Your thoughts on Firecrest Aviation?

[ee59]

Dear all,

I live in Hertfordshire and looking to start PPL training. The nearest airfield is Elstree and I was thinking of doing my training with Firecrest Aviation. However, as I am completely new to this field I am looking to get opinions from more experienced people.

So is Firecrest Aviation a good place to do PPL training? Are they reliable? How are the instructors? How are the aircraft?

Are there better alternatives around the same area?

Your advice would be much appreciated.

Regards,
ee59

[A and C]

They have been around for years.

They don't have new aircraft.

They dont have young instructors dressed like Argentinian admirals.

You pay as you go.

All in all they are honest guys who are pepole trying to make an honest living by providing a good service, I have done business with them and it was an uneventful transaction.


Now if you want a real jucey story about dishonesty, unclear pricing, restrictive practices and contempt for the customer then you could have gone to another local training providor but they have gone bust taking a lot of people's money with them.

[dkatwa]

I learnt at Firecrest and got my PPL in June 2010. Honest and friendly bunch. They are not hour- builders and they have other jobs too, so they teach because it is a passion for them.
There is a Pooleys store on site too and a nice cafe so, even if the weather lets you down, you should be able to enjoy the other facilities.
Planes are C152/C172, although I think they have a Grumman now too
Give them a try...!

[clkorm3]

Two guys that did the PPL with me at the start of this year transferred from there to BCFT and managed to get it completed within 8 weeks that includes all the seven exams and nearly all the excersises for the PPL as they was with the school for a quite a long time and didn't manage to get anywhere and was messed around. Personally I have had no dealings with them and my opinion is based on others experience. I would recommend BCFT bcos if you plan to go all the way then most definatly bcos they train you with all the skills required for being successful commercial pilot.

[thing]

I would recommend BCFT bcos if you plan to go all the way then most definatly bcos they train you with all the skills required for being successful commercial pilot.

I was trying to think of a pithy comment but I think I'll just let the quote stand on it's own merits....

[Steevee]

You asked about alternatives to Firecrest. The Falcon Flying School is newly established at Elstree, so you could make enquiries there too. Ask in the Aerodrome Cafe or their office premises next to Pooleys.

[x933]

I flew with firecrest when I lived in London. Never had a problem, instructors were friendly and knowledgeable, if you are looking for a club rather than a school then it's ideal - I enjoyed my time there.

[ee59]

Thanks for all the replies.

I suppose the fact that Firecrest don't have new aircraft isn't necessarily a problem as long as they are well maintained?

Thanks also for the comments on BCFT although it wouldn't be convenient for me to go there. Also I don't really intend on getting a CPL (though I did consider it at one point).

[niallg123]

I have done all my flying through Firecrest, from trial flight to license, when I lived in Hemel Hempstead.

Not only are they helpful and knowledgeable, they are encouraging too. I had an instructor that would bend over backwards to answer any questions I had.

I fully agree with x933 - the atmosphere is a great especially to learn in.

Flying wise the aerodrome has its quirks, but that only makes visiting other fields easier.

[trident3A]

I got my PPL with Firecrest and still fly with them - really nice guys, they won't rip you off.

[Genghis the Engineer]

I suppose the fact that Firecrest don't have new aircraft isn't necessarily a problem as long as they are well maintained?

The vast majority of flying schools use somewhat elderly aeroplanes (for that matter, so does a fair chunk of the Royal Air Force).

If aircraft maintenance is done properly, it is not an issue. The elderly but effective C152, C172 and PA28 are all excellent training aeroplanes, and the mainstay of flying schools the world over.

By and large, maintenance is always done okay to good in the UK, and unless there are specific concerns being raised anywhere, I wouldn't worry about that.

It is embarrassing that most people nowadays are learning to fly on aeroplanes older than they are, but it's only embarrassing, not unsafe. If it troubles you, take up microlighting where the flying school aeroplanes are usually much newer (but neither more, nor less, safe by and large).

G

(Hired an aeroplane from Firecrest a couple of times a year or so ago, found them a fairly typical - safe and competent but not exceptional - flying school.)

[Matty906]

I note that they are looking for investors on their club website which suggests they need money? Mind you what flying club doesnt need money.

Hired an aircraft from them last year whilst down in the smog (God I hate London), and whilst it was okish, it had more in-op stickers than I care to remember, and was just generally tired.

It also cost a bloody fortune to a northern tight arse like me!

I kind of suspect that after the olympics there may be less choices of flying schools around to choose from!

[AndoniP]

I've not been to Firecrest, so can't comment on their school.

I'm flying with Falcon at the moment. Great set of instructors, very knowledgable. The aircraft that I've been in (just the Avgas PA28s) are slightly tired but work fine. Fleet is PA28, DA40, Rockwell Commander and SR20. I'll be training on the DA40 soon, and currently doing my night qualification.

At Elstree, night flying training is only performed on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and the schools have to arrange fire cover etc.

Depending on where you live in Herts, you could also give Stapleford a go, or North London Flying School in Welwyn GC.

[Genghis the Engineer]

Originally Posted by AndoniP

Depending on where you live in Herts, you could also give Stapleford a go, or North London Flying School in Welwyn GC.

I must admit, I've found Stapleford a lot less hard work to get in and out of than Elstree which is surrounded by a lot of difficult connurbations and airspace. No reflection on any training provider, but I think that you'd get better value out of your flying hours there.

G

[essouira]

what's happening

post withdrawn as it seemed to upset others

[rgsaero]

I think it's highly irresponsible, and very possibly actionable - libelous - to make such suggestions as that above.

I have no connection whatsoever with Firecrest, though I know then through AOPA; when last talking to them - three days ago - everything was fine.

Before posting such rumour why didn't you or your "friend" - who as he USED to hire from them ring them up and ask before posting and thereby creating alarm among others?

[Vone Rotate]

Give Ches a call at Fly Elstree. http://flyelstree.co.uk/
He took me through my PPL in 07 and can't recommend him enough. He taught me a lot about flying and gave me a good solid foundation to build my professional aviation career on. He now runs his own school and seems to be doing well.
I'm now an instructor myself!

[AC-DC]

Cool down my friend.

[500 above]

Has anybody been to Firecrest today? I for one hope all is OK with the business.

[niallg123]

Can I ask why?