probably BWR, cross-hired from air gold coast I believe.

Yes, I think it was BWR.

i went into Gil Layts shop the other day - it didn't smell!
nice people too.

I recently attained my GFPT at Gil Layt's (albeit over the quoted $7,500) and would recommend the school to any budding new pilot. Yes, the building and furniture are old-school, and yes, you will be learning in fairly old aircraft (2X C150's, 2X C172's and some Pipers).
What they have going for them though is what makes them a worthwhile consideration- 3 excellent instructors in Steve Taddeucci (CFI), Rob Agar-Wilson, and Fab the Frenchman who conducts lessons on weekends. What you also get is 1 on 1 briefings and tuition at no extra cost, as you will only be charged tacho' time when using the aircraft. Everybody there are only too willing to help and even Gil himself is happy to answer any questions you may have on the complexities of flying.

MAC

how much over the $7,500 and in what hours?

NEW Decathlon has arrived at Sunland.

(Bit more confidence inspiring than 20yo wood spars.)

New American Champion distributors.

That should cheer up the local aerobatic pilots, MakeItHappenCaptain, assuming that it is for hire.

Nothing wrong with a good wood wing though although I agree that the metal spars are more robust - I still wouldn't do snap rolls in it.

If you can hack the drive, Air Gold Coast at Coolangatta were heads and shoulders above anything at AF a couple of years ago. Good owner and instructors; not just after your money.

The Pharoah,

GFPT took me around 45 hrs and cost me approx. 11k. Admittedly, both those figures would have been lower if I had prepared myself properly before each lesson ie. knowing what I did wrong previous lesson so to improve next lesson, learning radio calls, landing checks, forced landing procedures etc.
Ecconomically, the biggest lesson I learnt- BE PREPARED! (also makes it less frustrating for instructors!)

Steer clear of FTA. A very disorganised outfit. Run by a man (PB)more interested in how much money you can hand over to him than the training he can provide you. Destroyed a reputable flying school.

RQAC- You will do OK there.

My bet- Go to Sunland. Caters for all. Small outfit which means you get good one on one training.

I've decided to give Gil Layt's a look-in.

Thanks for the timely comments Mike. I am about to start learning to fly and was considering to go with Gil Layt's school as I also live fairly close to Archerfield.

I went in last Friday and although yes the office was looking a bit tired I managed to chat to Steve about the process and felt quite comfortable with him.

Pharoah, did you end up going with GL? What was your experience like?

mate, check your PMs

My 2 cents

I recently finished my CPL at RQAC and although there were elements that pissed me off. Having seen and heard some storys from other pilots they are nothing.

Instructors are great. The price quoted is what you pay. if you are organised there is no reason why you can't finish a CPL in as little as 9 months, I Did, and the Fast Track Pilot Training guys that use the club finish in less than 6 months with MECIR.

I wish I had stayed at RQAC to do my MECIR.

There are options to do other endorsements like formation flying. And they help out with career options.

Good luck