Florida Flying Schools?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: manchester
Age: 49
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Florida Flying Schools?
Hi All,
I am at the very beginning of this long journey and I wanted to know of any recommendations of flying schools in the U.S. I am looking at doing my PPL over there but studying for my ground exams in the UK first. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
I am at the very beginning of this long journey and I wanted to know of any recommendations of flying schools in the U.S. I am looking at doing my PPL over there but studying for my ground exams in the UK first. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: France & UK
Age: 40
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey,
Anyone have any information or experience with Sunstate Aviation in Orlando?
They offer accelerated flight training including PPL,IR,CPL,ME and well equipt aircraft.
Thank you
Anyone have any information or experience with Sunstate Aviation in Orlando?
They offer accelerated flight training including PPL,IR,CPL,ME and well equipt aircraft.
Thank you
I have pictures of the aircraft and info about said school.
Thanks
VFR
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: ireland
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sunstate
I have used Sunstate before and can highly recommend them . If you want a jaa ppl I would recommend you forget about the three jaa schools in florida 
as they are a joke and get an faa ppl instead and convert back in Europe. You won't be dissapointed believe me!
. If you want a jaa ppl I would recommend you forget about the three jaa schools in florida as they are a joke and get an faa ppl instead and convert back in Europe. You won't be dissapointed believe me!
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: florida
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Turtle Whistler - I would agree, especially avoid NAC.
I have been saying that for ages and just recieved a message from someone whom ignored mine and other comments to their dismay!
Be very careful as once you are out there you loose choices as although not locked in with the J1, becomes more difficult and costly to change.
Do your PPl in UK i would recomend or worst case FAA PPl to JAA i agree.
I have been saying that for ages and just recieved a message from someone whom ignored mine and other comments to their dismay!
Be very careful as once you are out there you loose choices as although not locked in with the J1, becomes more difficult and costly to change.
Do your PPl in UK i would recomend or worst case FAA PPl to JAA i agree.
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: on the arc
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Florida flying schools - from experience
There are quite a few do's and don't do's in this field:
You may be tempted to sign up for "Pro Courses" that take you from zero hrs to ATPL/CPL.
DONT!
If you do, you will be locked into a program and if you are not happy with what you are paying for, you will have a very hard time getting out.
My advice (having been down this road) is to sign up for an FAA PPL - once you have got to know the school - you will be able to sign up for the next rating (usualy IR) and so on. The flight school will see you as partially mined potential and is more likely to value your business and show it.
If you have signed up for a Pro course - you will have exhausted your potential before you have begun and you may expect to be treated at best, as an inconvenience by your flight school (esp NAC, by all accounts)
In the Pro course you will be obligated to do the time building phase by your school and this will be one of the more expensive options. You can save massively by renting somewhere else - try Aussie Air in Daytona- you can take a 172 for as long as you want for under $50/hr dry. This way you will save several thousand $.
Regarding JAA ATPL ground school courses in FLA - waste of time and money - do Bristol residential or distance - ask any graduate of FLA (sorry about the advert).
Check the school accomodation before you sign up. Standards vary. Some are a real rip-off: Cockroach ridden bachelor scum holes with up to 8 or 10 blokes in a 3 bedroom house, paying around $600 each (imagine the kitchen
).
Some apartments/houses can be quite good.
If you are in for the long term - rent your own!
If you are checking a school out, sit in the waiting room for 10 or 15 mins and observe.
Watch the staff/student, staff/staff interaction- does it seem pleasant and professional? What is the atmosphere like?
If the owner is charming - dont be fooled - often he is before you pay.
If you can, talk to other students and see how things are there.
Check how many instructors were students at the school - if they were happy there - they will likely stay on and instruct.
Very few instructors who were students at the same school is a serious warning sign!
If they tell you about the lovely weather - its a
lie! Weather in Florida is bloody awful for flying during a varying large portion of the year with frequent thunderstorms and IFR conditions. Expect many lesson cancellations. California and Arizona are far far better.
