This Review Overall Rating
I chose Adriana based on a review by a friend who completed his CPL ME/IR training in 2019. I had not visited Adriana beforehand so was quite unsure about what to expect. I booked via Brics Aviation who helped and liaised with Adriana to organise my schedule, training materials, pre-course info etc. Brics really helped streamline the whole process and it was an extra safety net in terms of the contract I signed (which was with Brics, so if there were any issues then the team at Brics would liaise directly with Adriana and sort out the issue for me). Fortunately, the safety net wasn't needed as my experience with Adriana was incredible.
I arrived in July 2020 having been informed that my training would last approximately 5 weeks. I arrived late on a Sunday evening after having flown with Ryanair to Gdansk and arranged a transfer to Watorowo. The security guard welcomed me in broken English and some of the students who were already there showed me around.
They run a tight ship when it comes to organisation. Having visited a handful of commercial schools in the UK I can safely say I have never seen that level of organisation anywhere else. They had all of my documents ready, I had a full A4 binder with my name on which was my training records and the instructors after each day flying would make thorough notes.
MEP theory was completed in 2 days, followed sharply by MEP practical which was 6 hours - I finished that in 2 days also (4 hours day one, 2 hours day two). After that I started IR training which they split into two simulators (one "main" simulator and one they use primarily for RNAV/PBN training). I averaged 4 hours a day for 2 weeks and was finished my IR in no time. To break it up, I started my CPL after about a week and that took no time at all. 10 hours in the Tecnam 2002 (SEP). The flying for the IR was done in the Tecnam 2006T, of which they have 3 of them.
The entire course ended up taking about 24 days and the level of training was fantastic. I was very impressed by how thorough and in-depth the training was. On average I flew 3-4 hours per day in either the simulator or aircraft. I found this to be a very doable amount of flying. Accommodation is provided at the airfield - Adriana Aviation own the airfield and have built their own accommodation block for both students and instructors. It's really nice, the rooms are nicely finished if a little small but more than adequate for the purpose.
There are shops a 20 min walk and more about 15 mins cycle away. There is a full kitchen and lounge area onsite which are available 24/7 for students. The airfield has 24/7 security guards and electric gates on the front so it's not accessible to the public.
My support post-training from Brics Aviation was fantastic. They have helped me immensely with the SOLI process (due Brexit) and also they have been keeping me informed of any jobs coming up around Europe.
3 positives about Adriana
- The price was fantastic. In total for full MEP/CPL/IR, including accommodation for 4 weeks and all exam fees I paid €19,450EUR
- Training was to a fantastic standard. Instructors are the most dedicated people I have ever met and I felt incredibly comfortable with them
- The process was easy and the organisation was great. They were ready and waiting for me on arrival and the paperwork once I completed my skills tests took an hour and I was on the way home!
3 negatives about Adriana
- The culture is quite different to the UK. If you're a British student heading out don't worry - the place is great and the people are friendly but some techniques by instructors might not be what you're used to. That said, I never once felt unsafe and my entire experience was positive
- The wifi is poor - there is good wifi in the second building but for the student accommodation it isn't the best. A small issue really.
- Transport to/from Watorowo can be a bit expensive. Nearest airport is Bydgoszcz but flights aren't regular here. Next is Gdansk which is about 90 mins by road which can amount to an expensive taxi/transfer
Overall I loved my time at Adriana. I wouldn't change it at all and genuinely would recommend it to everyone who is thinking about it. Best of all they don't really have waiting lists which is a huge bonus to those looking to get it done asap!
Course(s) taken:
General
Aircraft
Simulators
Theoretical Training
Practical Training
