This Review Overall Rating
I studied an A320 APCMCC at VA in January 2020, as part of an airline affiliated sponsored type rating scheme after securing a flying role with the airline. This course lasted 3 weeks, with a linked AUPRT course at the end of it, down on the south coast. The theory side of it lasted a few days, then the rest were all simulator sessions.
The training centre is located at Cambridge Airport and is easily accessible and has its own dedicated car parking facility. The facility itself is to a very high standard, is very comfortable and is professional yet friendly. The classrooms are a good size and are well equipped for theoretical training and for flight briefs. There is a nice crew area and kitchen with tea/coffee making facilities, a microwave and a fridge. The atmosphere is a perfect combination very welcoming and studious, and you feel right at home.
The study material is VA's own and is highly informative and industry standard, and will definitely teach you with all the knowledge and skills you need and more. The instructors are all active airline pilots/training captains and so their personal experience comes into play when teaching and you learn a lot about flying and the industry as a whole. They are very approachable and helpful and will certainly aid and advise you on any doubts or questions you may have, and support you a lot. The company is very well managed too by the management and office staff, and are very helpful and approachable.
Their fully MCC approved simulators are great and well maintained, and are the real life cockpit replicas of the actual B737800 and A320 aircraft. You feel as though you're actually flying the plane its so realistic. There is also a cardboard mockup room of both aircraft upstairs for you to practice procedures and checklists in when you are not in the sim. You undertake an indepth variety of different jet aircraft handling and airline oriented scenarios and your skill level and competency will certainly skyrocket, whilst having fun at the same time.
Its close to the city centre of cambridge so there is plenty to do on days off, because you cant just be in the books the whole time! The social aspect is important and Cambridge is an absolutely fantastic place to explore and to chill in, and thats coming from a northerner! Shops and supermarkets nearby the centre too for food etc. Various gyms and leisure facilities aswell around Cambridge.
During my course, I stayed at an AirBnB close by, which are easy to come by on the AirBnB website. VA do have links to accommodation aswell.
I honestly cant think of any critiques to write down here, as my APSMCC experience at VA was really rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable. They really do prepare you well to bridge the gap between flight training, and airline flying in a multi-crew environment. Graduate support is helpful aswell and they give graduates all the help and support they require for employment.
Thankyou to the team at VA!
Course(s) taken:
General
Simulators
Theoretical Training
Practical Training
