AFTA Review: Comprehensive but Room for Improvement

I recently completed my training with AFTA, and overall, my experience was positive with some notable areas for improvement.

Instructors and Training:
The instructors at AFTA were predominantly professional, friendly, and highly knowledgeable. Their expertise significantly enhanced the learning experience, and the continuous training allowed us to complete the program ahead of schedule. The APS MCC training stood out as a highlight, featuring current and former airline pilots who brought valuable real-world insights to the sessions.

Scheduling and Coordination:
One area that proved challenging was the scheduling of lessons. The responsibility for booking sessions fell on me, which required frequent follow-ups and could have been better managed with more proactive coordination from AFTA.

Facilities and Equipment:
The aircraft used for training were modern and meticulously maintained, contributing to a safe and efficient learning environment. However, the operations building itself has seen better days and would benefit from refurbishment to match the quality of the aircraft.

Graduate Development Services:
The graduate development services were generally good, helping bridge the transition from training to employment. While the simulator sessions were beneficial, the technical preparation aspect lacked depth and could use significant improvement.

Dual Licensing and Costs:
A major disappointment was the misleading information regarding dual licensing. AFTA advertises dual licensing capabilities, but in reality, they only hold UK approvals for ATPL theory. This oversight forced me to arrange and pay for my own UK CAA CPL and MEIR skills tests, which incurred significantly higher costs compared to schools that genuinely offer dual licensing.

Ryanair Mentored Programme:
Being part of the Ryanair Mentored Programme was a significant advantage. The program facilitated a smooth transition to employment, and I quickly secured a job at Ryanair upon completion of my training.

Conclusion:
AFTA offers high-quality instruction and well-maintained aircraft, but there are areas that need improvement, particularly in scheduling coordination, technical preparation, and transparency regarding licensing. Despite these drawbacks, the association with the Ryanair Mentored Programme is a considerable benefit, leading to swift employment opportunities.

Course(s) taken: