CATS - Cranfield Aviation Training School

[Beau-Angel]

I usually just observe these threads, but this one seems to be a personal attack on CATS, so as an ex-CATS student, I feel I should comment. It's a shame people have to hide behind their computer screens and bad-mouth people. Sure, express your experience at an organisation, but please have some respect for others having to read this.

I went to CATS and my experience was great. If I had a problem I would ask. If their was no-one available to ask, I would work on something else until someone was available. Just like real life, you need to fill your time constructively and put effort in to the work yourself, otherwise you wont pass the exams (or you get fired from your workplace). You cant expect to get spoon fed.

What happens if, one day you turn up for work in the real world and there is no paper to write on? Do you go on to a forum and complain about it all day, or do you use your brain and go out and buy some? The thing is, problems occur in all organisations, and maybe the day to day running at CATS wasn't as regimented as a secondary school/the army/the navy was, just deal with it like most grown ups do. I'm sure the team would have liked your input, seeing things from the student's point of view. I know the CATS team was happy to receive my comments, either way.

How better to help an organisation improve for future students/customers than to give constructive feedback. I for one would like to help the next generation of pilots by any means possible.

For those of you who have read all this and want my opinion, the answer is yes, I would recommend CATS. They aren't rip-off merchants (unlike some organisations out there). They want you to understand the subjects, not just for the exams but for later on down the line (interviews). Dont take my word for it though, go and visit all of the available training schools, and speak to the students in person, see what they have to say. Also speak with instructors/CGI and the person(s) who owns the school. Try and find as much information as possible from face to face contact. Certainly dont base your decision on forum views - good or bad.

I wish you all the best for the future and happy landings.