Originally Posted by
Alex Whittingham
You say 'in the UK', but my choice for integrated would be FTE Jerez. Never hear a bad word about them. It might pay you to be careful about upfront payment schedules with flight schools, I'm not convinced the industry is out of the financial woods yet.
As has been pointed out previously, if the groundschool is completed prior to any flying, then that cost is in the region of £5000 + accommodation etc.
An escrow account is the gold standard to ensure that your money is protected until required for a phase of training. Otherwise your money is at risk with absolutely no protection should the ATO cease trading. CAVEAT EMPTOR. If not available, ask why.
Tayside went bust, and customers at FTA were actually been signed with a substantial discount in the week before they went bust.
For the UK schools, look at the annual historical accounts available through Company House website. DUE DILIGENCE as difficult as it may be is essential. If say a ATO is required to pay for fuel daily as oppose the normal credit terms, then danger bells must be ringing…
Be aware of smooooth talking Snake Oil Salesmen who will promise you the earth & that the ATO is as solid as they come.
Read any contract carefully & preferably by a solicitor. Never be afraid to walk away & go Modular for probably half the price.
Get the timing right & you will complete in the same time as integrated courses.
MCC/APS at Virtual Aviation Cambridge is a sound choice😉