Sorry first post on new name (computer probs)
I’m a 400hr PPL etc and have spent the last 2yrs contemplating whether to take the plunge into the ATPL exams. Well I’m now into mod 2 BGS (DL) and have spent the last year looking around UK flying schools as I travel with work. Here’s what I’ve decided to do after looking into the ins and outs :-
Tayflite
Went there last year and found it very friendly with excellent kit, the airspace would suit me as it is fair uncongested and would in my opinion give unhampered training. As I have said I was impressed with both the aircraft and sim. Great scenery a bonus.
Bristol
Was extremely impressed with the facilities, lots of aircraft and good availability, this shouldn’t make serviceability an issue. Also you are only changed from take off to landing. (nice). Lodgings in the local area are also plentiful and BGS just over the road.
Professional Bournmouth
Again nice aircraft bit far to travel for me to travel but I would definitely give it my consideration if I lived a bit closer.
Multiflight
Living 20 miles from Leeds this is probably in my top 2 schools, I did a night rating there in early 98. But being a keen PPL I fly from sherburn for the club environment airspace etc.
Being on my door step it would make an ideal choice as I can travel from home but Leeds is now becoming a busy airport so I have still to look into the amount of time orbiting holding etc but being from a club environment this may also make my RT top notch.
Went to there last open day and was impressed, at least 1 twin was de-iced which is good for me as I will be training in Nov (hopefully).
Been told by a lot of people to try and do as much of the training with the CFI and not his missus (wont go into the reasons but comments far from complementary). The sim is great and I was led to believe that if you both the CPL and IR with them you get a reduction on the MCC. (But not quite sure if this is still available).
Leeds flying school
Was considering this school but have definitely ruled it out now. When I visited the atmosphere was very friendly and probably just what I wanted on first my first look, I was very impressed with newish sim and the way I was treated on my first visit. Several reasons for changing my mind:-
I could not get any idea of the pass rate of the school however hard I tried.
There aircraft seem to be constantly in sherburn being fixed.
I have been advised that student’s time is not well allocated and that maintenance trips are used as training flights. They have 2 twins but 1 always appears to be under repair.
I have spoken to several past students and they have stated that a lot of time is spent sat around with note much constructive happening.
The school is half amile from the airport.
I flew a lot out of sherburn last summer when there university students where there being trained and I found there CFI to be somewhat distasteful and full of himself.
All this I feel would detract from the training I am seeking.
I will however use Leeds for my instructor rating if I do end up doing one; I have heard nothing but praise for the course and the instructor both on my travels and at other schools. Simon Anderson comes highly recommended even from their direct opposition.
Sorry for the long post I hope it helps.
I will be choosing Either Multiflight or Bristol.
GOOD LUCK