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[fatmole69]

Would like some info regarding flight schools in central Scotland. Any info would be appreciated as I am starting from zero. My end goal is to make a living from flying but not in the UK, how long should I plan for 3-5 years? All and any advice would be aprreciated. Searched PPRuNe and read indifferent reports re: Cumbernauld my favoured school.
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[bajadj]

I think my starting advice would be make sure you have the right to work in the country that you wish to fly in and then gain the correct licence for that country. Eg no point in training in the united states if you don't have the right to work there and no point in getting a FAA ticket if you want to work in Spain.

[colette]

Fatmole69,

Up until just over a year ago there were actually 3 fixed wing flying schools at cumbernauld airport, there are now just 2 left - Leading Edge Flying Club and Cumbernauld Flying school.

I've been a member at Leading Edge flying club at cumbernauld for over 2years now and cant recommend them highly enough! Like yourself I had researched other schools at cumbernauld too (FAS and CFS) and was wary about enquiring at any of them after reading things from disgruntled members and staff. Unfortunately when people hear 'Cumbernauld' they immediatly think of the bad press some other schools have had there and decide to perhaps travel further afield to say Glasgow or Dundee for their PPL without realising there is actually other schools at cumbernauld too with a good reputation!

I was pleased to find the response I got from Leading Edge just that bit more professional and friendly and im very glad I made that decision.
Friendly and supportive instructors and staff, good selection of aircraft (from C152s and the new archer IIIs to super decathlon for aerobatics and tailwheel training), and also a fantastic bunch of members who will make you feel very welcome! Also good rates on the aircraft and thats helped by special offers every now and again for members, for example a 15% off flights over the xmas period there. The club regularly arranges different visits and talks, and in the last few months these have included a fly in to glasgow airport to visit the atc, a talk from NATS and a fly in to Islay over Christmas. Also theres always plenty going on in the club like the annual Christmas quiz night just there, and various evening lectures which some of the past topics have included Mountain Flying, Aerobatics, Navigation etc. There is also a Leading Edge in Perth which the owner has too and all the members get together now and again, and again the staff at Perth are great too and you're always welcome to fly in for a cuppa and a chat! You could have a look at the forum on their website to get a feel for the different activities as well. Leading Edge Flying Club and Flight Training (http://www.flyleadingedge.co.uk)

The best piece of advice I can give to you would be to pop in and visit the different clubs you have shortlisted at some point. Come in and have a cup of tea and a chat with some of the other members and staff, even just to get a feel for the atmosphere and the place.

A PPL is expensive and it's important that you find somewhere you're comfortable with before parting with any cash, so take your time and have a look around until you make your decision!

Feel free to PM if you need anymore info.

[preduk]

I'll go through the Schools in Scotland:

Prestwick Flying Centre - www.prestwickflightcentre.com

Very good setup, nice aircraft and friendly instructors. Prices are ok compared to other schools and Prestwick Airport is just a fantastic airport to learn to fly. I must be honest my heart lies with Prestwick, I just love it.

Prestwick Flying Club - Prestwick Flying Club (http://www.prestwickflyingclub.co.uk)

Probably my favourite school because of the amount of experience these guys have. Prices are ok, not great and the aircraft are old but reliable. The instructors are the key aspect of the club, they have people like Stuart Hill who was an instructor at BAE Prestwick (Now called Flight Training Europe and based in Jerez) as well as a number of RAF test pilots and instructors. If you are going commercial the tips and advice they give is top notch.

Glasgow Airport - Welcome to Glasgow Flying Club (http://www.glasgowflyingclub.com/)

I haven't visited the club myself, but I have heard good things. The only really issue with the school is the cost. It's really expensive.

Cumbernauld Flying School - Cumbernauld Flying School : Flight training for student pilots (http://www.cumbernauld-flyingschool.co.uk)

Aircraft are very nice, setup is good and prices are ok. I personally never liked the instructing at the school, I felt there was a lot of experience lacking with the staff. I personally wouldn't go near them.

Leading Edge - Leading Edge Flying Club and Flight Training (http://www.flyleadingedge.co.uk)

Don't know much about the club I'm afraid, although I have heard good things. Prices are reasonable.

Edimburgh Flying Club - Learn to Fly in Scotland at Edinburgh Flying Club - Scotland's capital airport - flying lessons, trial flights, flight training (http://www.edinburghflyingclub.co.uk)

Don't know much about them, prices are high though.

Highland Flying School - Highland Flying School - Home (http://www.highlandflyingschool.co.uk/)

I'm planning on doing some flying with these guys next year, they are the cheapest flight school in Scotland if not the UK. The reviews have been superb.

Tayside Aviation - Tayside Aviation Fife and Dundee Airport Flying Experience, Gift Vouchers (http://www.taysideaviation.co.uk)

Tayside is probably the biggest school in Scotland, they do all the courses so sticking with them would be good and they have a good relationship with a number of airlines. They have also got the air cadets contract.

There are other ones, but these are probably the biggest ones.