Hi all
Having seen the replies to my initial post I though it would be appropriate to give my response. (Starting with the earliest posts)
Saab Dastard - Sorry if the message comes across as an advert this was not my intent. I had always planned on writing up my experience and if I had had a negative experience (which luckily I didn't) then I would have written about this. At the end of the day I can only give my honest opinion and if this sounds like an ad then so be it.
Whirlygig - You make a valid point and and I concede that I have not flown with other flight schools (although I have spoken to other schools and instructors). So yes without experience of other schools my opinion is devalued slightly, however I can only give my opinion (which I hope is not too bias due to my emotional investment!).
DC3freightdog - Yes indeed you do 'mainly hear about the bad ones' and this was my attempt to try and address that balance !
FleetFlyer - I like your term 'doom mongers of PPrune'. On so many threads there are these people who add unnecessary negativity that does not add value to the thread. Yes you should always be realistic however optimism should never be undervalued!
Hughes500 - Again I agree with your post, I was flying every week day in August (apart from a few lost days due to weather). I strongly believe that this regular flying allowed me to complete in 45 hours as there was no wasted 'catching up time' that you might get between long gaps in flying.
parasite drag - I don't quite understand your question. Yes I finished in 45 hours, no it cost me more than £9999 (but this was fully expected).
EN48 - I appreciate your point and if I had the money to pass in 100 hours I would of preferred to do that, however the main restriction in my personal circumstance was the time limit. As I started back at University in September I did not want to mix my academic work with flying due to a high Uni workload. And I did not want a 10 month gap in flying.
Heliport - Thanks for your response it is much appreciated.
FH1100 Pilot - I'm glad you appreciate my spending etiquette! Many people ask me how I managed to save up so much being so young and even when I explain people don't understand the principle. It is unfortunately a growing characteristic of the western world to buy things we simply don't need (and ironically being a product designer, its my job to design some of this 'junk'!).
foxmead - I honestly do not know what school you are referring to, and I am rather intrigued to know!
As for my personal progress to date I am near completing my degree having designed for my final year project a helicopter training device which has won several academic awards (which won me nearly £2000) :
News | News and Events | University of Portsmouth
News | News and Events | University of Portsmouth
Without mentioning any names (as I do not want to further impose this 'ad' status). A certain instructor from a certain school assisted me with the functionality of this device, this I think is a good example of the extra mile that the staff at this school are willing to go. Along with this I am now an employee of this school as a trained ground crew member.
I don't really think I could of asked any more of this school.*
*Other flight schools are also available.