Flight training with Diamond DA20, DA40 and DA42 aircraft - Keilir Aviation Academy

Q: It is probably safe to say that for a Maltese that Iceland would not be the most obvious choice for your flight training. How did you come to the conclusion that Keilir would be the best solution for you?

A: Initially I never thought of training in Iceland however I was introduced to Keilir by an Icelandic friend / work colleague which I really trust & that I should consider his option due to his vast aviation  background. After I received the official quote & info from Keilir my interest grew due to the Competitive price / new fleet of aircraft (equipped wt De Icing) / Accommodation included in price / No landing & approach fees / Instrument equipped aerodromes /Training mostly done on real aircraft / promise to finish training on time.

Q: What was your view and experience of the training program?

A: Training program was tailored for my needs & the en-route part was of special interest as apart from learning, I got to see large part of the country & that made it more interesting. However, if I had the time I would not have done it so fast as some days were too long & not much improvement can be expected after four Hrs flying instruments. I appreciate the continuity in my training while the DA42 was unavailable , which in a way, distribution of flights between DA40 & DA42 worked better at the end of the day.

Q: Did the flight instructors meet your expectations?

A: My instructor exceeded my expectation for his availability & concern. Also, unlike in most other schools, my training was not only to pass the final test but to make me a better & safer pilot & prepare me for the airline environment. The fact that most instructors are airline pilots made a whole difference during my training.

Q: You were under a bit of pressure time wise to finish the training for your instrument multi engine rating. How did that work out for you?

A:  The pressure to finish in time was there & there were times when it could have taken over especially when the DA42 was  unavailable. However the prompt initiative from the school to come up with alternative plans always worked & that was my main peace of mind. I had never felt the need to push anybody to get my training back on track, something which I experienced in other schools. My training was always on track & ahead of schedule & the fact that the training staff took my situation seriously helped to keep my pressure level to a minimum such that it did not interfere with my concentration.

Q. How did you like the planes?

A: Needless to say, all aircraft are amazing. Apart from the modern & abundance of equipment it definitely feels much safer flying in such aircraft. Finally, time has come for not looking so ahead & beyond for flying an EFIS equipped aircraft. It really feels like a modern jet & I assume that the transition to modern commercial aircraft will be much easier than from training on the common older twins used by most schools in Europe. Not to mention that Keilir is cheaper. Maintenance facility on site must add to the flexibility too.

Please keep those aircraft in good shape as they are.

Q: How did you spend your time when you were not in the air during your stay in Iceland?

A: My spare time after flights was limited & mostly I’ve spent the evenings in my room in contact with relatives through internet & studying. Unfortunately I found the environment in Asbru quite hostile & lifeless. It was very convenient to be able to travel for free towards Reykjavik where I’ve spent most of my few free days. I have visited shopping malls, museums & also the thermal pools which I found truly relaxing & cheap. It might have been more convenient if bus schedule to-from Reykjavik during weekends operated at the same frequency as weekdays.

Q:  Was the accommodation provided to your satisfaction?

A: Basics for accommodation was good i.e. room size was decent / warm enough / Internet / fridge & microwave oven provided. However it should be clear that although this is a Motel, services offered to Keilir students are similar to apartment rental. So one must note that b.fast & room cleaning is not available.

Considering the price is included in the whole package, one should not expect a five star accommodation.

Q: Would you say that your visit to Iceland was overall a positive one?

A: It definitely was... Iceland is a beautiful country full of scenery & unspoiled nature. People are very friendly & helpful plus everybody speaks English. The country offers a safe, organised & an overall educated society.  The most important thing is that I’ve acquired what I came for & that the process occurred without any major hiccups. Looking back, I can say that the service I was offered exceeded my expectations & am proud to have obtained a rating from a country which demands high standards of training. My wish was not only to obtain the rating but also to become a good pilot.

Q: Would you recommend Keilir to your friends or other people in similar situations as yourself?

A: I will surely recommend this FTO to all those friends & others who are inspiring of taking a career in aviation. The package offered already stands out from that of other schools & I truly believe that Iceland must be the best place in Europe for pilot training due to the flexibility available & costless services offered towards general aviation. I shall also pass on the message that this country is actually not so different & distant as it seems. 

Q: Any final words?

A: I do suggest that foreign students get some organised information upon arrival. Such info should include:

• school location

• airport security gate location

• Reykjavik bus schedule & bus stop location

• Food stores location such as Bonus etc (Convenience store on campus is only suitable for minor shopping).

• It would also help if further marketing is done, such as advertisements on flying magazines & a more comprehensive website which also include an indication of prices. Mentioning in website that airport pick-up is provided would give some further peace of mind for those students who have the idea that Iceland is remote & transport is expensive.

• Premises closer to airside would save some extra unnecessary walking which is not so pleasant when the wx is poor. However I know that you are working on this.

  
  

• I hope that you keep the high standards as bad reputation travels quickly like what happened to some other European courtiers. All those who are inspiring to become good pilots will definitely consider the quality of training provided.

As I clearly shown, my experience here in Iceland was very positive & I will never regret to have chosen to do so.

Finally I would like to Thank You All for the efforts, concern & professionalism shown during my training. 

Do not hesitate to contact me should further questions arise. 

Best regards,

Keith

Keith Murgo
Medavia Flight Operations Dept.
Tel: (+356) 22490000
Fax: (+356) 21640477
SITA: MLAMDXH
e-mail: kmurgo@medavia.com.mt

"I've found Keilir a very professional flight school with very professional staff and instructors. Right from the start of the training clear the training manuals, checklists and sop's are handed out as well as the aircraft manuals of the type you are going to fly on. This way you know exactly what you're up to right from the start and you can prepare yourself in the spare time you have. Keflavik is in my view also an excellent training base. Keflavik being an international airport helps you develop good ATC communication skills and getting used to commercial jet traffic. Furthermore for IR training all possible intrument procedures are available right from when you take off and the controllers are nearly always able to squeeze you in on one or another runway. Entrance to the airport is formal so you need help from one of the Keilir team. Just establish a good procedure with your instructor and this should not be a problem. In my view you practice more IR procedures in Keflavik in real flying hours than on any other training program I've seen."

Sander Dijkman, the Netherlands.