Marcofly,
I have no experience of BCFT but am a current student with PAT.
I looked at all the FTOs at EGHH including several others around the UK. PAT is mid-table on costs. They are not the cheapest nor are they the most expensive. However Caveat Emptor the cheapest option is not always so in the long run; be it extra training hours or hidden costs.
In the end my choice simply came down to reputation for high quality training and achieving first time/series passes.
I have been at PAT since mid-Oct initially doing the ME-CPL and now the ME-IR. In that time all the CPL skill test attempts (approx 6) have been passed first time and all but two of the dozen IR skill tests have been first time passes with the other two first series passes. Merritt is included in those stats (Howdy fella
). That to me says something for the quality of instruction.
It is pay-as-you-go with only a £250 deposit; so no large up-front payments to worry about just keep your account in credit.
The four Duchesses' are very good with pretty much standardisation across the fleet. The BE76 is a great aircraft to fly and master the art of ME flying. I've never flown a DA42 (but would like to) so I can't compare the two but it's a bit like comparing apples and oranges I guess. One is steam driven the other is all FADEC. By all accounts (Pilot magazine) it's better to learn the art of ME flying on a legacy piston twin like the Duchess then try your hand at the very nice DA42 types.
Maintenance is also on-site for the niggles that arise with regular usage. Peter in Ops is very helpful both on flying and non-flying issues. There are several instructors available with differing backgrounds and the briefing facilities are very good.
The simulators are excellent. The FNPT 1 is as you'd expect - a good first IF introduction. The FNPT 2 is high quality and replicates the BE76 very well. It is a great way to master the procedures before stepping into the ac.
In the time I have been there PAT have also had a fair share of overseas students from France, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Italy.
EGHH is a great airport to train at with its NDB and ILS facilities and SAM VOR nearby. There is also a lot of uncontrolled airspace for the navigation/GH elements of the CPL.
Accommodation near EGHH is plentiful and varies in price. I can highly recommend where I am staying so PM if you want details.
My advice is to visit both FTO's if you can so you can see first hand the set up, aircraft, simulators, etc and talk to current students. Call PAT and make an appointment to speak with Linda (co-owner) and she will sit down with you and explain the various options to obtaining your CPL/IR.
Feel free to ask any other questions on PAT you may have.
Best of luck.
The Cat.
