Originally Posted by
alex90
I think it depends on two things.
Firstly - what is your aim? Do you wish to be a commercial pilot? Or is this just for fun?
Secondly - which environment you learn best in.
Some (most?) airlines for some rather odd reason seem to prefer you coming straight from an ATPL integrated course, having been taught their specific Standard Operating Procedures. In which case going to somewhere that is more a school rather than club is better. I.e. Oxford CAE, Bournemouth and maybe Stapleford are the ones that I know do this.
I would look at my career prospects, and see where I am more likely to get where I want to get to.
(I personally think that this limits the skill that they are hiring, and the experience of the pilots to think on their feet is somewhat lost - I found that the better pilots I have flown with had flown many different types of aeroplanes, across many countries, and been exposed to many different out of the norm situation.... but anyway)
If this is just for fun, then it's a little more open, and depends on which environment you thrive best in. Some people prefer the school feel, sitting in ground school classes with 10+ other students, being ushered through for your 2 hour slot, which must at all costs finish at least 15mins before it is supposed to, and flight no more than 60minutes. Or if you prefer the club feel, for instance if sitting around with a cup of tea whilst chatting to your instructor about flying, the lesson is sometimes a little late because the previous student had a few more questions to ask before going home, or they decided to fly a little longer, occasionally you sit in the back of the plane whilst other students fly, and go somewhere else before it's your turn to have a go... you have some aviators sitting around chatting about times past... etc...
I have experienced both, and I know that the school format doesn't work for me, I don't like the feel, I prefer a more personal approach. But this doesn't mean it is better or worse - just different.
If I were you I would get a trial lesson in both and see where you feel most comfortable, that's usually the best way to choose a school. Unless your aim is to be a commercial pilot, in which case you'd better look at the integrated ATPL courses with jobs at the end.
Good luck in your search!
I think I should of outlined it in my original post, my end goal is to join an airline and go Commercial.
However, like I'm sure with a majority of people, the financial side of things is just a big burden sitting there which isn't going to move in reality. Hence why I'm not considering pursuing the Integrated routes e.g. Gen EasyJet etc etc.
Since I've posted I have put together a potential list of schools that are apart of Wings Alliance? Looking at training fee's in and around the £50,000 - £60,000 range.
As you say, I'll go and venture to see what the schools are like and what the environment is like within them and try to speak to current cadets!
Cheers for your response