The various JAA schools have varying reputations - the best probably being EFT (I have trained there and recommend it) - the worst, is downright bloody awful!
Although you will save a very significant amount of money by training in the USA, be aware when you plan your budget that you will usually be quoted according to the FAA required minimums - that only Superman can achieve (eg PPL in 35 hrs) expect to get your PPL in 45 to 60 hrs - maybe even more. Costs will be accordingly.
The courses usualy take longer than advertised as well, due to weather, maintanance, etc
Look for hidden costs - such as fuel surcharges or convoluted intricate invoices that only a PhD in accountancy can decipher.
Regarding the level of instruction that you will receive in the US vs Europe:
Usually it is good and above. The FAA place more of an emphasis on flying skills whilst the JAA will concentrate on ATPL theory that is 80% useless in the real world.
The FAA is common sense stuff that you will actualy use and need.
Those that tell you that standards in the US are lower are usualy trying to justify to themselves why they spent 100K+ pounds training in Europe that took twice as long.
Time building in the USA is great - you will discover the FBO who will be your free accomodation (all have showers, a few have beds and all have huge easy chairs that are like first class in BA. But that's all ahead of you.
Good luck!
You may be tempted to sign up for "Pro Courses" that take you from zero hrs to ATPL/CPL.
DONT!
If you do, you will be locked into a program and if you are not happy with what you are paying for, you will have a very hard time getting out.
My advice (having been down this road) is to sign up for an FAA PPL - once you have got to know the school - you will be able to sign up for the next rating (usualy IR) and so on. The flight school will see you as partially mined potential and is more likely to value your business and show it.
If you have signed up for a Pro course - you will have exhausted your potential before you have begun and you may expect to be treated at best, as an inconvenience by your flight school (esp NAC, by all accounts)
In the Pro course you will be obligated to do the time building phase by your school and this will be one of the more expensive options. You can save massively by renting somewhere else - try Aussie Air in Daytona- you can take a 172 for as long as you want for under $50/hr dry. This way you will save several thousand $.
Regarding JAA ATPL ground school courses in FLA - waste of time and money - do Bristol residential or distance - ask any graduate of FLA (sorry about the advert).
Check the school accomodation before you sign up. Standards vary. Some are a real rip-off: Cockroach ridden bachelor scum holes with up to 8 or 10 blokes in a 3 bedroom house, paying around $600 each (imagine the kitchen
). Some apartments/houses can be quite good.
If you are in for the long term - rent your own!
If you are checking a school out, sit in the waiting room for 10 or 15 mins and observe.
Watch the staff/student, staff/staff interaction- does it seem pleasant and professional? What is the atmosphere like?
If the owner is charming - dont be fooled - often he is before you pay.
If you can, talk to other students and see how things are there.
Check how many instructors were students at the school - if they were happy there - they will likely stay on and instruct.
Very few instructors who were students at the same school is a serious warning sign!
If they tell you about the lovely weather - its a
lie! Weather in Florida is bloody awful for flying during a varying large portion of the year with frequent thunderstorms and IFR conditions. Expect many lesson cancellations. California and Arizona are far far better.The various JAA schools have varying reputations - the best probably being EFT (I have trained there and recommend it) - the worst, is downright bloody awful!
Although you will save a very significant amount of money by training in the USA, be aware when you plan your budget that you will usually be quoted according to the FAA required minimums - that only Superman can achieve (eg PPL in 35 hrs) expect to get your PPL in 45 to 60 hrs - maybe even more. Costs will be accordingly.
The courses usualy take longer than advertised as well, due to weather, maintanance, etc
Look for hidden costs - such as fuel surcharges or convoluted intricate invoices that only a PhD in accountancy can decipher.
Regarding the level of instruction that you will receive in the US vs Europe:
Usually it is good and above. The FAA place more of an emphasis on flying skills whilst the JAA will concentrate on ATPL theory that is 80% useless in the real world.
The FAA is common sense stuff that you will actualy use and need.
Those that tell you that standards in the US are lower are usualy trying to justify to themselves why they spent 100K+ pounds training in Europe that took twice as long.
