Comed Aviation
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Comed Aviation
Hi There,
Looking at doing my PPL training in the near future and just wondering if any of you have experience of Comed at Blackpool.
Any opinions good or bad welcome especially on quality of intructors/aircraft.
Was looking at Barton but with the recent price hikes Blackpool seems the better option.
Cheers
G-MANN
Looking at doing my PPL training in the near future and just wondering if any of you have experience of Comed at Blackpool.
Any opinions good or bad welcome especially on quality of intructors/aircraft.
Was looking at Barton but with the recent price hikes Blackpool seems the better option.
Cheers
G-MANN
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If you live in Manchester I'd suggest the inconvinence of driving up the M6 / M61 as well as the costs may be a hassle - don't forget there are two fixed wing schools at Barton, have you checked prices at both?
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Comed
Comed are VERY well known at Blackpool airport. They went bankrupt a couple of years ago but somehow managed to get back trading. Every now and then, the airport will only refuel their aircraft on payment of CASH. In many ways, they are very friendly and helpful, but in my opinion, not always very well organised, but their prices are very competitive. However, they are refurbishing their aircraft and they do look good. Instructors are pretty good too, but if you book a lesson, make sure that you check again on the day as they may well have forgotten and sent the aircraft elsewhere (as happened to me several times).
The main point is, do NOT, under any circumstances, pay any money up front. EVER.
There are three other fixed wing schools at Blackpool: ANT - long established with good aircraft and friendy; Blackpool Air Centre - if you can get on with the owner (and MANY can't) it is down to earth and practical; and Westair who have been there for nearly 70 years and are one of the most professional flying schools going - a point reflected in their prices.
There is also Pool aviation which is a good set up, but I'm not sure that they do "ab-initio" training, possibly only hhire and post-PPL training. However, they may be worth a call to check.
As a previous poster said, there are also schools at Barton which may be handy for you. I'm afraid I know little about them, but I have used all of the Blackpool fixed wing clubs/schools.
As the saying goes, you pays your money and you takes your choice!
One last point DO NOT, REPEAT, DO NOT, pay any money up-front to Comed unless you plan to spend it on the day.
The main point is, do NOT, under any circumstances, pay any money up front. EVER.
There are three other fixed wing schools at Blackpool: ANT - long established with good aircraft and friendy; Blackpool Air Centre - if you can get on with the owner (and MANY can't) it is down to earth and practical; and Westair who have been there for nearly 70 years and are one of the most professional flying schools going - a point reflected in their prices.
There is also Pool aviation which is a good set up, but I'm not sure that they do "ab-initio" training, possibly only hhire and post-PPL training. However, they may be worth a call to check.
As a previous poster said, there are also schools at Barton which may be handy for you. I'm afraid I know little about them, but I have used all of the Blackpool fixed wing clubs/schools.
As the saying goes, you pays your money and you takes your choice!
One last point DO NOT, REPEAT, DO NOT, pay any money up-front to Comed unless you plan to spend it on the day.
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I learned at Blackpool Air Centre in 1987 and paid Brian Bateson an up front fee to get the job done asap irrespective of hours taken. It suited me cos I had the cash and a four week window to do it in.
As an earlier poster said, many do not get on with Mr Bateson, but just remember that he has a big ego and is first and foremost a businessman - and he along with his father beforehand has been teaching people to fly on pre-1970 Cherokees for very many years and have done it profitably and without missing a day.
He's hard work but if you give as good as you take then you will have his respect, but you will also find out why he has so many people who hold a grudge against him. (I seem to recall that the last time COMED went out of business, they painted their name all over Brian's Vulcan bomber!)
I have fond memories of learning at Blackpool in an aircraft that was older than me and being verbally abused by Brian with a big grin on his face whilst yelling at me to, 'use the f*****g rudder, give it some welly' whilst trying to keep Rivington pike exactly on the nose and waggling the wings furiously - some sort of co-ordination excercise I recall!!
