is there any london based schools that offer newer aircraft to learn/hire?
The last time I was there, White Waltham had two new-model C172s available.
There is a very good reason why most schools don't have these aircraft, though - they cost more, and offer no real benefit. I am an instructor at a school which has a selection of aircraft, mainly Cessnas, including one new C172 and several "run down grotty 15-20 year old aircraft" to use your phrase.
The number of hours required to get a PPL on the new aircraft is exactly the same as on the older aircraft. They are no easier to fly (the only exception being the lack of carb heat), the controls are identical, the reliability is just as good as a well-maintained older aircraft. Of my PPL students who have tried the new C172, two have decided that the slight extra comfort is worth paying a little more for, but the vast majority have said it would be nice to be able to train on it but they can't afford the extra cash, so they continue to train on the older aircraft.
Having said that, this aircraft is the most popular for PPLs to hire to go touring in, because of the extra comfort level.
With aviation in this country being as expensive as it is, I can't see this situation changing until newer aircraft offer a real cost benefit to the schools and the students. This probably isn't too far off - diesel engines and modern composite aircraft designs offer large cost benefits, and a small number of schools have taken them on, but I think most schools are waiting until the technology has a proven track record before investing huge amounts of money in upgrading their fleets.
FFF
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