For any prospective student of flight, there usually comes that debate of whether to pursue training at a school closer to home or set course to one out of the hundreds of training facilities across the world.
There really isn't a right or wrong choice when it comes to this because some may opt for the convenience of learning at a school closer to home, as they wouldn't have the burden of extra expenses such as pocket money or accommodation and all that, while others may opt to go out where there may be training facilities far better than what is available locally, on top of building a good international network with other students and trainers.
In short, there are many pros and cons that have to be considered before finally making the decision to train at a particular school, be it local or international.
Of importance is that one settles on a training facility of good repute and where they will have a solid aviation foundation.
I'd like to introduce to you a friend and fellow aviator by the name Joe, better known as "Sir Joe Collins" within our local music community, who will give us an insight of what it's like training abroad. (All images courtesy Joe Collins).
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of learning abroad, let's get to know a bit more about Sir Joe Collins....
Hello guys! My name is Joe Collins Chege, a young man who is passionate about flying and loves music. Most know me as Sir Joe Collins because I was heavily involved in music in Nairobi before pursuing my flight training.
When I am free, I enjoy hiking and discovering what mother nature has to offer.
What was your "Ahaa!" moment that made you decide to pursue flying?
Haha! I'm not sure I had an 'Ahaa!' moment but it was a rather gradual inclination towards flying. I watched alot of Air Crash Investigation documentaries and the more I watched them, the more my passion for flying grew and a desire to pursue it as a career.
Now, considering that choosing a flight training school can be a bit of a challenge, especially since you are training outside Kenya, how did you eventually come to settle for the one you are currently training at?
I did search for many flight schools looking for those with the best training as well as an affordable price. Finally, I found a school in Spain in late September 2020 that had the package I was looking for.
What program are you currently doing and how long will it take for you to complete?
I am currently pursuing a Flight Instructor's Course. It should take 10 weeks to complete. The previous course was an Integrated ATPL course that took about 16 months to complete.
The next thing we'd like to find out is the requirements. What sort of documentation is required to enroll in such a program and what other conditions have to be met for one to be considered into the program?
You will be required to pass a Math, English, Physics and Psychometric test. Once you have passed this, the other requirement besides the travel documents is to pass a class one medical examination, after which you're good to go.
How does a typical day go like for you at the school?
At the moment, it is not as busy. The FI course (Flight instructor's course) is less demanding and it depends on the activity of the day. Some days are full days since they involve supervision of solo students or it could be teaching a few lessons in the ground phase from 1300H-2100H.
What would you say are the merits and de-merits of training abroad, based on your experiences. And what advice can you give someone interested in training abroad?
I would say the facilities and infrastructure to enhance training are up top. The aircraft are well maintained and serviced and rarely are there aircraft failures. Meeting people from different cultures is also very interesting as you learn a lot as you interact and make new friends.
As for the demerits, it may take a while to settle down especially in a country where the primary language is not English. You will definitely miss your family and friends, but with time, it gets easier.
Locally, we are trained on aircraft like the Cessna C152's and 172's. Which aircraft are you currently training on?
For SEP aircraft (Single Engine Piston aircraft), we have P28 cruiser, Tecnam P2002JF, Cessna 172, Piper PA28 Cherokee.
I will describe the P28 Cruiser since it kinda stands out.
Cool!..... What unique features does it have?
The aircraft is a light one, with a BEW (Basic Empty Weight) of 400kg. It has a cantilever wing design as well as the G1000 cockpit on both displays.
Can you also describe how the aircraft handles during different phases of flight ie: taxi, take-off, climb/cruise, descent and landing?
This aircraft is unique in taxiing since it uses differential braking. (Differential braking is used in directional control of the aircraft while taxiing. The pilot steps on one of the brake pedals (either left or right brake) harder causing the aircraft to turn in the direction he desires).
During flight, the controls are very sensitive due to the light weight. During windy and hot days, better sit tight haha!!!
...and what do you like/dislike about the aircraft?
The light weight. It would have been a better experience if it were heavier.
I'd also like to know whether you would recommend that training program to a friend.
Yes! but also advice them to be ready to focus on studying. Clearing the ATPL theory examinations is not a walk in the park.
As we conclude, might you have any closing thoughts or remarks?
Just to say thank you that I was featured in the article. It is truly an honour. I would also like to encourage anyone who's about to begin this journey, to go for it and always stay focused and positive.
Incase you still have any other questions for Joe regarding training abroad, feel free to reach out in the comments or contact form and we'll assist where possible.
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