Can anyone recommend a good commercial school on the south coast. I m based near Chichester. Already done a search on Pprune and no luck

Have a look at the schools at Bournemouth, PAT and BCFT, both very reputable schools with lots of info on PPrune. Believe there is a commercial school at Chichester, where you are based. Also further east there are schools at Shoreham, EFT for example. Old Sarum also provide commercial training. Just a few here, there are plenty of others, depends on your budget and how far you are prepared to travel. Best of Luck,

WD

PAT at Bournemouth were very good when I was there last year. Do a search and you'll see plenty of good feedback.

Beware of Shoreham, I've spoken to students who were very unhappy there.

SW

PAT at BOH did it for me, they were fantastic - www.pat.uk.com

You'll get one instructor for your entire course, getting exams slots aren't a problem and Bruno will keep you entertained!

Give "The Fat Controller" (Pete) or Linda a call...

Thanks for the info..... seems that PAT have got a good reputation. What about BCFT? Anyone been there, what was it like.. a/c, instructors, sims any good?

Also what company did you end up working for after PAT or BCFT?

Would appreciate any help .... want to make the right choice.


G

I know PAT has a long list of employment information regarding there ex students. Check their website forums www.pat.uk.com , I think you'll find it there. Not sure if BCFT display similar information?

WD

I used to work for BCFT, so I knew lot of people who went through there and a few who went through PAT. As for all schools they ended up working in all sorts of companies, flying clubs, aerial photography, para dropping, island hopping and light charter (I took over this job flying a Seneca from a former student) on the single-crew end. Then on the private charter side there is Beauport (Citation XL) and Club328, working for private individuals flying their Kingairs or PC12s, and the specialist charter with FRA. Then turboprop and jet regionals such as Flybe, Eastern, Scotair, BA Citiexpress, Air Wales and Air Southwest. Then "low costs" such as RyanAir, Easyjet, Jet2 and BMIbaby. Freight with Channel Express, Air Contractors and Ocean (flying a 747F for his first flying job, aged 21! FE for 6 months then FO). Charter companies such as European Aviation, Astraeus and Excel.

So what I am saying, really, is that whichever company you complete your training with, where you end up working is up to you! The limitation is occasionally age but really your enthusiasm for a particular area of work, and so the effort and sacrifice you are prepared to make!

Would strongly recommend PAT. Worked for me!!

Thanks for the replies.. Still trying to find anyone that did their CPL/IR training with BCFT. What was it like... instuctors a/c sims etc. Where did you end up etc.

Why don't you just arrange a visit, go and talk to them and see what YOUR most comfortable with. The general recomendations you asked for are PAT.

I ve already visited PAT which seemed very good, friendly people etc and spoke to some pupils whilst I was there.

I will be visiting BCFT in the future but wanted to here from people who have been through their training at BCFT.

The commercial training costs just about all I have and I just want to make as sure as I can that I m spending it with the right training organisation.

You re right, it looks to me that PAT have more satisified pupils than BCFT if this thread is any thing to go by but there is no harm in asking for peoples experiences.


GLS

I am currently training at BCFT, I have gone from PPL to CPL very successfully, if you want to see the evidence come and visit!