Training options for a wannabe amateur pilot in London, UK?
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: London
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Why on earth would someone who lives near Northolt in North West London with easy access to highly regarded flying schools at (in no particular order) Denham, White Waltham and Booker/Wycombe spend time and money travelling to Southend - or anywhere else? 
Based upon my experience many years ago, and all I hear now, there's nothing to choose between the well-known flying schools at each of those airfields except that the WLAC at WW also has a very pleasant clubhouse and an active social side.
Frequency is important when training because you'll learn more quickly and save money. If the school is local then you are more likely to be able to pop in for an additional lesson at short notice.
NB: When making price comparisons, make sure you are comparing like with like - preferably in writing.
eg
Does the price include VAT?
Are there any 'fuel surcharges'?
Are home landings included in the price?
Are briefings and debriefs included or are they charged as 'ground instruction'?
Are there any other 'extras' for which you will have to pay - apart from books and examination/test fees?
Cheapest isn't necessarily the best choice, but nor is the most expensive.
Visit a few schools and narrow your options to the two you liked most.
If A is more expensive than B, decide whether the additional cost is worth it to you.
I'd choose WLAC at WW because I like the atmosphere and it's a lovely airfield, but that's just a personal choice and no reflection on schools at the other airfields I've mentioned.
Based upon my experience many years ago, and all I hear now, there's nothing to choose between the well-known flying schools at each of those airfields except that the WLAC at WW also has a very pleasant clubhouse and an active social side.
Frequency is important when training because you'll learn more quickly and save money. If the school is local then you are more likely to be able to pop in for an additional lesson at short notice.
NB: When making price comparisons, make sure you are comparing like with like - preferably in writing.
eg
Does the price include VAT?
Are there any 'fuel surcharges'?
Are home landings included in the price?
Are briefings and debriefs included or are they charged as 'ground instruction'?
Are there any other 'extras' for which you will have to pay - apart from books and examination/test fees?
Cheapest isn't necessarily the best choice, but nor is the most expensive.
Visit a few schools and narrow your options to the two you liked most.
If A is more expensive than B, decide whether the additional cost is worth it to you.
I'd choose WLAC at WW because I like the atmosphere and it's a lovely airfield, but that's just a personal choice and no reflection on schools at the other airfields I've mentioned.