I would suggest you go to both schools at Barton and the one's at Blackpool and go with your gut instinct. I went to lots before choosing Blackpool Air Centre. I chose because of Brians personality and the 'school teacher' like and 'formal' approach of many of the other schools. Things do change and no doubt Brian has become even more grumpy and beligerent in the last 15 years, but mark my word - you will learn how to fly!!
Good luck
Tony
As an earlier poster said, many do not get on with Mr Bateson, but just remember that he has a big ego and is first and foremost a businessman - and he along with his father beforehand has been teaching people to fly on pre-1970 Cherokees for very many years and have done it profitably and without missing a day.
He's hard work but if you give as good as you take then you will have his respect, but you will also find out why he has so many people who hold a grudge against him. (I seem to recall that the last time COMED went out of business, they painted their name all over Brian's Vulcan bomber!)
I have fond memories of learning at Blackpool in an aircraft that was older than me and being verbally abused by Brian with a big grin on his face whilst yelling at me to, 'use the f*****g rudder, give it some welly' whilst trying to keep Rivington pike exactly on the nose and waggling the wings furiously - some sort of co-ordination excercise I recall!!
I would suggest you go to both schools at Barton and the one's at Blackpool and go with your gut instinct. I went to lots before choosing Blackpool Air Centre. I chose because of Brians personality and the 'school teacher' like and 'formal' approach of many of the other schools. Things do change and no doubt Brian has become even more grumpy and beligerent in the last 15 years, but mark my word - you will learn how to fly!!
Good luck
Tony
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iv not had any dealings with Comed aviation at blackpool up until today in fact. iv got an aerobatics session booked with them in about a weeks time (apparently they have a good aerobat.)
i learned at westair, got to say that their the most professional organisation that iv ever come across. (and no i dont work for them!) you know that your in safe hands with them, unlike some places that i have been to. they are a bit on the expensive side though. but they are good. it depends on what you want.
good luck with what ever you decide!
i learned at westair, got to say that their the most professional organisation that iv ever come across. (and no i dont work for them!) you know that your in safe hands with them, unlike some places that i have been to. they are a bit on the expensive side though. but they are good. it depends on what you want.
good luck with what ever you decide!
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Thanks for the replies everyone.
I have looked at both schools at Barton however its coming upto winter and I thought Blackpool would be the better option with it having a hard runway. Obviously I would like to keep the days lost to weather down to an absolute minimum if I can help it.
Not only that but when schools advertise prices for ppl training the costs seem to be very vague. ie landing fees and vat not taken in to account. Comeds website states landing fee, fuel and vat are all included. I think all schools should state these prices so not to fool the customer into thinking they are cheaper.
As for the other places in Blackpool I have to say I haven't looked yet but Comed was recommended to me by a friend who flies out of Barton and Blackpool on a regular bases.
Plus Comed was quoting training on a C172 as opposed to C152/PA38 at Barton. The C172 is a pleasent aircraft to fly (G-BULH) I have flown the exact one so I suppose I am a bit biased!!!! This was about 7-8 months ago so I dont know what sort of state the planes are in now.
Cheers
G-MANN
I have looked at both schools at Barton however its coming upto winter and I thought Blackpool would be the better option with it having a hard runway. Obviously I would like to keep the days lost to weather down to an absolute minimum if I can help it.
Not only that but when schools advertise prices for ppl training the costs seem to be very vague. ie landing fees and vat not taken in to account. Comeds website states landing fee, fuel and vat are all included. I think all schools should state these prices so not to fool the customer into thinking they are cheaper.
As for the other places in Blackpool I have to say I haven't looked yet but Comed was recommended to me by a friend who flies out of Barton and Blackpool on a regular bases.
Plus Comed was quoting training on a C172 as opposed to C152/PA38 at Barton. The C172 is a pleasent aircraft to fly (G-BULH) I have flown the exact one so I suppose I am a bit biased!!!! This was about 7-8 months ago so I dont know what sort of state the planes are in now.
Cheers
G-MANN
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A couple of other things to think about.
