Is changing schools a disadvantage?

[LondonPaul]

*Originally posted on Wannabes - Professional Pilot Training but after ZERO responses I think it might sit better on this forum.*

I am looking at the self-funded route to gaining my fATPL. I am aiming to complete this over several years.

I have read that prospective employers take into consideration the school/s where you trained. Is this just for the CPL/IR or do they look at all ratings?

I live near London and for some ratings the local schools are a lot more expensive than further afield. Although I could stretch to complete some ratings locally (Night, Multi Engine etc) because of the convenience.

To make the training easier on my family (and finances), I was wondering about doing certain ratings in Spain, France, etc to allow me to train whilst the family had a holiday. (I would still be working full time so could not afford too much time off!)

Would this mix & match approach be looked upon less favourably?

Rgds

London Paul

[parris50]

I know pilots who did ratings in different schools who have jobs now. There can be all sorts of reasons for changing school so I would have thought that provided you can explain your reasons to an airline's staisfaction you should be alright.

[Gin Slinger]

The biggest plus point from a consumer's point of view is that you can mix and match training providers. You can then optimise your own training on cost and specialist expertise criteria.

I did my PPL in at a now defunct US FTO, my ground school with Bristol, my MEP with NAC, and the rest with EPTA in Bournemouth.

I was asked about my training in my job interview (which I passed incidentally), but simply to help them build a picture of me. I really don't think they gave two hoots where I actually did my Ratings, as long as they were valid.

[Down3Greens]

Stapleford aerodrome is near London and price competitive.... agree with Gin Slinger licence is the main thing.

[Manflex55]

Agree with the above. The 1st thing that airlines look at when reviewing your training is not where you did it but how many attempts it took you to get your certificates (both theory & flight tests). Before choosing a flight school I would inquire about their "first time pass" rate. These vary enormously between schools in this country. Up there in North England, mine had 100% 1st time pass in GFT and 95% 1st time pass in IR, a few partials and no fails. Training was tough and the instructor (& ex CAA examiner) a piece of work, but it was well worth it: I passed both tests on first attempt as well, with the minimum number of hours required. You will get more attention with "I've never failed a flight test" than "I've been to that famous flight school". Other threads on this forum have shown that the biggest schools in this country are not necessarily the best to both pass your checkride AND get a job.

MF

[LondonPaul]

Thank you all for your posts. I am glad to hear that it doesn't appear to harm your chances with prospective employers.

LondonPaul