1 - How do you make sure that malfunctions are fixed correctly?
Any incidence that is detected in flight or during the pre-flight inspections is written down in the flight report, with the effect that the aircraft can not operate until the problem has been solved and signed off by authorized and qualified maintenance personnel. This personnel receives instructions and continuous training regarding maintenance and error detection as well as manufacturer's guidelines which allow them to maintain the aircraft at the highest level of security.
2 - Is there an independent body that supervises the programmed tasks?
All the work system and the organisation of maintenance must be approved by the authorities in charge of air travel (Directorate General for Civil Aviation). Additionally, this authority regularly performs audits to supervise and ensure the correct application of all the necessary procedures, the correct training and certification of personnel and the registration of all the work undertaken on a plane. Any deviation from correct procedures detected by this authority must be resolved within the space of a month if it is unrelated to the security of the aircraft, or with immediate effect if it is not.
3 - How do I find further information?
Contact us by telephone on 902100466 (8.30-20.30h, from Monday to Friday and 9.30-15.30h, on Saturdays) or e-mail us at charter@gestair.com
4 - What services, apart from the flight, do you offer?
Global and tailored services to suit each client: catering, car rental, taxis, hosts/hostesses,…
5 - How do I contract a service?
Nothing could be simpler: contact Customer Service, we will ask for some basic information in order to design a flight plan which we will send you back. The moment that you accept our service, we will begin the contracting process and send you a chartering contract which you should return to us as soon as possible.
6 - What information must I supply to ask for a quotation?
In order to offer you the best options for your service, we require the following details:
Name of the company or individual, contact person, contact telephone number, date of departure, origin and destination of the flight and number of passengers.
7 - What method of payment do you use?
Bank transfer, submitted before the service has been rendered.
8 - Does Gestair have waiting rooms, or rooms in which to hold a meeting before a flight?
That is indeed the case. Gestair has a Business Center in Madrid, where you will be attended by our team and where you will be able to hold a meeting, a business lunch or even “freshen up” if you so wish. We also have a VIP room in Barcelona.
9 - On the ground, do you tend only to your fleet or also to that of others?
Gestair FBO, has the human and technical jeans to service any individual or company that asks us to.
10 - Can you design my flight plans?
Our team has over twenty years of experience and offers round-the-clock service. We design flight plans to every airport on the planet.
11 - Do you have rooms for crews available?
Yes, both in Madrid and Barcelona.
12 - Before a flight, is anything done to ensure that the plane is OK?
Before each flight, a pre-flight inspection takes place, during which the outside of the plane is inspected to check for any fluid leakage, the airplane handling systems are checked for any malfunction, the correct functioning of the landing and braking gear is verified, as are the proper the different systems in the plane and their connections. The plane is also refuelled and its starting systems checked. In the same manner, all aircraft are subjected to a post-flight inspection to ensure that the state of the plane is correct and, if that should prove not to be the case, set the maintenance requirements into action to rectify and deficiency observed.
13 - How is the proper repair of malfunctions ensured?
Any incident observed during a flight or in the pre-flight inspections are registered in the flight report, and the plane cannot operate until it has been corrected, checked and stamped by personnel that has been officially authorised and certified to do so. This personnel receives continuous training and education so as to be completely up to date in relation to the detection and repair of malfunctions, as well as the application of recommendations and directives of the manufacturer that allow for the planes to be maintained at the optimal levels of security.
14 - Is there an independent body that supervises the programmed tasks?
All the work system and the organisation of maintenance must be approved by the authorities in charge of air travel (Directorate General for Civil Aviation). Additionally, this authority regularly performs audits to supervise and ensure the correct application of all the necessary procedures, the correct training and certification of personnel and the registration of all the work undertaken on a plane. Any deviation from correct procedures detected by this authority must be resolved within the space of a month if it is unrelated to the security of the aircraft, or with immediate effect if it is not.
15 - Does asking for a quotation bind me to paying for a service?
Not at all. This information does not imply the confirmation of a service and is subject to the availability of aircraft.
16 - How many flying hours and Simulator hours are provided at the school?
The course includes a total of 200 flying hours, 60 simulator hours for instrument flying and 40 in the FNPTII A-320 for the MCC course.
Furthermore, Gestair Flying Academy provides students with a second Simulator, identical to those used for instrument flight training for students to do as many flying hours as they require to improve their flight procedures. All this places this course well above JAR standards.
As an GFAS student, you may enjoy unlimited access to the Elite G/V7 simulator, for free.
17 - I am a woman. Will I meet other women students at Gestair Flying Academy?
The number of women at the school is growing on a daily basis. More and more women decide to follow this vocation.
This is a very general topic concerning this sector. Today, it is not strange to find a woman commanding an aircraft.
18 - What medical examination must I pass?
The so-called CIMA class 1 is a full medical examination performed at the Air Force Hospital in Madrid or at the Quirón Clinic in Barcelona. This examination must be performed each year or, over the age of 40, every 6 months. It includes:
· Analyses (urine and blood)
· Electrocardiogram
· Blood pressure measurements
· Reflex tests
· Psychological interview
· Eye test (up to 3 dioptres is allowed in the case of myopia)
· Colour blindness and dischromatopsy tests
· Hearing tests
· Encephalogram
· X-rays
· Etc.
19 - Is it difficult to find employment?
This is a fluctuating sector. In recent years, aeronautical activities have been changing dramatically; the companies are changing and, above all, the scenario has changed. However, the recovery of the sector is imminent; each day there are more take-offs and landings, the number of passengers is growing as well as airport operations and aircraft sales. Consequently, we foresee a great future of aeronautical professions.
We advise patience and always keeping in touch with the World of aviation. Gestair Flying Academy, apart from its Flight Student Grant programme and agreements with Air Pack Express and the support of GESTAIR group, also has a Association of Former Students.
20 - What are the differences between an air base and a detachment?
The air base is the centre where students receive their overall training, both theoretical and practical.
A detachment is a centre where part of the practical training is performed.
21 - Is it possible to take flying classes at other places?
Depending on circumstances, the school will organise a number of detachments throughout the course. If these detachments are organised during the initial flying phase, airports such as Cordoba or Requena (Valencia), which feature low air-traffic levels, will be used.
The final twin-engine phase will be performed at an airport that is fully equipped for instrument navigation; we are presently using the school's detachment at Talavera la Real, Badajoz.
22 - Where are flying classes performed?
Flying classes are performed at the Cuatro Vientos Aerodrome.
23 - What type of course is best to become an Airline Pilot?
The best option is to obtain your Airline Transport Pilot Licence.
Once you have finished the course (which lasts from 20 to 24 months) and you have passed the DGAC (Civil Aviation Department) exams, you will have the following licences:
• Commercial Pilot Licence
• Instrument Flight Rating (IR)
• Multi-engine aircraft Rating (ME)
• MCC Course
• Transport Theory (frozen ATPL)
With these licences and authorisations, students may work as first officer in any passenger or freight airline company.
24 - What is a Dry Lease?
Leasing of Aircraft without Crew.
25 - What is a Wet Lease?
Leasing of Aircraft with Crew.
26 - What is an ACMI?
Leasing of Aircraft with Crew, Maintenance and Insurance.
27 - What is a Cargo Plane?
One that is totally destined to transporting cargo, in both the upper deck and the hold.
28 - What is a Combi Plane?
A Combi Plane is one that has a section to transport merchandise or mail in the upper (passenger) cabin as well as in the hold.
29 - What is Dangerous Merchandise?
Articles or substances that may be considered a danger to personal health, security or property when transported by air.
30 - What is an Agent?
A person or organisation authorised to act on behalf of another person or organisation.
