This Review Overall Rating
I studied an APSMCC at JETMASTERCLASS on the Boeing 737-800NG Simulator in September/october 2019. The course lasted 3 weeks. I was a graduate of FTA Global with whom have a partnership, with an option to upgrade from the already included MCC to the APS at an extra cost. I opted for the APS as I knew I would get a great benefit of the extra airline oriented training and thus further my knowledge and skills and learn about flying in a multi crew environment.
The facility is great, being centrally located next to Gatwick airport in Manor Royal business park, close to all major transport links, be it Air, Rail or Road (right on the M23). Car parking available in their own private carpark. There is also accommodation available nearby, via hotels or AirBnB and is generally easy to find and book for a good price. There are plenty of shops nearby such as supermarkets etc so food shopping isn't a problem at all. Snapfitness gym is located nearby too which is good for a workout! There are also cafes, pubs and restaurants nearby which can be found via google or through the friendly team at JMC, who are always more than happy to help with anything. The JMC facility itself is very calm and relaxing and has a great feel about it. Tea and coffee facilities onsite with a kitchen. Nice lounge area to relax in aswell.
Classroom is comfortable and the class sizes are great, with the instructor:student ratio optimal (usually 1:2/3 or 1:5). The theory is structured and delivered practically, informatively and interactively, and covers all bases. Groundschool is a few days and is usually mixed in with sim sessions so that there is variety and also being able to quickly apply what you've learned in the classroom to the simulator. Our classroom instruction was conducted by Frank, who owns JMC, and Amy who was teaching there also. Both very knowledgeable and helpful and have extensive airline pilot career experience which is invaluable to have as an instructor.
The simulator is a real life, fixed base, replica of the B737-800 cockpit, and is very realistic, well maintained and comfortable. The sim sessions are structured very well and are delivered to an absolute high standard. Our sim sessions were also conducted by Frank and Amy for the 2 weeks MCC part of it, then solely by Frank for the 1 week APS add on. The level of instruction was excellent and being taught raw manual handling enabled us to build our skills in our jet handling. The lesson plans were really good and well structured and covered all bases such as routine flights, jet handling, various emergencies, low visibility operations, airline scenario operations and management etc, thus building our knowledge base and our skill levels to the APS standard, which culminated with an assessment check flight. We also had an hour each on the full motion simulator down at Burgess Hill, which is only available on the APS option.
While I was there, other airlines were conducting their sim checks and training there as usual and so you will be rubbing shoulders with active line pilots and training captains in the industry, and is a great chance to network and seek advice.
JMC provide graduate support with a linked company called AirlinePrep, to assist with CV preparation, Interview techniques etc.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my time at JMC and learnt so much in a short space of time, thus building my communication skills, teamwork, workload management and jet handling skills. Make sure to book a visit and take a look for yourself.
Thankyou to Frank and the JMC team :-)
P.s Theres always room for some plane spotting at Gatwick on your days off!
Course(s) taken:
General
Simulators
Theoretical Training
Practical Training
