englishal, FFF and JohnnyPharm,
I agree that there is money to be saved by going to the States, and that living expenses are just as important here as they are in the US. I was emphasising the point of making sure that ALL costs are considered.
I’m prepared to suggest that a lot of training in the US is conducted in all that warm, dry and calm “uncontrolled airspace” - there’s enough of it and I’m sure it makes life easy. I wonder how much emphasis in put on: the use of carb-heat, ATC liaison both Civil and Military, flying in mountainous terrain (not much of that in middle America), icing conditions - etc… etc.
I’m not slating the FAA system, I’m sure it meets the needs of the American market well, but does it give the UK candidate the required knowledge about flying in the UK?
I’ve discussed training in the US against the UK with many different pilots, instructors and FTO’s, all of whom have said that if you wish to continue your training in the UK and obtain a JAA CPL/IR - the JAA PPL taught in the UK is by far and away the best, long term option.
But hey, who am I to suggest one way or the other. Make sure your happy with the system and you are aware of all the pro’s and con’s. Everyone will plan their training to suit their needs, and rightly so.
Funkie
