This Review Overall Rating
I started with Aeros Gloucester in October 2021, I previously held a PPL with Night Rating and had 175 hours.
I started with the CAT3C (as it was then, now Aeros ATPL) 8 month thepry course, consiting of 4 modules of 3 exams with module 4 consiting of 4 exams. The instruction was excellent, I was really impressed with the quality of training and how enjoyable it was spending time with most of the instructors, even socialising with some outside of the classroom. The theory program could be slightly better designed, however Aeros have only just taken over the course from CAT3C, it is my understanding that some changes will be made in the future.
I passed all 13 with an 85% average, 3 resits, which was a good score for me as I am a notoriusly bad studier. I felt the instructors helped melearn a lot about myself and how I learn in the process.
During my time in theory I flew ferry flights, did my Aerobatic rating and also my complex conversion on the Arrow, and later my MEP on the DA42. Ultimately preparing me to step into the ME-IR as soon as my theory was complete.
I completed my ME-IR over the winter, November to January. This provided to realities, the first being suitable weather to fly, the second being that flying days were tricky and really helped build a good understanding to flying in poor conditions. Nice strong winds, icing and snow covered airfields proved great learning sopportunities and great fun! The instruction was excellent, and thoroughly enjoyed the process, even thought he 40 hours of simulator flying did get a bit tedious towards the end!
I then completed my CPL with the same instructor, mixed between the DA40NG and DA42TDI. This was a challenge for me after coming from IR and not using standard navigation practices for a long time (Skydemon sucker). The instructor however came down hard on me, made me woprk hard and ultimately chipped me into shape in the minimum time. I will be forever grateful for his ability to be both great fun and a great motivator in the cockpit for me to do better. His very high standards of comms and flying really paid off when it came to the exam. I highly recommend Mike Hoft if you decide to fly at Aeros Glocuester.
I later returned for A-UPRT which was a bit of a nightmare, the aircraft had tech issues and I ended up having a break between the two 1.5 hour flights of about a month. Not ideal but tech issues happen. For the price, I would say to go elsewhere with better aircraft unless it is convenient to stay in Gloucester.
Overall, a fantastic experience, probably the best 17 months of my life. A great atmosphere, great staff. a family vibe in general. Staff and students come together out of hours and it produces some fantastic friendships. Even head office, the CEO included really felt like a friend. You are not a number like some bigger schools, you are valued and listened to as a student. I couldn't ask for more.
Accomodation wise, I stayed in a uni-house for 6 months until I took over a house with friends I have made. The house, since my departure, is still used by Aeros students located in Cheltenham.
Since completing training, 1 month has passed and I have just singed onto a deal with a private jet charter firm, 3-6 months working in operations until a type-rating slot opens up. I fantastic deal and one which I am extremely lucky to have at my home airport. I worked at this firm for 2 years prior to training, so links were made beforehand.
I am also condusting safety pilot flying on a pair of Citation Jets operating single crew.
3 Positves and Negaives:
- Family vibe, good social life
- Excellent theoretical and practical instruction
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Facilities dated
- Ops sometimes unreliable, you must keep an eye on what is being booked, otherwise you could be left without bookings.
- Lack of assistance with accomodation
Course(s) taken:
General
Aircraft
Simulators
Theoretical Training
Practical Training
