Best flight school in Philippines

 

Choosing the right flight school for your pilot training is crucial. Unlike regular training, becoming a commercial pilot is expensive and involves significant risks. A single mistake due to poorly maintained aircraft or unqualified staff could have disastrous consequences. Let’s explore the key factors to consider when selecting a Best flight school in Philippines.

Flight School accreditation

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is the governing body overseeing all aviation activities in the country. All flying clubs must be accredited by the CAAP and adhere to its strict standards. To ensure compliance, the CAAP conducts regular inspections of accredited flight schools to verify their safety and training protocols. When choosing a best flight school in Philippines, it’s essential to select one with CAAP accreditation.

here is the link to check all the CAAP accredited flight school in the Philippines

https://caap.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/List-of-Pilot-Maintenance-Schools-As-of-Sept.-1-2023.pdf

 Reputation of the Flight School

when searching for a Best flight school in Philippines, Look for a school with a long-standing history and a proven track record of producing successful pilots. A flying club with a stellar reputation is a testament to its commitment to excellence. Such an establishment is renowned for its highly skilled instructors, well-maintained aircraft, and a strong emphasis on safety. Moreover, a well-respected flying club fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment, where aspiring pilots can thrive and achieve their aviation goals.

Instructor Experience and Qualifications

• Experienced instructors- Flight instructors play a crucial role in pilot training. It is essential that they are graduates of reputable flight schools and have a spotless safety record, free from accidents and incidents.
• Instructor-to-Student Ratio: A lower ratio often indicates more personalized attention.

Aircraft Fleet

• Variety of aircraft: A diverse fleet exposes you to different flying experiences and prepares you for real-world scenarios.
• Aircraft condition: Well-maintained aircraft are essential for safety and effective training

Training Curriculum

• CPL Curriculum: Ensure the club offers a comprehensive CPL training program that aligns with CAAP requirements or student’s home country requirement, like Indian student should full fill the requirements set by the DGCA.
• Flight Training Hours: Check the total flight training hours required for CPL and compare it to the club’s offerings.
• Ground School: A robust ground school curriculum is essential for theoretical knowledge.

Costs and Financial Considerations

• Training Fees- Before selecting a best flight school in Philippines, it’s essential to research various options and compare CPL training costs. Prices can vary significantly between flying clubs, so negotiating the fee is advisable.
• Payment Plans: Consider flexible payment options, such as installment plans. Some flight schools offer this, where the first installment covers Student Pilot License (SPL) training, the second begins when Private Pilot License (PPL) training starts, and the final payment is due upon completing PPL and starting Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training.
• Hidden Costs: Inquire about potential additional expenses like exam fees, simulator time, etc.
• accommodation and food- Many flight schools offer accommodation packages, which can increase overall training costs. Before finalizing a best flight school in Philippines, inquire about accommodation fees. If they’re high, consider arranging your own living arrangements. Philippines offers affordable condominium options for around 10,000 to 15,000 pesos per month, with reasonable food costs. This can help you manage expenses effectively.

Facilities and Infrastructure

• Training Facilities: Assess the quality of classrooms, simulators, and other training aids.
• Airport Access: Convenient access to an airport with suitable runways is essential for flight training. It’s advantageous if the flight school operates at an airport with frequent scheduled domestic or international flights. This exposure to real-world air traffic enhances a student’s training experience.

Safety Record

• Safety Culture: A strong emphasis on safety is paramount.
• Accident History: Review the club’s safety record.

Student Reviews and Testimonials

• Feedback: Seek feedback from current and former students to gauge the club’s reputation.

The Philippines has numerous flight academies. We’ll discuss each one individually in other blogs, starting with Orient Aviation Corporation, headquartered in Manila. Let’s evaluate its performance based on the criteria we previously established.

Orient Aviation Corporation

(contact- info@pilottrainingphilippines.com, Phone-+63 905 5546695)

Flight School accreditation

It is accredited by CAAP since 2000 and valid till 2028..

Reputation of the Flight School

With a legacy that began in 2000, this flight club stands as one of the Philippines’ most venerable institutions. It has cultivated a reputation for producing highly skilled pilots who have excelled in top-tier airlines worldwide

Instructor Experience and Qualifications

Orient Aviation Corporation boasts a team of six highly experienced flight instructors. Let’s meet them all.

• Captain Romeo Garalde, Head of Training

Captain Garalde, with over 30 years of experience, is a seasoned pilot with a proven track record in flight instruction and aviation management. He has trained countless pilots and is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of safety and excellence at Orient Aviation Corporation.

• Sean Lee Agagon – Chief Ground Instructor and Flight Instructor

Sean’s wealth of aviation experience and multiple certifications, including a Commercial Pilot License and Instructor Rating, make him a trusted mentor. He’s dedicated to helping aspiring pilots achieve their goals, fostering confidence and competence through his exceptional teaching skills.

• Captain Arc Lybhe Cabanes- Chief Flight Instructor

Captain Cabanes is a seasoned pilot with years of experience in aviation. He has logged thousands of flight hours and is known for his expertise in advanced training and commitment to safety. As a dedicated mentor, Captain Cabanes has helped countless aspiring pilots achieve their goals. His leadership has played a crucial role in making Orient Aviation Corporation a leading flight training institution.

Aircraft Fleet

Cesena 150, Cesena 152, and Cesena 172 are single-engine aircraft equipped for night flying and instrument training. All three models can perform the necessary maneuvers for instrument ratings. For multi-engine type ratings, Orient Aviation offers a PA-34-200 (Piper Seneca) in excellent condition.

Training Curriculum

The training process begins with obtaining a Student Pilot License (SPL) and culminates in multi-engine and Instrument Rating endorsements after completing a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).  flight school will assist with medical examinations, ground classes for SPL, PPL, CPL, multi-engine, and instrument ratings, followed by actual flight training, logbook maintenance. While this process can be lengthy, the presence of a supportive instructor and efficient licensing officer can significantly streamline it.

Costs and Financial Considerations

The cost of flight training in the orient aviation can vary significantly, ranging from ₱500,000 to ₱2 million or more for the complete Private Pilot License (PPL) to Commercial Pilot License (CPL) curriculum. When choosing a flight school, carefully research different options, compare their fees,

Living expenses during your training period can vary greatly depending on your location and lifestyle.as orient aviation base located at City of Tuguegarao, is a component city and capital of the province of Cagayan. which has low cost of living.

Safety Record

No major accident or incident report found based on CAAP Records.

Student Reviews and Testimonials

Orient Flying Club boasts a long history of success in pilot training. Hundreds of students have graduated from Orient Aviation Corporation and gone on to successful careers with renowned airlines such as Cebu Pacific, Air India, Philippine Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and many others. The club has also produced numerous accomplished flight instructors who are making a global impact. Testimonials from satisfied students and alumni can be found on the official Orient Flying Club website..

Good Luck 🙂