Similar to others here, my initial training was done at what was then BAFC.
A few thoughts :
- Nice airfield with grass and tarmac and proper R/T
- Tight apron, so you have to learn quickly how to manoever properly and get to know know your wingspan as there is pretty much no room for error of more than a couple of centimetres when parking alongside the other aircraft. But a good thing for a student !
- Does get very busy in the summer (egg beaters, gliders, SEPs and twins). But busy is a good thing to experience as a student.
- Non standard circuit (strict noise abatement, plus modifications due to gliders). However, again I'd say this is a plus in terms of your experience for later life.
- Well maintained fleet at BAFC with good availability.
- Fairly expensive, but you get what you pay for in this life.
- Not all instructors are full time career instructors, mine was part time and had another job on the side.
- Beware of John the CFI. Nice chap but very "intense" and you certainly don't want to get on the wrong side of him.
Don't learn in a high wing (visibility is better low wing, especially when you're training and bashing circuits etc.). Also avoid the trauma-hawks.
