Was in the same boat...used to train at Wings @ Essendon a few years ago, until they shut up shop. The airport isn't in good shape, unfortunately. There are 3 schools left from memory...
- National Aerospace Training, who will try to hook you into their $70,000 CPL course...gave up on them when they kept ringing me and bugging me about applying etc...
- Interair - did 2 hours with these guys before calling it quits...they attempt to be professional but the organisation of the place is pretty poor.
- Pearsons...if I was still at Essendon, I would most likely be flying with these guys. Have a few mates flying with them and no -ve feelings. Reasonable aircraft and facilities, and good instructors.
Unfortunately with Essendon, and the reason why I left, is because of the extra fees. Dual rates in a 172 at most of the schools is about $270 or so...on top of this, you need to add Essendon and airservices landing/airport fees which equal about $50-60...so in theory, you are paying $300+ for a dual 172 per hour. When I found that out, I decided to move airports.
Although you say YMMB is too far away, have a good look at the place before making a proper decision. I now fly from there, and I live approximately 5 minutes drive from Essendon. Positives that I have found with flying at YMBB:
- Rates aren't too bad...about average really, with NO extra fees etc
- Training area is 5 minutes away...means you don't have to transit 20-30 minutes just to get to the training area, like you do if you were flying from YMEN...this overall equals more time spent getting your moneys worth in the air...
- Circuits can be done at YMMB...see above comment
- Choice...lots of it at Moorabbin...you can train at anything from a basic school, all the way up to places liek GFS with brand new 172 and 182's
Not sure where you live, but travel time for me is just under an hour away from the Essendon area. Have also driven to and from YMMB in peak traffic and its not overly bad...obviously a bit slower on the mains roads and freeway, but nothing too bad.
As I mentioned, have a better look at Moorabbin. It's a very nice, busy airport, and has that feel about it that Essendon has unfortunately lost. If you want some more info, feel free to PM me...