What Else
Hi
There are a couple of things I would say;
Firstly what aircraft do you want/need to learn in? I won't bore you with stuff that's been argued over on this forum many times, but the likely candidates are;
A) R22 (max 17st - bijou & compact!)
B) S300
C) R44
Secondly, choosing a school isn't the same as choosing an instructor, I started to learn to fly then my instructor got "indisposed" so I had to switch schools half way through. This was good and bad, it introduced a bit of confusion (as my records seemed to be a bit - erm, scarce) but it also exposed me to different critique / methods etc.
You are not going to get on with everyone and/or everyone's style, but if you learn best from having a longer pre-flight briefing then tell the guy that and explain your needs, that's what I did as I found that people generally didn't do extensive pre-flight briefings - especially at the early stages as learning to hover and transition really is about the "feel" of the helicopter. I didn't complete the PPL(A) but found the need to be briefed more applicable to fixed win at the early stages.
There's arguments for and against but I would say its better to have a "regular" instructor you get on with but learn with more than one instructor.
[EDIT] Bear in mind that if you go for someone that is outstanding but they are in demand you may find yourself sitting around for a week or two (or more) if the whole school isn't set up with multiple instructors - that are all good.
From my own experience I would want to be be very sure of the benefits before hanging my hat on an individual - due to the risks of them not being available. The benefits may well be worth it to learn with Dennis or Q.
We have a shared R44 based at HQ in Denham (pm me for more details if you want to learn in an R44) and we know HQ very well and I would say that HQ offer a good combination of several instructors that are good and Q that is outstanding.
Many people say that Q is best at "finishing" people's skills and I can personally testify to how Q can develop flying to another level. Learning to hover and get the basics I think it's more important to have someone you are comfortable with.
I would happily recommend learning at HQ but I would suggest getting the basics under control with James/Andy/Kim then fly with Q from time to time to sharpen up your skills. There are others at Denham that don't have the same homely feel.
Also consider what you are going to do after you pass, you are probably likely to fly from where you learn so think about the other services and attitude. See also hqtrips - they do very interesting flights to various places!
[EDIT] HQ have set up a programme of ongoing flying development to bring on our skills post-PPL(H). Apart from the comfortable relaxed atmosphere at HQ, they even have a designated person in charge of fun! That seems to be what you were looking for and right up your street.
Also remember the same person can't train you from 0 to PPL and test you.
BTW - although we use HQ I am really not biased - I also heard good things about Redhill but have no personal experience to comment on.
I do have personal experience of other training in and around London and whilst there's nothing specifically bad about them that I'd want to write here, your comments indicate you wouldn't enjoy their attitudes/methods !
CC
Last edited by chopperchappie; 3rd Dec 2013 at 08:57.