What's the state of play?

[Dak Mechanic]

What's the situation like for flying training in the UK at the moment?

Are there good deals around with the financial disaster in progress?

In a perverse way, I've found myself in a position to be able to afford
some (maybe the complete PPL) training this year, but knowing my luck all the schools will go bust... Will be looking for a school in the Coventry/ Warwickshire locale.

The other small problem is that I'm in Japan for the foreseeable future so will
have to do it in lumps while back in the UK, unless anyone has any bright ideas! Learning in Japan is not an option.

Thanks in advance!

[L'aviateur]

Realistically, flying is always expensive. I personally feel I dedicate a major part of my life so that I can enjoy the luxury and privilage of flying. I also work away, and when I did my PPL I did it in 'chunks', and the final 15 hours and test I did in two weeks. I stayed in a B&B next to the airport, arrived at 7am and left at 7pm with the staff, flew at every opportunity even just for more solo circuits (was non fussed about the whole minimum 45 hours and following the schedule, just wanted to be in the sky!). It was great fun and completed it literally just before I went away. If you really want to do it, it's definately possible.
Going to the USA wasn't an option, simply because I couldn't be sure what dates i'd be home.

Now keeping myself flying and not getting is also a real commitment. I study the checklists and manual the day before I go home, and even if i'm the UK for less then 24 hours, i've still found the time for an hour of circuit bashing.

Just a few ideas, the way I do things might not suit everyone, but it's a thought.

[Duchess_Driver]

At the moment, the state of play appears to be rosy. (Where's that lump of Oak?)

However, that may not be the case as the year progresses - only time will tell. My feeling is that, although people are worried about redundancy et al, they have a little more money in their pockets at the moment as the mortgage rate falls and other retail costs reduce. Usually, if people want to do it then they'll find the money somewhere. How long this situtaion will remain in play I don't know.

With regards to 'which school' - there are an number at Wellesborne and Coventry - with others at Tatenhill and Turweston if you want to travel that far. If you're not starting yet, then redo the search a little closer to your expected start so that it is more relevant in terms of available options and prices.

If you're worried about your investment then there are (at least) two rules...

1) Don't pay in advance - or if you have to then pay with a credit card. However, some schools will offer a better rate for a small commitment in advance. Moderate the investment to reduce the risk.

2) Get your logbook signed at the end of the flight by your instructor. That way, should the school go under you won't be hanging around for months on end waiting to get a copy of your training records or your progress verified by any new school.

HTH