Hi Pommie Paul,
I’m currently completing my CPL on the Gold Coast having completed my PPL interstate. I don’t wish to add fuel to the fire on this thread, so should you have any particular questions about GC flight schools please feel free to PM me.
I, too, am a self-funded student so understand how important (and difficult!) the decision is to find the right flight school. I think the most important thing for you to do is obtain detailed quotes from each school you are considering. Get them to identify the various components of the fee they will charge you for each flight. One flight may include the following fees:
- Instructor’s fee (this is the fee you will pay to have the instructor sitting next to you. Identify if you will pay for time in the air or from engine start to stop. This may make quite a difference. Good news is you won’t have to pay this on solo flights when you are more experienced)
- Landing Fees (different at all airports and higher at GC airport than others)
- Briefing fee (will the school charge you for pre and post flight briefings with your instructor)
Also ask if there are ‘enrolment’, ‘administration’ or even ‘printing and stationary fees’. Specifically requesting details of all of the charges to expect will avoid any hidden surprises and allow you to make an informed decision. I’ve learnt this the hard way.
Always bear in mind that the approximate ‘total’ course fee figure a school gives you is only that, an approximation. Some people take longer to get the hang of it and therefore it costs more.
Also put some thought into whether you wish to do the ground school theory as self-study from home or in a classroom setting. Obviously self study will save you money if you have the time to invest in it. If you plan on doing theory courses, get some feedback from students to see if they found it helpful.
I hope this is of some help to you and all the very best with your flying!