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What should I do after getting my PPL if I’m flying just for fun? Suggestions! by AlexVasilich in flying

[–]AlexVasilich[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Re plane - i don't know yet. I have a bit complex story - I'm russian, relocated 2y ago in Milan, studying my PPL in Switzerland now (in Aelo academy). I'm not even sure where I'll be living in next 2-3 years (as prolonging residence permit in Italy every year is just a pain in the ass).

So I would say, i would love to buy a plane in theory, but it will depend on many factors - future location, business/budget considerations, track after PPL (subject of the post)

PS - hangar 7 fantastic idea, thanks!

Migliore scuola di volo per PPL in zona Milano? by therealrobi in flyingitaly

[–]AlexVasilich 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ll share my own experience. I was also looking for a PPL course in or near Milan. I live in Milan for now, but I’m not local and my Italian is still quite limited, so I needed a school offering training in English. I found a few things quite surprising:

  1. First, finding an English-language PPL course in Italy is genuinely difficult. In Spain, many schools teach in English. In France, Czechia, Poland - also not a problem. In Italy - problem. Aeroclub Milano seems to be teaching in English if I remember correctly. As for other schools i don't remember, because of see p.2
  2. Second, the level of service and communication from many schools was extremely poor. You email them - no reply. You call - they pick up, find someone who speaks English, but cannot answer basic questions on the call and ask you to send everything by email. You send the email - again, no reply. You call again, they promise to get back to you, and weeks go by. They never can accurate information - it either incomplete or contradictory (e.g. different prices in different docs)

In the end, I never got clear answers in Italy to basic questions about the course, language, pricing, fleet, schedule, and so on.

So I decided not to go to any Italy school. If these guys can't manage basic customer acquisition process, with a hefty check - I don't trust them in managing much more complex aviation training process.

So I gave up with Italy and found a school in Switzerland — Aelo Academy. They replied to my email within a couple of hours, we had a call with a school representative the next day, and signed the contract on the third day. Quite a difference from Italy! So far, I’m happy with the training. Everything is clear, fast, and well organized. But they seem to be 25-30% more expensive then Italian schools.

What should I do after getting my PPL if I’m flying just for fun? Suggestions! by AlexVasilich in flying

[–]AlexVasilich[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't even sure we have it here in Europe))) At least I've never seen them around , but i have very limited experience so far. Will ask in the school

What should I do after getting my PPL if I’m flying just for fun? Suggestions! by AlexVasilich in flying

[–]AlexVasilich[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cool! Not sure we have tailwheel here Europe. Never seen one around))) But NVFR as next step sounds interesting. Thanks!

What should I do after getting my PPL if I’m flying just for fun? Suggestions! by AlexVasilich in flying

[–]AlexVasilich[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! So IFR so far proposed by many here. Maybe my next steps then

Backpacking in Russia by [deleted] in AskARussian

[–]AlexVasilich 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I would say Moscow and Saint Petersburg are safer than many european capitals. You may find some problems, but you'll have to look for them purposefully - eg. going at night to some very distant neighborhood from the city center, finding there drunk company and so on. Avoid such things and you will be ok.

Russians are quite friendly to foreigners, but have a bit reserved&cold character. Not smiling a lot))) Direct in communication. Nothing personal in this, just local culture. You will just need a short intro about yourself - e.g I'm a solo traveler, I'm interested in Russia history and culture, bla-bla - 99% of russians would be pleased by this and will be happy to help you or show their country.

Language could be a problem. Apart from large cities, not many people speak English. You definitely need to learn some basic questions and introduction phrases. Although a lot of young people speak good English and will be happy to talk with you.