What "time" are you actually paying for? Take-off to touchdown, take-off to touchdown plus x minutes ( 5-10 minutes added on for taxi time, or hour meter from engine start to shutdown etc.
Also consider how large the circuits are and how much delay you might get at the holding point etc.
If they fly big circuits you will get less landings per hour and thus probably need more hours of circuits.
If there are lots of commercial movements, do ATC sit you at the holding point for ages waiting for the airliner on a 20 mile final, or hold you on downwind in similar circumstances? I learnt at Bristol Lulsgate 20 years ago when it wasnt very busy, but the ATC were also not very good and would keep you waiting forever, either on the taxiway or orbiting somewhere!
Good luck!
What "time" are you actually paying for? Take-off to touchdown, take-off to touchdown plus x minutes ( 5-10 minutes added on for taxi time, or hour meter from engine start to shutdown etc.
Also consider how large the circuits are and how much delay you might get at the holding point etc.
If they fly big circuits you will get less landings per hour and thus probably need more hours of circuits.
If there are lots of commercial movements, do ATC sit you at the holding point for ages waiting for the airliner on a 20 mile final, or hold you on downwind in similar circumstances? I learnt at Bristol Lulsgate 20 years ago when it wasnt very busy, but the ATC were also not very good and would keep you waiting forever, either on the taxiway or orbiting somewhere!
Good luck!
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G-MANN
I believe Comed will charge you 5 mins before and after
By that I mean, if you took off at 11:00z, then Comed will only charge you 1hour 10 mins i.e they will input brakes off 10:55 brakes on 11:05. You could of started to taxi at 10:30 but they will only charge 1hour 10 mins (hope this makes sense)
Barton is ok, the problem is getting the same instructor - you could have various instructor's each week!!
The one thing to note, is that regardless of where you choose always, always use your visa and make sure you have insurance!!
Take a trial lesson at the school you like see how you feel???
Satu
Error
Before any one has a pop!!!, I meant brakes off at 10:55 brakes on 12:05 which is 1 hour flying and 5 mins either side for taxying
brgds
satu
I believe Comed will charge you 5 mins before and after
By that I mean, if you took off at 11:00z, then Comed will only charge you 1hour 10 mins i.e they will input brakes off 10:55 brakes on 11:05. You could of started to taxi at 10:30 but they will only charge 1hour 10 mins (hope this makes sense)
Barton is ok, the problem is getting the same instructor - you could have various instructor's each week!!
The one thing to note, is that regardless of where you choose always, always use your visa and make sure you have insurance!!
Take a trial lesson at the school you like see how you feel???
Satu
Error
Before any one has a pop!!!, I meant brakes off at 10:55 brakes on 12:05 which is 1 hour flying and 5 mins either side for taxying
brgds
satu
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I'm using Westair for my PPL instruction, where they charge from brakes off to brakes on, and the prices they quote are all-in. They have quite a churn rate of instructors, as they keep moving on to better paid jobs, so have had seven different ones thus far. No effort is made to impose a common teaching methodology - which may or may not be an advantage. Their aircraft are C15Xs and C172s and are well maintained.
Big aircraft fly out of Blackpool on scheduled services, but not frequently enough to get in the way of GA. However, since the airport was sold to the private sector, costs and bureaucracy have increased, and plans have been made to move GA to the nether reaches of the airfield, with access by service buses. If that gets approved, it could cause more than one flying school to close.
Big aircraft fly out of Blackpool on scheduled services, but not frequently enough to get in the way of GA. However, since the airport was sold to the private sector, costs and bureaucracy have increased, and plans have been made to move GA to the nether reaches of the airfield, with access by service buses. If that gets approved, it could cause more than one flying school to close.
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G-MANN
Just a thought, but have you also considered Liverpool? Not sure if Cheshire Air Training School is still in existence (can't find a website), but Jx started his 'formal' air training at CATS and had great fun. Only my move south prevented me from continuing there.
I also recall that there were one or two other schools there too. Depending on whereabouts in m/cr you are, this would possibly be a shorter schlep than BPL.