Time building in the USA is great - you will discover the FBO who will be your free accomodation (all have showers, a few have beds and all have huge easy chairs that are like first class in BA. But that's all ahead of you.
Good luck!
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: florida
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Loungefart has some very good advice there - my advice is very similar, keystone principle of flight training - PAY AS YOU FLY. Anyone one who mentions something about paying up front, walk away as very ominous, never any excuse to demand payment up front(apart from a small and reasonable deposit).
You will find the excellent schools in the world like EAA in Florida will not except any payments up front as against their policy. Also places like Bristol Flying Centre in UK will expect pay as you fly. In my experience schools that promote this method seem to signal good quality operator.
In the US there are so many brilliant schools with lovely atmospheres and surroundings where time building can be enjoyed at lesiure and training is friendly and professional. The best flight school i have seen was European American Aviation in Florida which was excellent in all respects. Voyager aviation on merrit island, next to Cape Canavral is an excellent place to build time from with a lovely airfield with relaxed and friendly environment, (not mention beautiful beaches and scenery)!
You will find the excellent schools in the world like EAA in Florida will not except any payments up front as against their policy. Also places like Bristol Flying Centre in UK will expect pay as you fly. In my experience schools that promote this method seem to signal good quality operator.
In the US there are so many brilliant schools with lovely atmospheres and surroundings where time building can be enjoyed at lesiure and training is friendly and professional. The best flight school i have seen was European American Aviation in Florida which was excellent in all respects. Voyager aviation on merrit island, next to Cape Canavral is an excellent place to build time from with a lovely airfield with relaxed and friendly environment, (not mention beautiful beaches and scenery)!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: manchester
Age: 49
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks very much
Hey Guys,
Thanks very much for taking the time to give me your advice. I will use it carefully when making my choices.
Cheers
Ringway.
Thanks very much for taking the time to give me your advice. I will use it carefully when making my choices.
Cheers
Ringway.
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: EU
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
By now ringway yo umust have realized that GA is huge is US, especially FL. There are 100's of FTO out there. Each having around 20 aircrafts, the sky gets pretty busy while practicing manuevers. Make sure you go to a school that has a good fleet (new, well maintained, traffic, weather and sat radio is preffered)
I went to Epic Aviation. they offered me 42k fix price from 0-250 (ended up with 277hrs), CPL MULTI SINGLE IR. that is how much i paid. nothing more was asked from me during my training. FYI there were students like me on the "pro course" who wanted to leave and the school paid for there transfer and all money back.
Loved the NAV 3 172 for CPL maneuvers, IR and time building. I think they have around 20 brand new C172 NAV 3 and 15 six packs. Great instructors. and no hidden charges. i completed in 7 months. I dont know if it was luck or not. But i was cancelled once during my entire training because of mtx. The weather can be a pain. but for the most part you can fly in the morning and late afternoon during TS season.
I would recommend EA. let me know if need pics or videos
Good luck!
busy while practicing manuevers. Make sure you go to a school that has a good fleet (new, well maintained, traffic, weather and sat radio is preffered) I went to Epic Aviation. they offered me 42k fix price from 0-250 (ended up with 277hrs), CPL MULTI SINGLE IR. that is how much i paid. nothing more was asked from me during my training. FYI there were students like me on the "pro course" who wanted to leave and the school paid for there transfer and all money back.
Loved the NAV 3 172 for CPL maneuvers, IR and time building. I think they have around 20 brand new C172 NAV 3 and 15 six packs. Great instructors. and no hidden charges. i completed in 7 months. I dont know if it was luck or not. But i was cancelled once during my entire training because of mtx. The weather can be a pain. but for the most part you can fly in the morning and late afternoon during TS season.
I would recommend EA. let me know if need pics or videos
Good luck!
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Europe
Age: 58
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sunstate - Excellent
I have used Sunstate for around 100hrs flying in some quality aircraft.
I am over there in September to do my IR because I am lucky to be able to afford to spend 2 months a year flying and an IR would make sense for me.
