Quote:
"if they want your money in advance, it's an interest free loan - for them."
I couldn't agree more, if a flying school is encouraging you to put down funds in advance of providing training, there is an increased chance that they have cash flow issues. Your "loan" becomes more of a gift when they go BUST. Recent example: the scabs at Cranfield/ previously Elstree.
Stick to reliable schools who have a good track record and are prepared to let you pay as you fly. I used to go and look at a school's fleet, if it looks tidy, then they are probably maintaining their aircraft properly and not struggling to find cash. Such schools won't be the cheapest but what is a saving of £5 per hour if you lose £10,000?