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Sean Nugent

For my commercial flight training I wanted to attend a school that had a strong affiliation with Ryanair. I chose AFTA as they were renowned for having excellent training and a large advanced fleet which allowed me to swiftly complete my training. AFTA’s meticulous standards and helpful instructors that go above and beyond helped me to attain a position on a 737 type rating.

Damien Kennedy

Studying at Atlantic Flight Training Academy was an exceptional experience that laid the foundation for my journey in aviation to date. The academy’s comprehensive programs for ATPLs, CPL, and MEIR provided me with a solid knowledge base and practical skills necessary to excel in the industry. 

 The MCC APS course at Atlantic Flight Training Academy was a game-changer in my training journey. The course was rigorous and immersive, simulating real-world multi-crew environments and challenges. The hands-on experience and expert guidance from instructors prepared me thoroughly for my type rating and equipped me with the confidence to handle complex flight operations.

 Participating in the Graduate Development Programme at Atlantic Flight Training Academy was a crucial step in my career preparation. The program focused on enhancing not only my technical competencies but also my soft skills and professional development. The tailored guidance, mock interviews, and industry insights provided through the program were instrumental in preparing me for my interview with Emerald Airlines.

 Thanks to the exceptional training and support I received at Atlantic Flight Training Academy, I was able to approach my interview with Emerald Airlines with confidence and readiness. The academy’s commitment to excellence and personalized approach to student development truly set me up for success in securing a position with Emerald Airlines. 

 I am immensely grateful for the enriching experience at Atlantic Flight Training Academy and would highly recommend it to aspiring aviators looking to receive top-tier education and career preparation in the aviation industry.

Seán Stanley

When choosing a flight school for my pilot training, I spent some time researching and comparing different options. After careful consideration, I decided to go with AFTA because of its impressive track record and reputation with various airlines. I often saw Ryanair pilots wearing AFTA/Ryanair lanyards at Dublin Airport, which spoke of AFTA’s success and further cemented my decision to enrol in AFTA for my pilot training and to join the Ryanair Mentored Program.  

Upon arriving at AFTA in October 2022, I knew I had made the right choice. The staff and instructors have been nothing short of exceptional and always available to provide support, whether it be for a difficult subject, honing my flying skills, or just someone to talk to. The course structure is well-designed and provides the platform to ensure success from the get-go. The progression from Single-Engine, Multi-Engine, Instrument Rating, to APS MCC was seamless, with each stage building on the skills learned in the previous one.  

Thanks to AFTA, and with my PPL already obtained prior, I was able to complete my training and apply for my Commercial license in just 13 months. This would not have been possible without their state-of-the-art fleet, as well as their own ramp and facilities in Cork and Waterford. Despite the occasional delays due to weather and commercial traffic at Cork Airport (which also enhanced exposure to real-life operations), the Operations team and instructors always managed to get me back on track.  

AFTA’s Graduate Development Programme was instrumental in my success at the interview with Ryanair. This, coupled with the comprehensive and effective training I received from day 1 at the school, prepared me well for this all-important interview. I believe this is a testament to the effectiveness of the training provided by AFTA and will inspire others to pursue similar opportunities. 

I wholeheartedly recommend AFTA to anyone considering a career in aviation.

Seán

Aurélien Billari

In February 2023, I started my CPL, MEIR, and MCC training at AFTA. After a warm welcome, the flight training kicked off promptly due to the good availability of both instructors and aircrafts. Throughout my training, I found the instructors to be highly professional and committed to helping me progress, allowing me to enhance my strengths and address my weaknesses. I was actively supported while improving my non-technical skills and my overall situational awareness, and the challenging weather conditions at Cork, contributed to improving my handling skills.

Upon completing my CPL and MEIR training, I took some time to prepare for the Ryanair Mentored (gateway 2) before starting the APS-MCC phase. This part of the training was demanding, as it’s a major step towards transitioning to airline ops and jet aircraft and therefore requires some preparation before actually entering the simulator.

Following the MCC in August 2023, I dedicated time to prepare for the Ryanair Assessment. When I applied, I received within two weeks an invitation for the assessment in Dublin. Subsequently, I completed the Graduate Development Programme, a crucial step in readying myself for the HR interview, technical interview, and simulator assessment. Thanks to this preparation, I felt fully ready during the assessment and succeeded with another AFTA student who underwent the assessment on the same day. I am set to commence my Type Rating on the Boeing 737 next month, and I owe a great deal of gratitude to AFTA for this achievement, many thanks again!

