Fly In Spain
I did a month at FIS in the summer of 2007. I found the daily flying invaluable as a big problem of learning in the UK is continuity. Back home progress had been slow with one lesson on average every couple of weeks (because of the typical UK weather). At FIS I flew every day bar a rest day on Sunday and that's where the cost savings come from.
On the whole, I had a very good experience. Yes, it's fair to say the atmosphere is relaxed, and the facilities are adequate but lets face it, it's not a big problem. If you expect a first class lounge with hurried efficiency, you'll get disappointed.
I loved it as I was there on holiday. I got to fly lots (mixing with big jets operating to and from XRY), got good instruction from very experienced people, met new friends, enjoyed the local culture and had plenty of time to study theory in the sun.
Brian and his instructors were great. At the time, all were career instructors with vast experience. I met a few FTE Jerez instructors away from FIS and they all hold Brian Mellor in very high regard. So do I.
As for the 50 year old 172 "old Agnes" - I used it a fair bit, flew my first solo in it and I must say was a solid, balanced a/c and fantastic to fly.
I had a great time, went from early circuits to completing my qualifying cross country and would recommend FIS to boost your flying training forward with uninterrupted good weather flying (unless youre unlucky). There is plenty of time to learn to fly in the crud when you get back to the UK.
As an added bonus, you'll learn to nail cross wind landings.
PM me if you have any questions.