PPRuNe Forums - Orlando Flight Training

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Pro-Pilot Orlando Flight Training

Hi All,

Starting the ATPL course Jan 08, just wondered if anyone else was starting at this time?

Would be good to share view's.

I'm not but I'd be very interested in what you have to say for the course when you get out there.

However I did notice you have already done your PPL back in 2003? So I assume you have had a discount on the full price of $35,995? Are you doing the JAA ATPL Ground School out there over 25 weeks too or did you do it here in the UK i.e BGS?

Good luck.

More about OFT/Euroflight

I am just back from OFT, and it is really a great place to fly, if

- you want to train real in flight emergencies :bored:
- train your negotiation skills :ugh:
- test your frustration tolerance :eek:
- spent more time and money as advertised :ouch:.

About the management has been written already at other places, I refer to the comments from Props Forward (30th September 2007), onefatpilot (4th April 2007, stevehudd (10th April 2007) KingKongPilot (26th November 2006) etc.

There have been quite a few incidents with the aircraft while I was there and it seems they haven’t learnt their lesson after this incident. Read the full story here http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief2.asp?...03LA179&akey=1
You might say, that was in 2003, but in my opinion it is just a matter of time to the next serious incident. I was sent off with a broken engine, just back from maintenance (they cleared a spark plug but left the broken oil ring on the piston), had during this flight a radio failure and fumes coming from the panel (probably the radio). Fortunately I had insisted on a fire extinguisher prior to start, as the aircraft had none…

If you are really considering training there, just ask them two questions (in written!):
- How many students are training at OFT/Euroflight currently?
- How many instructors do you have under contract?
If you are keen, ask additionally about average times for going Solo, PPL etc…

Sure, they just want your best, what certainly is your money, so they found many ways in reaching this goal. For example their tiny pilot shop or their student accommodation. Have a look to this pictures:
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/f...o/PB220061.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/f...o/PB220059.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/f...o/PB220058.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/f...o/PB220060.jpg

Fortunately there is the free market, but consider your contract and deposit!

If you are from India, try to get a reference from an other student prior transferring your money. I heard they take advantage of the Alien Status in America along with its vulnerability, and the guys I have spoken to had all very hard times explaining prolonged and more expensive training and just hope to get their licence and forget the rest as quick as possible…

My summary: Do not FLYOFT! :=

Pro-Pilot Course

Hi Plinky,

I've changed my username from cmvidini. I'm heading out early to do PPL and IR before April's ATPL. Which date are you starting ATPL?

After all the planning and paperwork I can't wait for the day to arrive when I Fly out.

I'm interested in your feedback.

Can you tell me what you hoped to achieve there, and what you actually achieved. Also perhaps what it actually cost in the end?

Thanks.

Is this the 1000hr Pro Pilot programme? If it is, how did you go about ensuring you'd be able to work as an FI in the US? What were the VISA/Work permit processes like?

Well this doens't sound too promising. I'm supposed to be going to OFT in the new year and was going to pay my deposit in the next couple of weeks. After reading all the above I'm not so sure! Anyone got any feedback on Moncton? Maybe a bit more expensive but no VISA needed and hopefully not so many god awful reports.

I do realise that there may be some good points to OFT but form what I'm reading it sound like a really expensive joke! :\

It’s a bit of a lottery at the end of the day. I was there last summer just for a PPL, I have a few complaints but I did come back with my PPL. Although it was ok when I was there, It seemed to be on the decline. Many instructors were leaving to join airlines and the continual influx of Indian students was pushing the place well over capacity.
I expect you would get similar issues at other Florida schools though.
If you want more details PM me and I'll elaborate further on my experience.

Orlando Flight Training

Hi Plinky,

Have my Visa interview on the 4th so keep you posted. I've had one previously as I did my PPL(H) at OFT two years ago. Was fairly simple just have all the info requested and be prepared for long waits at the Embassy.

Are you doing PPL Theory study at the moment?

HI,

Sure i'll stay in contact. I'm doing the ATPL GS with OFT but probably purchase BS for evening study as this is Gospel.

Orlando Flight Training

Just an afterthought, there are lots of threads of previous OFT students. Think timing and luck have a bit to do with Aircraft Airworthyness and whether your having to wait for an Aircraft.

Might be worth having a read but each students experience will be different.

To be honest I think the whole Flight Training process is a big gamble from start to finish. But it does concern me when issue like flight safety start coming up. I know there will always be issues at any flight school where the number of instructors or available aircraft is not adequate...but flight safety is a whole different ball game!

They're very clever how they all call themselves schools...they're actually a business so will always try to get away with the bare minimum of instructors etc. (Never guess I was an accountant at the mo would you!!!) :)

Pro-pilot course

Hi,

I'm planning on joining the April course but also to complete my PPL at OFT before. so will probably see you there.

When are you both planning on arriving at OFT? i'm planning on arriving end of Feb, to finish my JAA PPL as i've already completed the theory for it... well almost.

Seems to me every US JAA FTO has problems with AC going tech and owners that try and squeeze every cent out of you.

I am keeping a close eye on EFT / OBA / OFT / Naples as they cater for JAA students. I dare say that any of them have a clear history :rolleyes:

It really doesn't suprise me that OFT are over priced. They are the only JAA approved school in the area. It really does worry me on the flight safety side though. I think I'll be looking at Moncton or possibly a few other flight schools in the US to do an FAA PPL. Things are never simple are they! :ugh:

Hi Shock's,

Great to hear of another fellow April ATPL. I've used Gleim for PPL Theory as it has all the FAA Question Bank. Which have you used?

Have you decided where your doing JAA IR Conversion and MCC?

I did my PPL(H) at OFT few years ago and had great time, can't wait.

Plinky,

On the Welcome pack it advises to study the theory prior to flying out so your ready for the exam. I've used Gleim.

I arrive 2nd Jan pending Visa.

Another crash at Orlando Flight Training / Euroflight

Just heard Orlando Flight Training had another crash. On Thursday 11/29/2007 a solo student crashed. He is ok, the damage is around 30 000 $. Do not know more yet. http://www.faa.gov/data_statistics/a...a/06_148ND.txt
Just two weeks ago they had a forced landing somewhere in the everglades (greetings to the crocodiles) with an insrtuctor due to an engine failure (so I heard) and in the same week an aircraft was uncontrollable on touch down and vibrated that much that the instrument panel come of (student with instructor), so I know.

Happy landings!