Naples Air Centre, EFT, Orlando FT & Ormond Beach Aviation
 

Dear all,

I'm finally at the stage where I am starting to select a flight school in the US to take my JAA PPL.
I have been advised by a retired Cathay pilot that I should go with a school that is recognised by the CAA.

This narrows the list down to four schools.

Naples Air Centre, European Flight Training, Orlando Flight Training and Ormond Beach Aviation.

Out of these four schools does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions?

Also, I would like to pursue the CPL after completion of the PPL but not necessarily in the US. Is it absolutely essential to study at these CAA recognised schools in Florida or is there anywhere else people can recommend to take the JAA PPL?

What does "recognized by the CAA" mean?
Schools are certified not recognized...semantics I know.
Last September you were pretty much set on doing your FAA CPL, what changed?
I might be completely off the mark here but advise from somebody who completed their own flight training 30+ years ago and that hasn't kept in touch with the flight training world is nothing more than an opinion.

As stated by several posters on your Sept thread; you do not need a JAA PPL for the ATPL ground school enrollment.
It is also cheaper to do your flight training FAA and then convert in the UK.

As far as your above questions are concerned, do a search, there have been recent threads about all three mentioned schools.

Sent me a PM if you need additional info.

Excuse me, I meant certified.

I would, however, prefer to do the JAA PPL rather than the FAA qualification.
I have read so much on all of the four schools listed, some good some bad. It is nearly an impossible choice to make.
That is why I thought I might look around for other schools in the US offering the JAA PPL qual.

Dont go to OBA from personal experience , unless you have loads of money and time

Yes I haven't heard too many good things about them.

Any JAA schools outide FL or California??

If we're going to get picky, the correct term is 'approved', not 'certified'.

I know of a few people that went to OFT in 2008 and Their experience was not a good one.

They were on a Jaa ppl course and one of the students was taught FAA right up until the week before her skills test when all of a sudden the school realised this was wrong.

the other student was held back from going solo so the instructor could build more time out of her and when she asked for a new instructor she was told to go and find one herself.

Just be careful where and who you give your money too.

I haven't heard too much bad press re EFT.

Anyone got any views?

Approved, certified, recognised...
 

...all hogwash; they are, indeed, given the tick in the box for hanging the right certificates on the wall and being obliging to the inspectors on the day.

Should things not work out, however, there is little meaningful recourse; the UK CAA hold no legal responsibilty. The school is in the US of A and subject to their legal system and legal costs.

If you do embark upon pond jumping, please consider what I have written and - I implore you - do not put down any more than $1000 dollars up front. Pay by credit card, having checked with the card provider for confirmation of cover, and ensure that the school abides by the requirements laid down by the UK CAA as outlined in the following document:

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/Standar...%2036%20v2.pdf

Note in the title 'Guidance'. this is a weasel word. Paranoia should be your natural state while you are training. This is an excellent guide to what you should expect even if you are just doing a PPL.

WB

Although this document is probably more relevant to schools in the US.

I'd listen to B2N2 and do your FAA PPL. I did a CAA PPL with UKFT back in 97 and I couldn't fault them (mainly because I had a good instructor) but you have got a handful of schools in the States aimed at Brits coming over and they know once you are there you're committed. You have got hundreds (possibly thousands) aimed at Americans and these wont survive if they are not up to scratch. Americans wont put up with it! Plus you get your night rating with the FAA PPL I believe.

Teapot or Cauldron?
 

BillieBob - thanks for the update - I was unaware of the document and too idle to research it further. Bad Toad!

AlexanderH - what size pot are you stirring?

What do you mean by that?

AlexanderH - 'What do you mean by that?'

I am trying merely to establish that your spoon is sized to the pot you intend to stir.

Dont go to oba
 

Unless you are willing to put up with poor management, no maintenace department, disgusting accomidations, constantly broken aeroplanes, and pissed off flight instructors that arent getting paid..... Stay away from *******************!!!!! I really cant believe this place is still in business.

(edited to remove a name, WWW)

I'm in the same boat, looking for somewhere in the states to do the JAA PPL. I also noticed that in addition to the Florida schools you mentioned, American Aviation Academy in California also offers JAA training, I'm interested to hear from anyone who has been there, or to OFT or EFT. I've heard too many bad things about OBA and NA to be willing to consider them right now.

Ive been to EFT to do my PPL. I would highly recommend them. They did exactly what they said they would do. I completed my PPL training within 20days and had the skills test on the 21st day. (Time includes 5 theory exams - i did 2 before i left the UK).
There was no messing around waiting for aircraft or instructors and i had a great time.
PM me if you need to ask any specific questions!
Mike

EFT sounds promising! How was the accommodation while you were there?

The accommodation was ok. Not 5 star but its fine for a month or so. To be honest, its really cheap and only 2 minutes walk from the school so you cant really complain! Its also handy to share with other people at the school as you can help each other when you get stuck!

That sounds great, was worried after reading about rancid bedding at NAC and OBA, and cockroach infestations! Thanks for the information!