I have flown at OBA and they are good but old aircraft and as for OFT they are completely useless with some very dodgy aircraft. I am also a JAA flying instructor and the quality of instruction I saw at OFT was a joke.
I am over there in September to do my IR because I am lucky to be able to afford to spend 2 months a year flying and an IR would make sense for me.
I have flown at OBA and they are good but old aircraft and as for OFT they are completely useless with some very dodgy aircraft. I am also a JAA flying instructor and the quality of instruction I saw at OFT was a joke.
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Gloucestershire, UK
Age: 38
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
a little help please!
I have read what you guys have had to say, wow ive been searching this site for HOURS and HOURS trying to find some up to date information on schools and just general direction. This is my first post so please go easy on me!
I have just finished a degree in Geography (I studied that subject because I'm good at it, nothing more!). Now I am itching to start that childhood dream of flying. I'm not sure of my actual goal just yet, but I hope to end up with my CPL in the next few years and sort out a career.
Here is my plan so far: go to the states to do my PPL and some hour building (100-150hrs) for however long it takes. Then home (Gloucestershire, UK) for some more cash and my ATPL. Then when I'm ready (asap) back out to the states to do my CPL.
So here's what I'm stuck with, if I am to do a FAA PPL in florida then I wont need to attend one of the JAA approved schools that seem to be fairly rubbish these days, but is it going to be costly and possibly difficult to convert my FAA PPL back to a JAA license here in the UK? As I have read a thread that suggested that converting it in the UK can be so.
The next thing is that if I do come home and convert my license to a JAA one will I need to convert it back to a FAA license on returning to the states to do my CPL in the future? - sorry if thats a really stupid question but I am fairly new to all this!!
I like the sound of not having to attend any of the big schools in florida, I notice you guys have mentioned Sunstate in Orlando. I suppose my big question is; is it DEFFINATELY worth NOT doing the JAA PPL in the US but doing the FAA version insted and then converting, and how much will it break the bank!
Also can somebody explain the Instrument Rating lark to me because I don't actually know anything about it! I want to make sure I get everything I need while I'm over there, am I right in thinking that a night qualification is included with the FAA PPL?
I'm hoping to leave for the states around feb 09. I don't have long to make my decisions so please, any input would be fantastic. Thank you!!
I have just finished a degree in Geography (I studied that subject because I'm good at it, nothing more!). Now I am itching to start that childhood dream of flying. I'm not sure of my actual goal just yet, but I hope to end up with my CPL in the next few years and sort out a career.
Here is my plan so far: go to the states to do my PPL and some hour building (100-150hrs) for however long it takes. Then home (Gloucestershire, UK) for some more cash and my ATPL. Then when I'm ready (asap) back out to the states to do my CPL.
So here's what I'm stuck with, if I am to do a FAA PPL in florida then I wont need to attend one of the JAA approved schools that seem to be fairly rubbish these days, but is it going to be costly and possibly difficult to convert my FAA PPL back to a JAA license here in the UK? As I have read a thread that suggested that converting it in the UK can be so.
The next thing is that if I do come home and convert my license to a JAA one will I need to convert it back to a FAA license on returning to the states to do my CPL in the future? - sorry if thats a really stupid question but I am fairly new to all this!!
I like the sound of not having to attend any of the big schools in florida, I notice you guys have mentioned Sunstate in Orlando. I suppose my big question is; is it DEFFINATELY worth NOT doing the JAA PPL in the US but doing the FAA version insted and then converting, and how much will it break the bank!
Also can somebody explain the Instrument Rating lark to me because I don't actually know anything about it! I want to make sure I get everything I need while I'm over there, am I right in thinking that a night qualification is included with the FAA PPL?
I'm hoping to leave for the states around feb 09. I don't have long to make my decisions so please, any input would be fantastic. Thank you!!
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: on the arc
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Rusty dude
the best and cheapest way to do what you want is:
1) FAA PPL, Instrument Rating and time building.
(U can do this in 3 to 4 months)
2) Then JAA ATPL exams thru Bristol (residential in the UK or distance learning from afar)
You can do this bit in 6-7 months (If I can, you can!)
