Morning,
The difference between an FNPT I and II is that the "II" variants have projected visuals. Therefore for the IR course this is fairly insignificant as you are not using the sim to look at the pretty graphics!! There are old and new versions of both simulators. The older ones tend to have actual replica instruments, whereas the newer variety, such as the ones made by Elite etc have a couple of TFT monitors with a graphical representation of the instrument layout. Again having had a bit of experience of both there is not much of a difference.
I would have to say the main consideration when choosing an IR training provider is how the course is split between the aircraft & sim. The FTO where i did mine had a 25/25 split between the sim (FNPTII) and the aircraft PA34. Unless you have previous experience on the multi i would say thats the better split, if not the cheapest option. Just my opinion, i'm sure there will be others who disagree! Out of interest, the school in question (who i now work for, and will remain nameless!!) has a higher than national average 1st time IR pass rate. some would say those statistics reinforce what i have said above.
Hope this helps, and good luck with the course
