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Help Choosing Flight School For PPL With Modular Path In Mind

Hi everyone,

I'm finally in a financial position to begin my PPL training and am looking for some recommendations on which flight school to choose. I live near Reading in Berkshire, and currently have my eye on White Waltham Airfield and GoFly Oxford. I had a trial lesson at White Waltham a decade ago and it seemed like a really pleasant place, but I'm planning on obtaining the PPL as the first step on the Modular route towards an ATPL and as far as I'm aware they don't offer the additional ratings beyond the PPL. I've heard that it's of some importance to airlines that you try and stick to a single school if possible to ensure consistency in the training, and GoFly Oxford seem well set up for this purpose.

Does it matter too much where I choose to complete the PPL module of the training? All things being equal I'd probably choose White Waltham for the sake of convenience, but I want to make sure I do this the right way. Any advice or further suggestions/recommendations for schools would be very much appreciated, can't wait to get going at last!

Cheers

Hi Andy,

You might be better asking this question on the Professional Pilot Training forum under the Wannabe's section. Those who have already gone the modular route might offer more experience.

That said, I'm sure White Waltham will offer you excellent training but you might find that you benefit in the long term by starting out at a field with formal ATC and a busy mix of commercial and GA traffic. White Waltham is always busy on a sunny day but it's easier to work back towards an FIS/Grass airfield environment rather than upwards to concrete runways and jet traffic.

Good luck with your plans whatever you choose.

Don’t discount Blackbushe aviation. Full zero to hero courses in a very friendly positive environment. Worth a look.

Wherever you end up good luck with your choice. I’m very jealous.

Great, I'll post in there - thanks very much for the advice, that makes a lot of sense!

Quote:

Originally Posted by 18greens (Post 10581136)

Don’t discount Blackbushe aviation. Full zero to hero courses in a very friendly positive environment. Worth a look.

Wherever you end up good luck with your choice. I’m very jealous.

Ooh I hadn't come across Blackbushe before - very local and seem well geared towards further ratings beyond the PPL. Thanks very much, I'll take a closer look :)

Where you do your PPL will be of no relevance if you follow the Modular Route. Once you start Moular training (CPL) then there may be advantages doing associated training (MEP, IR) at the same organisation, but in general, few commercial schools offer PPL training, its a different World.