3) Then the JAA CPL and Multi Engine (about 4-6 wks)
All of the above u can do in the USA and save tons.
4) You will then need to do a UK CAA Instrument Rating back home (or elsewhere in Europe i believe) (between 3-6 wks)
The IR is one of the more important ratings you will do.
Here you will qualify to fly in IFR conditions, learning to fly without external visual references and with radio nav aids.
Best do this before the time building so that u dont spend your time on your arse waiting for the weather to clear up at all sorts of backwater airfields.
The FAA PPL will include a little night flying, and u dont need an extra rating to fly at night with an FAA PPL.
If you do all of this you wont need to convert to a JAA licence after your PPL (unless of course u want to fly in Europe before u have the JAA CPL.)
Regarding the JAA approved US schools - some I would avoid like the plague.
I have attended two and I strongly recommend EFT (european flt training)
They are fair, quite well organized, reasonably priced, and a good and above level of instruction.
Whatever route you choose - good luck mate!
the best and cheapest way to do what you want is:
1) FAA PPL, Instrument Rating and time building.
(U can do this in 3 to 4 months)
2) Then JAA ATPL exams thru Bristol (residential in the UK or distance learning from afar)
You can do this bit in 6-7 months (If I can, you can!)
3) Then the JAA CPL and Multi Engine (about 4-6 wks)
All of the above u can do in the USA and save tons.
4) You will then need to do a UK CAA Instrument Rating back home (or elsewhere in Europe i believe) (between 3-6 wks)
The IR is one of the more important ratings you will do.
Here you will qualify to fly in IFR conditions, learning to fly without external visual references and with radio nav aids.
Best do this before the time building so that u dont spend your time on your arse waiting for the weather to clear up at all sorts of backwater airfields.
The FAA PPL will include a little night flying, and u dont need an extra rating to fly at night with an FAA PPL.
If you do all of this you wont need to convert to a JAA licence after your PPL (unless of course u want to fly in Europe before u have the JAA CPL.)
Regarding the JAA approved US schools - some I would avoid like the plague.
I have attended two and I strongly recommend EFT (european flt training)
They are fair, quite well organized, reasonably priced, and a good and above level of instruction.
Whatever route you choose - good luck mate!
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Gate
Age: 41
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Im also at the very begining and im starting my JAA course at OFT next month.
I spent many weeks online searching for the right choice. I visited the facilities myself and it looks pretty good, im sure there are better places like FlightSafety but all i wanted is a fair FBO with reasonable prices and well maintained fleet.
To be honest the main reason i chose them is their ATPL ground school. Very few schools do it in the U.S. That saves me a lot of money.
Ppl say weather in FL. is perfect but its nothing like AZ.
If you are determined to achieve your goals u ll make it anywhere u go.
Good luck to both of us and regards to everyone up there!
I spent many weeks online searching for the right choice. I visited the facilities myself and it looks pretty good, im sure there are better places like FlightSafety but all i wanted is a fair FBO with reasonable prices and well maintained fleet.
To be honest the main reason i chose them is their ATPL ground school. Very few schools do it in the U.S. That saves me a lot of money.
Ppl say weather in FL. is perfect but its nothing like AZ.
If you are determined to achieve your goals u ll make it anywhere u go.
Good luck to both of us and regards to everyone up there!
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Gloucestershire, UK
Age: 38
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
cheers guys! yea well I was on the same page as you, was going to do my jaa with OFT but I've heard some bad things and I havnt got time or money to visit first. I wish you luck, hope it isn't to bad! I also would like to do my ATPL at home as I'm pretty close to Bristol.
loungefart, you comment is very helpfull, could I probe you for some more info? of anyone else for that matter! ...so if Im not going to convert my FAA PPL until I return to the states for my JAA CPL will I have to sit any JAA exams prior to taking a JAA CPL course? I ask this because I hear the JAA syllabus is more indepth that the FAA one theory wise. or can I simply do a JAA CPL having obtained my FAA PPL + ATPL and hours?