I guess there's not many places left were you could be poodling along in your little C150, mixing it with 737s at the holding point!
Jx
PS... anyone know if are there any schools at RAF Woodvale these days? Apologies in advance if I'm woefully out of date on any of this, but i hope it helps!
Just a thought, but have you also considered Liverpool? Not sure if Cheshire Air Training School is still in existence (can't find a website), but Jx started his 'formal' air training at CATS and had great fun. Only my move south prevented me from continuing there.
I also recall that there were one or two other schools there too. Depending on whereabouts in m/cr you are, this would possibly be a shorter schlep than BPL.
I guess there's not many places left were you could be poodling along in your little C150, mixing it with 737s at the holding point!
Jx
PS... anyone know if are there any schools at RAF Woodvale these days? Apologies in advance if I'm woefully out of date on any of this, but i hope it helps!
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I think perhaps people are overlooking the most obvious school to go for here. Ravenair have recently started operating from Barton with much lower prices than the Lancs Aero Club.
If you are worried about loosing out on flying during the winter period due to Barton becoming water logged then you can go to their Liverpool base. They have 11 PA38s, 1 PA28, 1 C172 and shed loads of instructors. They also operate the Seneca II, Aztec and Partenavia.
www.ravenair.co.uk
Regards
If you are worried about loosing out on flying during the winter period due to Barton becoming water logged then you can go to their Liverpool base. They have 11 PA38s, 1 PA28, 1 C172 and shed loads of instructors. They also operate the Seneca II, Aztec and Partenavia.
www.ravenair.co.uk
Regards
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I know a few people who have been learning to fly at Barton and the prices are actually more or less the same at Lancs Aero Club as they are at Ravenair. Ravenair do not quote the prices including landing fees VAT or touch & go's on the price list which is why the club probably look more expensive.
As far as instructors go they have about 20 at LAC. The people I know training with Lancs aero club have had had no changes. All except for one who's instructor left due to an airline job, and for first solo check as the new instructor wasn't authorised to send first solo's. If you don't get the same instructor each time you should be putting your foot down.
Very little time is lost now at Barton due to runway condition and surely that can only get better considering the money that is being put into the place by the new owners.
It's always worth having a trial with the schools you are looking at to see what you think of them before you fork out a great deal of your hard earned cash.
As far as instructors go they have about 20 at LAC. The people I know training with Lancs aero club have had had no changes. All except for one who's instructor left due to an airline job, and for first solo check as the new instructor wasn't authorised to send first solo's. If you don't get the same instructor each time you should be putting your foot down.
Very little time is lost now at Barton due to runway condition and surely that can only get better considering the money that is being put into the place by the new owners.
It's always worth having a trial with the schools you are looking at to see what you think of them before you fork out a great deal of your hard earned cash.
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As far as instructors go they have about 20 at LAC. The people I know training with Lancs aero club have had had no changes.
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You'll find that the vast majority of instructors at any school are hour building to go onto the airlines. Given the amount of money they have spent can you blame them, it's their ultimate aim. They don't want to carry on instructing for the rest of their career.
In any case not all instructors are hours building, if you are planning on doing your training as quickly as possible, as some do, you shouldn't have a problem. If you are only doing a couple of lessons a month and planning to take your time there is no reason why you shouldn't request a career instructor, LAC have a few.
The majority of people don't experience problems with continuity as far as instructors go. As I said earlier if you have issues with any school it's better to speak to the people in charge and express any concerns. At the end of the day, we, the paying customers, are paying their wages. Where would they be without us? They are there to help us!!
In any case not all instructors are hours building, if you are planning on doing your training as quickly as possible, as some do, you shouldn't have a problem. If you are only doing a couple of lessons a month and planning to take your time there is no reason why you shouldn't request a career instructor, LAC have a few.
The majority of people don't experience problems with continuity as far as instructors go. As I said earlier if you have issues with any school it's better to speak to the people in charge and express any concerns. At the end of the day, we, the paying customers, are paying their wages. Where would they be without us? They are there to help us!!
