CPL TRaining England

[Miss_Cassutt]

Hi Everyone,

I am in the process of completing my CPL (yes it's a long story and unfortunately due to a mix of problems with weather/ arrangement and the flying school itself I was unable to complete the CPL). I would be interested to know if anyone (in this little world) have done their CPL at Western Air (Thruxton) or at BCFT Bournemouth ? and if they would be willing to share the pros and cons of the school (I know there are a few threads on BCFT but those seem to date back in 2007/2008). If you have any other school recommendations, please do let me know (I would probably consider a school in the south of England, although I am open to any comments).

Thanks.

[Ballywalter Flyer]

Little biased. But try Leicester (EGBG). Free from controlled airspace, though close to Birmingham & East Midlands. Plus you get a great social atmosphere after class/flying

[9287Excellent]

Hi there,

I did my CPL and am currently doing my IR at BCFT in Bournemouth and can't recommend them highly enough! I did my CPL on the single engine, so initially on the PA-28 Cadet/Warrior and then on the PA-28 Arrow. Great school, fantastic, knowledgeable instructors and pretty well maintained aircraft too.
I've also done flying at Leicester and if it wasn't for wanting to do my MEP and IR at the same time, I did consider doing my CPL at Leicester. If it is just the CPL you are wanting to do, I would recommend Leicestershire Aero Club and it would probably be cheaper than doing it at BCFT.

[Jozi-boy26]

Try this link, it will give you some more info on Leicester Aero Club-highly recommended. If possible try to get Neil Jones as your instructor.
Leicester Airport, home of Leicester AERO club based a few miles from the centre of Leicester City Centre (http://www.leicesterairport.com/flying-leicestershire/)

Hope it helps. Good luck!

[taybird]

I can recommend the CPL training at Leicester. They are good on price, plus aircraft availability is fine. The standard PA28s are basic, but the PA28R-201 is nicely appointed and easy to book.

The instructor has been mentioned on here previously since he is also a very good aerobatics instructor and teaches the FIC. He seems really relaxed, but he is a stickler for getting it spot on - "that'll do" will not do. He'll also make sure that any weak points are fixed.

[BigGrecian]

Remember CAP 804 Appendix 1 requires you to contact the CAA to switch schools.

Your new school then has to present a training plan to the CAA for them to accept before training can begin.

[Jozi-boy26]

@taybird I think you got it spot on with the instructor - very relaxed which makes you feel relaxed when trying to learn something but he does not accept anything but the correct actions/response etc which ensures that you perform to your absolute best. :DWhat i like about him as that he will go over and over a certain thing untill he is certain you are doing it to the point.
Once again i highly recommend this school for anyones training as the fleet is a bit bigger than other schools, aircrafts are well maintained with a engineering department there to look after all aircrafts, instructors as mentioned are very proffesional, very relaxed school with a good social feel to it-has its own bar to relax after a flight/training with some good food to order as well.:ok:
Hope this helps whoever is still thinking of where to go for training.
Good luck and safe flying.

[Skymaster15L]

Hello,

does anyone know if Leicester Aero Club also offer license conversion training for the CPL; ICAO-JAA?

Thank you

[Captain Stravaigin]

I started my JAA CPL in the States, believing it to be a better (ie cheaper) bet. Big mistake.

Came back a little poorer and a lot wiser.

Went to On Track in Wellesbourne and completed fine. WX was a major problem there though. Trying to get the Examiner and some decent flying weather together at the same time took over a week.

Good Luck:ok:

[taybird]

Skymaster15L,

I can't imagine there's any reason why they couldn't do the conversion for you. I'd recommend giving them a call or even a visit to discuss what you'd need and what it might cost.

I don't work for them so I don't know any of the answers for sure, so it's worth asking the question direct.

[Skymaster15L]

Thanks to all for your replies-sometimes you discover just as much by butting into (respectfully) other people's topics. ;)

Regards