Yes, I have heard the rumours as well, that OATS airline 'space' cadets (!) do get preference over self sponsored students. Maybe it would be better to go to Gloucestershire Airport and use the aircraft there, with other self sponsored students and no airline cadets around. Besides, whats in a names? OATS seems to be fighting each other at the moment. The best school in the country for ATPL goundchool is ATA in Coventry. Why not do your PPL anywhere, go to someone like ATA or PPSC and then go to Gloucestershire for the CPL/IR Upgrade. Or, as has been said, if you have the money, go to Jerez. I have e-mailed a friend of mine who works at mrketing at OATS, including the conflicting replies from the instructors. I await the official reply!!!!
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Pigs CAN fly!