Airways Aviation - Any good??
 

Hi,

I've just stumbled across this flight school in Coventry during my search for a suitable flight school. Does anyone know anything about them? I haven't managed to find any reviews or feedback on them like i have for oxford aviation academy etc. which was my original choice but since i am currently living in the west midlands this one would be ideal if its any good.

Cheers

Matt

It used to be Atlantic

Phil

The owners of Airways Aviation bought AFT but have completely transformed it. Now a real competitor to CTC and CAE.

They have a long way to go for that, I think. But we'll see.

G

A very long way to go - all their best staff have jumped ship to Jerez, Oxford and CTC

What happened to the association between Airways Aviation and Kura announced a couple of months ago? Did they fall out? I can't find any mention on existing websites.

Dinoorin, absolutely NOT true.

HW

Have you considered Aeros at Coventry airport?

I (and many others) recommend them highly

Be wary
 

In the past 7 or so months, the Head of Training has changed, the CFI has changed, at least 3 TKI's have left, The DCTKI has left recently, the CTKI I believe has stepped down and they are looking for a replacement. Low student numbers coming through the door. Dominated by foreign students. Other members of staff have left fairly recently. They haven't replaced some of the staff. Some of those who have left, have gone to CTC, FTE and CAEOAA.
It doesn't bode well.
They are in no way, in competition with the bigger ATO's. Not sure about the tie up with KURA, it certainly has gone quiet.
Airways (previously Atlantic Flight Training) certainly has a chequered history. So beware.

If in doubt, go and see what it is like for yourself, pay them a visit. But compare with other schools too.

IMHO Dinoorin is correct as is Stn120 and that Happy Wanderer and pilotatlast may be looking through rose tinted glasses (or through the bottom of glasses that have previously been filled with alcoholic refreshment)

Kura
 

Does anyone have any more info on what happened to the partnership with Kura? That sounded promising.

Kura's business model is to take exceptionally well qualified and motivated students, put them through an intensive (and costly) programme of interviews, simulator flights, Etc and groom them for an airline interview. What they do, they do well. And their success rate, whilst small in numbers, is impressive.

However, one of the reasons they are successful in placing these students, is that they are highly selective and only take the very best. One could argue that these guys are going to make it regardless of Kura or not.

So the 'tie up' is only as as far as an agreement to put some students in front of Kura and let them decide whether or not to take them (and their money).

It comes from OAA. The current GM/HoT was at OAA once upon a time and had this connection. Of course it worked well in OAA where there are many bright, motivated cadets. Doubtful if Kura will be taking many from AA. They certainly haven't to date.

Recently viewed the school with my son and have to say was very impressed.
Yes the building isn't brand-new but is of better standard than offered by OAA. The HOT was very knowledgable and gave us confidence in what they have to offer. My son is joining the August course which is almost full.

The August course isn't almost full. They have a capacity for 24 or more per class and to my knowledge they have 25% of that on the course

Don't say you weren't warned! :ugh:

Here are some of the links

BBGA Member Airways Aviation ATPL training with an industry focus - BBGA

Airways Aviation introduces new pilot training pathway - Pilot Career News

New ATPL training with an industry focus - News - Pilot

They've done well to get it in a number of mags / websites.

If you read it, however, you'll see that it is long on rhetoric and short on detail. What it says is "We've given a new name to our standard integrated CPL/IR MCC/JOC training programme".

Here's the copy

Airways Aviation has launched its flagship integrated ATPL course, Elite Pathways ProgrammeTM (EPP).

According to Airways Aviation, the EPP is a fully-integrated ATPL package which offers EASA approved training with a focus on student experience and industry-readiness.

Airways Aviation is an Approved Training Organisation, with Pilot Training Academies and Aviation Foundation Schools in a variety locations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

Airways Aviation’s Commercial Manager in the UK, Naveed Kapadia, explained, “We’ve worked with industry partners and aviation experts, to design and develop the EPP to provide a student-centric approach to training that offers additional skills, experience and opportunities beyond the standard ATPL course. It’s packaged with additional airline preparation experience and advanced flight training – including upset recovery, multi pilot and jet training.”

In addition to the launch of its EPP, Airways Aviation has also recently opened a fair-weather flying base in Huesca, Spain. Aside from the location, the base offers students a opportunity to undertake European (EASA) accredited training in European airspace.

Kapadia added, ‘This is a fantastic time to undertake pilot training – airlines are beginning to ramp up their recruitment of new pilots to meet future demand and at Airways Aviation we believe we are well placed to play a pivotal role in the training of those pilots globally.”



If they'd announced the purchase of a new A320 / B737-800 simulator to do the MCC/JOC in, then that would have been something to sit up and take note of. And it would certainly have been a step in the right direction to attracting more high quality, european-based students. But sadly, of course, it doesn't say that. It is just another media facelift PR announcement without any substance..........

Come on boss-man..... Put your hand in your pocket and buy a fixed base Airbus A320 or Boeing 737-800 NG flight simulator from MPL-SS Holland. Now that would really take AA into the 21st century and be something to brag about. ;)

Elite Pathways Programme?
 

Just a new name for their ATPL Integrated course. It will be the same content plus a few weeks in a sim in the Netherlands, just new name and shiny new brochure. It would seem that it is aimed at EU nationals only from the entry requirements.

as the saying goes "you can polish a t1rd, but at the end of a day, it's still a t1rd"

The new label with the word "Elite" might sway a few easily impressed customers, but those who do their research carefully will soon realize that there is little or benefit over any other course.

I hear that the course just commencing has only 5 or 6 students on it. OK so you get a more personal form of instruction but not the benefit os working within a large course group.

Have they solved their instructor problem yet? Last I heard, they only had 3 Ground school instructors and were looking for a new chief ground instructor.

Aeros Coventry
 

I agree with Fanjita,

I completed my CPL/ME and IR with Aeros and found them to be very friendly and professional. I paid as i flew and didn't pay anything up front.

The training was excellent and i highly recommend them. The instructors were all excellent and very helpful.

All the aircraft are all well maintained and are in excellent condition, iv also heard that they now use glass cockpit Tecnams and Diamonds too.

I am now flying for Ryanair and i know of at least 10 other people who also trained at Aeros who are now with Ryanair too.

Feel free to PM me if you want to know anything else about my time at Aeros.

I have no regrets what so ever in choosing Aeros, and the price is very competitive, especially when comparing it to integrated courses.

Deffo worth a visit.

Matt

Redundancies at Airways?
 

Heard from a contact that Airways may have made redundancies very recently, needing to reduce overheads and streamline their operations due to trading difficulties. Does anyone know any more about this. Doesn't sound good for them.

Whilst advertising for new CEO and instructors and paying for large advertising campaigns in magazines and industry papers? I think the rot was setting in earlier in the year when a number of key people left and they weren't bringing many customers in through the doors.