AFTA Training Programme - 2023

Alessandro Silvestri 

“In AFTA I have been trained by different and well-prepared instructors who equipped me with the tools to grow as a pilot. The challenging weather conditions I encountered provided me with a strong foundation for my flying skills and also it let me enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Emerald Isle, a great location to do your training in. If you aim to work in Ryanair, the third biggest airline in the world, you need sharp skills and solid knowledge, all things you can expect to find in AFTA, the flight school where you will be part of the next generation of Ryanair pilots.”

AFTA Training Programme - 2023

Yvan Beaufils

I was a modular student when I joined AFTA holding a French PPL, the reason that motivated me to join AFTA was the fact that Irland was the only native English speaking doing EASA licences plus I was having good feedback from the school (that’s how I head about it).

I did my ATPL at AFTA, came back to France and did my hours building, came back for CPL MEIR, APS MCC and Airline prep.

I was happy with my flying train as the aircraft and the instructors were always available which allow me to get my licences quickly.

As I was already looking forward to join Ryanair Group I apply for the gateway 2 to be on the mentored program before starting MCC.

MCC went well and allow me to acquire good standard which was helpful for the airline prep and Ryanair Assessment.

The assessment went smoothly as I was well prepared through airline prep and my own studies.

I would recommend AFTA for people looking to join a flight Training school.

AFTA Training Programme - 2023

Reuben Smith

After attending Pilot Careers Live in Dublin and speaking to the representative’s at AFTA, I knew from that moment, AFTA was the right flight school for me. I then joined AFTA’S AB-Initio Ryanair Mentored Programme, were from day one of joining I was made to feel at home and welcomed. AFTA is well known for their high levels of training, in which I greatly benefited from. With instructors who are passionate and knowledgeable, great facilities, young and well maintained fleet as well as a great learning environment, which sets you up for the best possible start to your career in the aviation industry. Furthermore, with Ryanair incorporated SOPs and teachings throughout the course and later on with the Ryanair Mentored APS MCC and the Graduate Development Programme, it truly makes sure that your are prepared for the airline assessment, with the team at AFTA providing you with all the information needed and going beyond the requirements needed, giving you the confidence in securing a job with the airline in which I can proudly say I have. I would like to thank the whole team at AFTA for their support and guidance throughout the course and can undoubtedly say that the whole team go the extra mile and would highly recommend AFTA to anyone who wants to fulfil their dream of becoming a pilot.

AFTA Training Programme - 2023

Albert Brown Testimonial

I recently completed my training at Atlantic Flight Training Academy in October 2023, after joining as a Gateway 1 student on the Ryanair mentored programme in July 2023 and I can’t express enough how exceptional the experience was. The instructors were extremely knowledgeable, friendly and supportive. The well-maintained fleet of aircraft ensured a seamless learning process. The camaraderie among students created a supportive learning environment, making each lesson enjoyable. I successfully obtained my licence sooner than I anticipated, thanks to AFTA’s commitment to excellence. AFTA has very high training standards which serves students well as they progress. This allowed a seamless transition through to the APS-MCC, which has some of the best instructors I have ever worked with. Overall, AFTA is a phenomenal institution and I would highly recommend to prospective students.

AFTA Training Programme - 2023

Nathan Cullen Testimonial

 I joined AFTA’s Ab-Initio Ryanair Mentored Programme in November 2021 with no previous flying experience .

AFTA’s high quality instruction, modern fleet of aircraft and a fantastic learning environment allowed me to pass all my flight tests and theoretical knowledge exams first time within 18 months.

The team at AFTA go above and beyond to get the best out of you and this is evident at the Graduate Development Programme/ Airline Assessment Prep phase. They keep in contact and get you prepared to a high level for all aspects of the interview and assessment process. I would highly recommend the instructors and staff at AFTA and the graduate development programme that they offer. 

Dan Straum Testimonial

My time in AFTA was a very steep learning curve, even before I enrolled! I did preparations home before enrolling,
to also be able to cope up with the intense and interesting subject of the B737 and all its systems.

In AFTA, we had really experienced and motivated teachers, who had just the right knowledge to get you proficient
and to get you up to speed with the high standard needed to become a Ryanair pilot, thank you for sharing your knowledge!

AFTA Training Programme - 2023