FI Course Recommendations
 

Hi

After trailing through and emailing various organisations from the CAAs approved FI providers list, (thank you to those who posted the link), I'm really unsure of where I'd like to go - they all sound good on paper!

I will probably need to do the course on a part-time basis, (work commitments, etc), and looking to <hopefully> start in around 4 - 6 weeks.

Does anybody have any good recommendations on where to go, from personal experience?

Thanks

I know that On-Track Aviation at Wellesbourne specialise in part-time FI courses. They also have a good reputation, both in the industry and from ex-students (myself included)

ONTRACK AVIATION LIMITED

XO

Carol Cooper at Andrewsfield Aviation, I keep my cub on the field and she seems to have a steady flow of satisfied customers on a part time basis.

Problem with 4-6 weeks is you are seriously limiting your options . At the moment most Fi courses are over subscribed and there is a waiting list at most.
I would try Mike Wood at Aviation South west at Exeter very good did mine in 5 weeks , busy course , hard but good well recommended

I did the FIC part-time at Andrewsfield last year, they're always very busy with FIC's so try and give them as much notice as possible.

Have you tried Goodwood Flying School?

If traveling distances are reasonable, I would definitely suggest Captain Lance Plews at BCFT, Bournemouth. Now that I started instructing I can see the thought behind every word he said. Also, once he's done with you, you will be able to pass any exam!

If you want a course tailored to fit around your other commitments and could get to Cranfield, I would recommend you get in touch with David Coulson (Tel: 01234 752272) at Cranfield Flight Training.

Hope this helps,

Blackbushe Aviation 01252 877727 are very flexible in allowing you to balance other committments.

When I was enquiring the the offerings from many schools were either full time, Mon - Friday or part time Tues - Thursday.

Blackbushe offered me better flexibility but then it only took me 20 mins to get there.

Almost certainly the one nearest you will be the best bet, given you want to do it part-time. I have a strong suspicion most FI courses will be full-time or nearly so and given the nature of flying training (weather, tech cancellations etc.) you will be on a hiding to nothing trying to do it part-time any distance from home.

Thanks very much for all your replies, have given me something to think about!

Pistondriver - sounds interesting regarding Lance Plews from BCFT. Can you elaborate a bit more on how he operates?

Thanks

Before you consider plews , go and meet him and speak to students there, myself and others included went elsewhere for training due to his unprofessional and downright arrogant persona, but then some people think he's great ,

Have you considered flyeft.com - they do it full time, but if you could get 3-4 weeks off work - rather than drawing it out?

Hi guys, sorry to hijack a good thread.

Just been muscling in on the input. How much do these courses cost, ballpark?

What would a free lance flight instructor earn? Talking hourly rate here.

Costs ballpark £6-7K UK depending on who/where.

Another suggestion, The Pilot Centre - Denham Aerodrome

Beware - a restricted FI needs to be supervised - so being 'freelance' (working for many schools) isn't always a good choice. Being freelance (one school calls you when they need you) isn't probably going to work too well at the moment either.

Earnings.....how long is a piece of string?

Hi Duchess

Thanks for that and will look into it.

Was an instructor full and part time up until 33 years ago but seriously thinking of going back to it when, or if I retire from my present line of work. Obviously have to start at the bottom again, if I become qualified again and manage to get a job.

Most enjoyable flying I ever did in my respects, in fact I loved it. Unfortunately there was no money in it!. Am aware also, it is a "calling".

Funny old world is it not? Here I was teaching (trying) people to begin to learn to fly and sending them solo etc., but knew damn all about flying myself then and still don't. :)

DEFTS at Barkston Heath do a good course.

Carol Cooper at Andrewsfield would be happy to take you on a part time FIC course and she is as good an instructor as you can get. Just talk to anyone who has been trained by her and they will say the same.

According to FTN this month, there are now a surplus of CPL qualified instructors for the first time in a long time, this means very poor job prospects for new instructors. Best advice is don't spent the £7k as you won't get a return.

Thanks for all replies.

Does anybody have any personal experience of Bonus Aviation at Cranfield?