I’ve done some flying in AFTA.
Excellent setup, sometimes terrible weather (had quite a few lessons moved), a lot of their former integrated students are instructors (building hours/waiting to get an airline job). Flying a Cessna and holding for a jet to take off in the same space is very cool! They have quite a few glass 172s but equally some older ones too. SIM setup is the best in the country (within the confines of their own school). It is a very large school and there’s lots of students from all over the world training there as a result which backs up how regarded they are as a result. As far as I’m aware, neither AFTA or the other ATO in Ireland (National Flight Centre) ask for the price up front. It’s an initial deposit of approx €3,000 and then two weeks before training commences, another €20,000. Next payment is not due until 6 months into the course.