things better now?

CPL during nov UK/USA
 

Hi guys and girls

I hope to finish my ATPL´s during Nov here in the UK. The thing is that I really would like to get my CPL/IR done as fast as possible and without to much delay due weather or whatever the reasons could be. Offcourse I want good quality with my training as well, and i was wondering if anyone here have had experinces with CPL training here in the UK during nov? How long would you recon a CPL would take to complete in Nov/Dec? and would you recommend it here in that time of year?

Im thinking about doing it in OFT, Florida as well onlyt becourse of the weather there. Anyone had CPL experience with them?? I really would like to get on with it and complete my certificates in a reasonable amount of time.

What are youre thoughts on this??

Thank you :ok:

I was in a similar situation a couple of years ago. I will take a stab in the dark and state that it could take 1 to 2 months to get your CPL done in the UK in November. OK, it could vary enormously but the weather is usually pretty poop here then and you need good weather for most of it.

I did my IR here and finished by the last week of November. I flew straight to Florida (not OFT) and got the CPL done in a fortnight.....flying every day except for one day the aircraft was getting an annual. I would recommend doing your IR in the UK in real weather then doing the CPL in the US.

OFT are starting the ATPL residential groundschool in October this year. They are advertising for it already.

Speaking as someone who's been to OFT this summer.... for the record-

Yes problems do occur, see my other posts re. OFT. However I must say that when I was there, having met/talked to them personally, Boots & Karem (sp? sorry) were not "the most uptight little ", and also I got on well with the other instructors. I certainly didn't meet any I considered what you called them, and they are a good bunch IMHO.

I sympathize with your problems; I also had issues that left me seething. Fair enough; they weren't in the league of being grounded without being picked up, but they were still sizeable IMHO.

After I talked to them these problems were sorted out. I don't know if you've done so already, or are able to/left the USA, but I suspect that if you sit down with Ms. J. Roldan she will help you.

I agree that their record-keeping/maintanence could be better - and I was pretty annoyed too - but I think I should also present a 2nd opinion in this thread. Yes they did mess up, and yes it should never have happened, but they did sort it out.

I wish you the best in getting your issues resolved - (although from what has now been posted, it seems that OFT did actually deal with the issues quite well in the first place anyway! Thank you Scroggs)

Hobbit

Orlando Flight Training
 

Hi guys im looking at a course of 60 days for £10'000 at Orlando flight training. included in the course is all accomodation, jaa ppl, night rating, IMC and Multi engine rating.

I am looking at this course because it greatly reduces the cost and the amount of training I will have to complete when i return to the UK.

What i want to know is, is it worth it and is it a good school ?

Cheers.

Using the "Search this forum" facility will give you good, instantaneous feedback.

Commander Scroggs - would it be a good idea to create add another school-specific thread and add it to the FAQ?

I was out with OFT this summer to do my ppl/ night rating and would recommend it. My experiences were generally good - in fact any complaints I might have are so pinickity that I am not going to go into them here.

The instructors on the whole were all really nice and good pilots - really know their stuff. There were definitely some JAA/ FAA discrepencies that had to be taken to the CFI to get a final answer but this is no inconvenience for the money you save.

Just got three new (well not new but you know!) cadets which looked decent enough. I flew the 152 and have few complaints about them. They are not shiney new by any stretch of the imagination as no 152's are, but they are safe - OFT only allow max of 2.5 hrs before refuelling in the but I know one individual who managed to get a 152 all the way from Key West back to Kissimmee in one flight - flying on fumes at the end mind as it was in the region of 5 hrs (!!) but to save money, use the 152! The cadets are nice tho - occasionally you have them go tech - the multi's were flippin' awful while I was out there but maybe that was just then.

My advice to you is do as much work before going - I didnt as I had uni work until only a week before I left and this meant that I had to work my ass off - up before 6, bed around 11. I managed to get the exams all done in 10 days but I would not recommend that to anyone!! Get them done so you can concentrate on flying - its absolutely beautiful out there!!

Also, watch senior mgt/ sales - factor and extra 25% on to your budget at least for flying alone, then also think about expenses such as food. Make you own judgements about the place when you are out there. Don't listen to other students who have nothing good to say as that is not true! Yeh, some of the managers might be muppets in some people's eyes but you have to remember they are running a business.

Good school, good instructors, good aircraft, not so good ground-schooling facilities but get the weather and you're gonna be fine. As long as you are willing to work very hard - if not, I would suggest you dont bother. Costs will accumulate so fast that way making it cheaper to do it in the UK. For perspective, I went from basically zero hrs and only air law studied to ppl/ nr in 18 days. It's do-able if you put the effort in.

Hope that helps

BenAek
 

Hello BenAek,

There seems to be some confusion with your post and I will try and help you resolve it. I am sorry that we did not send you your night rating application form, but due to the circumstances surrounding your departure, we did not see your logbook.

1.Quote:I am not underestimating the school in anyway but I feel that it needs to be told that for example after 4 weeks now of waiting for my Night Rating to be issued by them and being promised it would be with me within the week , it hasn't shown up and I am starting my CPL/IR on Monday.

The only people that can issue you with a night rating, are the CAA Personnel Licensing Department at Gatwick and not as you state OFT. That said, Is subject to you having completed a course of training, you personally filling out an application form and signing it, and having your logbook stamped and signed as Logbook Entries Correct. But correct me if I am wrong: 1. You did not fill out an application form before you went back to the UK. 2. You did not get your logbook stamped and signed by myself, as you are aware, I was out of the office renewing my medical on the Friday. As you are well aware, you were still waiting confirmation from the CAA regarding the legality of your CPL qualifying cross-country flight. Why were we still waiting confirmation about the legality of your cross-country flight? Answer, because you chose to ignore the advice that I had given you about the CPL qualifying flight, decided to do your own thing, and that flight, did not meet the requirements which is why you had to do it again. I had asked you on more than one occasion if you had received an email from the CAA, but each time you answered that you were still waiting.

2. Quote: I am a bit worried about the maintenance of the A.C, i wont explain what happened to me because Ill get another bollocking but anyway just be careful as with any and most flying schools check out the safety standards and records.

Regarding aircraft maintenance, when asked if you primed a HOT ENGINE, you replied YES. Engine fires on the ground are a result of improper starting techniques, please refer to the approved checklist for starting a hot engine.
It is a pity that the problems you had with the aircraft were Self Inflicted, that you did not follow our approved checklist : Quote: IF ENGINE IS HOT:DO NOT PRIME OR PUMP THROTTLE. I am sure that most people will know what I am talking about, especially when the outside air temperature was in excess of +30C.

So BenAek, how can we resolve your problems. Well if you would like to send me back your logbook, so that I can check your logbook matches the training records, I will personally do the paperwork for you, and dispatch it within 24 hours. If this is not acceptable then please advise me accordingly.

You have already called and apologised for the last post, why would you post again in such a negative manner.

In today's world, the telephone or email work's absolutely wonders.

Andrew.

Thanks - but that link doesn't work, not sure why. Here's the image-
http://www.geocities.com/bkoprowski/...oursesmall.jpg
Re. your views on OFT -
My views have already been stated on here. But to sum up, in my experience, yes they did mess up, but yes they did sort it out.
And I got on quite well with all the instructors & couldn't fault them. The issues I had were all with finances/accounting etc.
Hobbit