PPL Hampshire
 

I have been looking at/ visiting the various airfields in Hampshire and just over the border that offer PPL training. I live in Fareham and am looking at which would offer the best value for money, taking into account fuel etc, but not compromising on the quality of training. I would be grateful for any words of wisdom from those who fly local to the area and from those in a similar position to myself who are also researching the local schools.

The club at Lee-on-Solent seem to get a good rep. A bit expensive for my liking but great aircraft and tuition.

Our son is doing his PPL at Lee and is satisfied with progress.

Not been there for a few years, but Thruxton have historically had a very good reputation.

G

I completed mine at Synergy at Fairoaks.. Great instructors and aircraft (at the time).

Also did some at Airways Flying Club (when there was a "British" at the beginning of their name) at Wycombe/Booker. Also great instructors and planes.

West London Aero Club also look the goods..

They are not the cheapest, but I found their professionalism and approach got me through faster than others.

Non of those in Hampshire AFAIK and certainly all a long way from Fareham (are you thinking Farnham?) Goodwood would be closer than these and is good but not the cheapest, LoS should be fine.

Places to consider
 

Hi Boriss,

I know nothing about Lee-0n-Solent.

However I can vouch for both Thruxton and Old Sarum, both of which should be reasonably convenient to where you are located with good instruction standards and reasonable prices.

Goodwood is very expensive.

Booker is a very long way from you: I would suggest that you consider White Waltham rather than Booker although White Waltham is still quite a long way away from you and very expensive.

Fairoaks too is a very long way from you and I have never heard anyone praise the clubs based there. (I had a bad experience at one of them, but that was several years ago; things may have changed).

Blackbushe might be worth a look if you use Redair. Redair also operate from Redhill, where they have always had a good name over very many years. There is, however, another outfit at Blackbushe about which I know nothing.

Personally, I would not use any establishment that takes me more than an hour's travel to get to. You can all too often drive there and find the place clamped with bad weather and then you have to drive all the way home having achieved nothing but an expensive petrol bill.

'Hope this helps.

BP.

No one has mentioned Compton Abbas so I will :-)

Compton Abbas Airfield Home Page

Cake, Coffee & Clear of controlled airspace.

About 1 hour from you, and me...

Oops - was thinking Farnham... Though, to be honest, there are people who travel further than that to go flying.

And, back in late 2011/early 2012, I went to Synergy from another outfit and another airfield. Great service, newly refurbed PA28s and excellent instructors (that I dealt with). Things accelerated very quickly compared to previous school. They weren't cheap, but they were pretty busy and sometimes availability could be an issue.