If my memory serves me well, FTA is a different entity from AV8 ... so I can only express an opinion on AV8 -different instructors, etc.-
Even if I can't make any comparision with another school, the instructors seem to do a great job and I can fairly say that I learn a lot out of them.
Before enrolling, I paid a visit to RQAC and AAA... I chose AV8 exclusively for their lower fees, other things being equal as far as I'm concerned.
Anyway; the most important is for each student pilot to be satisfied with what he pays for ;-)
For the avoidance of doubt -as it seems that I'm the only fella to say that AV8 is not the crap you guys describe- I've no personal interest in AV8 nor know personnaly any guys that work there -and I'm not even Australian, so-... I'm here for their rates and I can say that I am entirely satisfied with the quality of the course... so why pay more?
Cheers,
Adiacyrus