are there any other places in Florida that people can recommend for PPL and hour building? anybody been there to learn recently? any input needed!!
thanks again guys!
loungefart, you comment is very helpfull, could I probe you for some more info? of anyone else for that matter! ...so if Im not going to convert my FAA PPL until I return to the states for my JAA CPL will I have to sit any JAA exams prior to taking a JAA CPL course? I ask this because I hear the JAA syllabus is more indepth that the FAA one theory wise. or can I simply do a JAA CPL having obtained my FAA PPL + ATPL and hours?
are there any other places in Florida that people can recommend for PPL and hour building? anybody been there to learn recently? any input needed!!
thanks again guys!
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: on the arc
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
rustydude
Well, if you are going all the way - you will do the JAA ATPL right?
You can do it once u have a FAA PPL.
These will be the only JAA exams you will need.
A FAA ATPL is only obtainable once you have 1500 hrs.
The route I have recommended to you is the fastest, cheapest, bestest.
You can do it once u have a FAA PPL.
These will be the only JAA exams you will need.
A FAA ATPL is only obtainable once you have 1500 hrs.
The route I have recommended to you is the fastest, cheapest, bestest.
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Undecided!
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ormond Beach aviation (OBA)
I have completed some flying at OBA, often seen in the likes of flyer and pilot, and can say that I was more than happy with the prices, training and accommodation provided.
If I recall correctly it was owned by a BA training capt called Adrian ??. Charges were reasonable and it was located in greater Daytona (northern end). The accomm was villas about 5-10 mins walk from the airport and slept 5-6.
This was back in '98 mind you and things may have changed but they still seem to offer value for money in their ads in the press.
I would defo consider using them again if I was out that way. Hope this is of some help!
Rotate
If I recall correctly it was owned by a BA training capt called Adrian ??. Charges were reasonable and it was located in greater Daytona (northern end). The accomm was villas about 5-10 mins walk from the airport and slept 5-6.
This was back in '98 mind you and things may have changed but they still seem to offer value for money in their ads in the press.
I would defo consider using them again if I was out that way. Hope this is of some help!
Rotate
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ormand Beach
I did my JAA PPL with Ormand Beach a few years ago. It did what it advertised. Fixed price for good training.
Some of the aircraft looked a bit ropey but they all serviceable. I am an engineer.
It not easy, you have to work long and hard but I did it in the alloted 21 days. 55hrs including night rating.
Don't try if you not studied in advance.
Some of the aircraft looked a bit ropey but they all serviceable. I am an engineer.
It not easy, you have to work long and hard but I did it in the alloted 21 days. 55hrs including night rating.
Don't try if you not studied in advance.
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
loungefart... yours sounds like a solution that, as you say is cheap and you say the best...this is what i am looking for.
however all over this site as well as elsewhere i've heard that airlines like you to stick to one school, for consistency in training... does doing the ATPL and IR in another school count as 'changing schools'?
I'm looking to do the ATPL at BGS...which is supossodly a great place to do it..am i correct? so wouldn't airlines prefer that you've done the ATPL exams in a better gs rather than doing them in your 'flying' school? And what about the IR? OBA..the school i'm looking at doesn't offer IRs unless you do the Intergrated course..which I'm not looking at doing currently.
Also I was hoping to apply to the CTC ATP course for the MCC and holding pool... is this a good idea or is it better to just do it yourself and start applying to airlines?
however all over this site as well as elsewhere i've heard that airlines like you to stick to one school, for consistency in training... does doing the ATPL and IR in another school count as 'changing schools'?
I'm looking to do the ATPL at BGS...which is supossodly a great place to do it..am i correct? so wouldn't airlines prefer that you've done the ATPL exams in a better gs rather than doing them in your 'flying' school? And what about the IR? OBA..the school i'm looking at doesn't offer IRs unless you do the Intergrated course..which I'm not looking at doing currently.
Also I was hoping to apply to the CTC ATP course for the MCC and holding pool... is this a good idea or is it better to just do it yourself and start applying to airlines?