I have not flown with Hempells, I did spend some time with FTA and left quite soon after for a smaller school (about the size of hempells) which I have to say, offered a much more personal and enjoyable approach to flight training in my opinion. There were alot of internal politics at FTA, certain instructors weren't on speaking terms with others, some thought they were gods gift etc... This was when I was there back in 04, it got tiring very quickly.
Just my experience though, Im sure many people have had a great time with FTA.
I hear a lot of good things about some schools up at redcliffe if thats not to far out of your way.
Cheers!
