IFTA or EFT
 

Has anyone been to these schools before? and if so what are they like.
I want to do my CPL(single or multi), and the FI(R) course. But as I don't know too much about them I would like to hear there good points and bad (please be subjective).
In particular the overalll cost of the trip and what the local area is like i.e how easy is it without a car(I know its the States) and more importantly how did you feel when you got back into the air the UK?
Or is there anywhere else that anyone can can recommend??

help:confused:

There have been a few post in the past on this subject, so have a browse.

I would strongly recommend EFT, and you'd probably be best to steer clear IFTA.

The Area that EFT are located is ideal for a trip to many of the beaches and not too far for a weekend in Miami. You can hire one of the Caddis from the school next door at $100 a week and share the cost with the other students. The accomadation is about a 10 minute drive away. You share a two bed apartment with one other student. You'll have the use of a pool and a couple of tennis courts. I completed the FI with them and had a great time and very pleased with level of instruction.

Give them a call or send an email requesting all the costs. Remember there'll always be the hidden extras, but if you ask for all the details including the HE's you'll not get ripped off.

i dont know them, but when I call them for my ATP convertion, IFTA told me BS.
EFT looks better...if i have to choose, I will go to EFT.

If superpilot68 (aka ronchonner) is going to EFT then you want to be at IFTA!!

I think it would help the debate if people argument why to stay clear of certain companies to make a proper opinion.

Clearly stating that a place is near the beach is not useful if the question was for a CPL. We talk serious training and serious money. I get the impression that this is more advertising than discussion!

Scubawasp : Check your messages.

MAX:cool:

Cheers everyone, one more little question, I've looked at some past posts, and it would appear that by the time you add other costs on,its not that much cheaper.
What I would like to know, is what EFTs pass rate is like, andthe way the weather in the UK is, especially at this time of year, surley it makes more sense to do it out there! any futher thoughts:cool:

Can't say what their overall pass rate might be but I was certainly very happy with them. CAA examiner was very complimentary and I can only surmise that was due to the training I received from Phim Smith rather than any natural ability of my own!

Cheers everyone, one more little question, I've looked at some past posts, and it would appear that by the time you add other costs on,its not that much cheaper.
What I would like to know, is what EFTs pass rate is like, andthe way the weather in the UK is, especially at this time of year, surley it makes more sense to do it out there! any futher thoughts:cool:

IFTA/EFT
 

I did my ME/CPL with IFTA last year and had no problems with them as I achieved everything I planned in the minimum hours and time and most importantly got a first time pass.
Regarding the first time pass rates, i believe they both are very good. They seem to be using the same examiners from the uk for both schools, this was the case when I was there, the examiners were travelling from one school to another.
Good luck for the training, enjoy it!

IFTA / EFT
 

OK, first i would say do a search on this subject , well documented on here if the one owner has not had it removed, impairing fair speech and all that.

I went to IFTA with the same aspirations, and i have to say, what a load of **** i approached EFT about completeing my training and were i have to say far more professional and guided me far better, however because of the time i had left i did not do my training there i completed in the UK, where within 3 weeks of returning i haad completed , done and dusted, even in this weather. With EFT it was straight talk no BS.

I will always say, if you check the costs, flights, accomadation and food, it is and if not cheaper to do it there, youll get more flexibility here too if you find the right company as you would have no time restriction, and as for bad weather it does happen, just about everyday in FL, predictable granted, but its there.

If you had to Choose though go for EFT stay away from the other!!! first hand experience

Happy flying, and safe landings:cool:

thanks for your replies. I'm still convinced that provided a first time pass is achieved that the States will be cheaper, as I've still got the cost of food, accomodation etc.
Carbonfibre, where did you end up doing yours?

I did my CPL with IFTA, got through OK, however if i had to do it all over again i will steer well clear of them.
I have to give the instructors their dues, very good guys, but the guy that runs it, an absolute ass. He will try to covince you that you need extra training, delay your flights and create an absolute nightmare just to extract more money, and do not listen to his wife, all promises until you pay up front. The rest you can just imagine.
Stay well clear and good luck.

I have posted before on the subject of IFTA and all i can say to those considering going is do not bother. IN MY EXPERIENCE it is more trouble than it's worth and whilst i was at IFTA a high percentage of people were p***ed off with attitude of the owner. Good instruction, bad management.

I did my CPL/ME/FI last summer at EFT. They renewed my faith in flight schools. First time pass in everything with my CPL pass being thanks to Phil Smith.
You need to shop around and visit all possible schools before you decide which one is the best for you. As others have pointed out, hidden extras are something you get at most schools. At EFT the extras might be there as well, but they are upfront.
Good luck wherever you go.

what are you going for??
 

Well, as someone who went to IFTA late last year to do my PPL - a lot of what people write is true - but - unless you have had a particularly lucky experience, there are always moans about all schools - and that is not changing anytime soon

IFTA instructors were first class, planes could have been better but 2 PA28 warriors just been refurbished completely - Stuart is a fun field and ATC very friendly and work with you on first solos etc

The management team could be better on their customer service front but lets face it - we should all know what we are looking for before we go there and be able to see through any BS and see the facts - they are now able to issue visas as well - have seen that in progress - on the owner, he is a much different person in the air than on the ground, I am sure that his reputation would be greatly enhanced if more people flew with him rather than just encounter him on the ground

also, recognising that we are all on a budget, they have introduced a loyalty program - check their website

I am going back later in spring to do my IMC

"also, recognising that we are all on a budget, they have introduced a loyalty program"

Obivously you can not know the management very well if you think the loyalty program is for your benifit. I also worked at IFTA and I never saw 1 customer return.

Once bitten, twice shy!!

Returning Customers
 

Actually i saw a person return there 3 times. 1 time the owner put him forward for Skills test and admitted he wasnt ready, wasted his money , he went home then returned 3 weeks later, minus the air fare and accomadation.

Some people never learn. First hand experience at IFTA and i know a lot of people that went there who will NEVER recommend it to anyone even though they passed, conned, poor planning and dis-array are the things that come to mind, besides the unscrupulous dealings of the owner who liked nothing more than to tell you how much money he has and does not care if you go.

People who dabble with that school are dabling witht here ambitions and savings

Good luck to all in your adventures;)

I've been to EFT - finished off half my PPL(a) there due to bad weather at home. I can thoroughly recommend them.

The senior staff Ben, Trevor and Phil are all excellent. Their standards are high and taught with the U.K. CAA's expectations in mind.

Fort Pierce is a busy enough airport to make ATC interesting but the area is a bit lacking on the social side (good if you're doing any ground exams as you won't bother to go out).