Finding A Flying School
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: South West London
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Finding A Flying School
After many years of what i must realisically call 'dreaming' about becomming a commercial pilot i am now in a position where i am able to finance my own training over the course of the next several years.
As a result of this i am setting out to find a flying school in and around London where i can work towards gaining my PPL.
I've been looking at several flying schools recently incuding British Airways Flying Club who i have heard have been recently bought out by another company (although i'm hoping someone else can confirm or deny this) and Cabair who i understand are a much larger and corporate organisation.
Can anyone provide me with any personal experiences of these two organisations and any substantial differences which there may or may not be in the costs involved in obtaining my PPL.
Alternatively if anyone can reccommend any other flying schools it would be greatly appreciated.
As a result of this i am setting out to find a flying school in and around London where i can work towards gaining my PPL.
I've been looking at several flying schools recently incuding British Airways Flying Club who i have heard have been recently bought out by another company (although i'm hoping someone else can confirm or deny this) and Cabair who i understand are a much larger and corporate organisation.
Can anyone provide me with any personal experiences of these two organisations and any substantial differences which there may or may not be in the costs involved in obtaining my PPL.
Alternatively if anyone can reccommend any other flying schools it would be greatly appreciated.
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I did my PPL @ Cranfield with Billins Air Services who are a small outfit. I can highly recommend them as I found it a very supportive and friendly company, I managed to do my PPL and night rating on the bare minimum 45 hrs and I think a lot of this must go down to the level of training I received.
You should expect to pay about £7000 in total by the time you add books, flight exam costs.
Good luck with whoever you choose.
Matt
You should expect to pay about £7000 in total by the time you add books, flight exam costs.
Good luck with whoever you choose.
Matt
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Manchester
Age: 38
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've been looking at several flying schools recently incuding British Airways Flying Club who i have heard have been recently bought out by another company (although i'm hoping someone else can confirm or deny this) and Cabair who i understand are a much larger and corporate organisation.
Cabair is a large organisation but if u choose the right school you get a very good service with the feeling of a much smaller friendly atmosphere. in my opinion Wycombe & Denham (I have studied at both) fall perfectly into this catagory. You get the assurance of a large organisation with regards maintenance & service but also the friendly nature of the small school!!
My choice would be Wycombe OR Denham every time!!
Round the London orbital are the following airfields which have PPL schools:
Stapleford
Biggin Hill
Redhill
Fairoaks
Blackbushe
White Waltham
Booker (Wycombe Air Park)
Denham
Elstree
Don't think I've missed any out? All have their pros and cons. Recommend you take a trial lesson at a couple before you commit yourself.
Regards
jez
Stapleford
Biggin Hill
Redhill
Fairoaks
Blackbushe
White Waltham
Booker (Wycombe Air Park)
Denham
Elstree
Don't think I've missed any out? All have their pros and cons. Recommend you take a trial lesson at a couple before you commit yourself.
Regards
jez
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Kilmacolm
Age: 47
Posts: 740
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Another airfield not far from Stapleford / North Weald is:
Panshanger - EGLC
I have found a webiste for a flying school based there:
Take Flying Lessons at Panshanger Aerodrome – North London Flying School
Note I have never been to the school, airfield or anything else to do with the company. I don't even know if there are other flying clubs based at Panshanger.
Thought I would just include it in the list of airfields and clubs around the London orbital.
Panshanger - EGLC
I have found a webiste for a flying school based there:
Take Flying Lessons at Panshanger Aerodrome – North London Flying School
Note I have never been to the school, airfield or anything else to do with the company. I don't even know if there are other flying clubs based at Panshanger.
Thought I would just include it in the list of airfields and clubs around the London orbital.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: South West London
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've been doing a lot of research recently on the whole 'Integrated V Modular' debate and i'm getting the impression that the airlines much prefer those applicants who have gone through the integrated route. Is this actually the case or is this simply promotional garbage from the FTO's who provide these integrated courses?
In addition to this i've heard that prospective employers look more favourably over those applicants who have remained with the same FTO from PPL through to ATPL as opposed to those who do opt for the modular route and gain their PPL through a local flyng school before progressing to one of the bigger FTOs for their commercial training.
Ultimately, i would like to think that i can go from zero hours to ATPL over the course of the next few years, however, i want to make sure that i give myself the best possible chances of making this a reality and, hopefully, making a change of career at the end of it all.
Unfortunately, due to work and financial commitments, the integrated course isn't available to me.
In addition to this i've heard that prospective employers look more favourably over those applicants who have remained with the same FTO from PPL through to ATPL as opposed to those who do opt for the modular route and gain their PPL through a local flyng school before progressing to one of the bigger FTOs for their commercial training.
Ultimately, i would like to think that i can go from zero hours to ATPL over the course of the next few years, however, i want to make sure that i give myself the best possible chances of making this a reality and, hopefully, making a change of career at the end of it all.
Unfortunately, due to work and financial commitments, the integrated course isn't available to me.
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Frinton-on-Sea
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello Shiny_Pants,
The integrated -vs- modular debate is an ongoing one but in this economic, climate I think modular is the least risky option as the training can be staggered in time for a recovery, whenever that will be - and of course it costs some £30K less!
However, as it stands, BA will still ONLY accept newbies from recognised training outfits and those guys only provide integrated courses. Even then, the chance of getting a job with BA is slim and I mean really slim.
BUT BA will accept pilots from other airlines and then they really aren't bothered where the qualification has come from, so most BA pilots do indeed come from a modular route via another airline.
Strange but true!
Greg
The integrated -vs- modular debate is an ongoing one but in this economic, climate I think modular is the least risky option as the training can be staggered in time for a recovery, whenever that will be - and of course it costs some £30K less!
However, as it stands, BA will still ONLY accept newbies from recognised training outfits and those guys only provide integrated courses. Even then, the chance of getting a job with BA is slim and I mean really slim.
BUT BA will accept pilots from other airlines and then they really aren't bothered where the qualification has come from, so most BA pilots do indeed come from a modular route via another airline.
Strange but true!
Greg
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: South
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Heya Shiny Pants,
here's some food for thought regarding your integrated/mod question:
"The reasoning would be - one could plan all they like to do modular training through one school, but (with the exception of old CTC, or modular courses attached to Oxford or Jerez), you are unlikely to get the same robust course material, experienced instructors, equipment, support and discipline that a planned, integrated course offers."
and this one!
"BA has struggled to find modular people who fit their mould. This is not to say that they lack skills, but there is something of a culture at BA into which people have to fit to ensure the operation works smoothly. They are at liberty to pick and choose, since they offer some of the better terms in the industry, and as such are entitled to hold their views. It is not the be all and end all of a flying career".
If you want to read more then follow the link:
http://www.pprune.org/interviews-job...onsorship.html
Hope that helps! But yeah, promotional garbage mostly from FTOs.
here's some food for thought regarding your integrated/mod question:
"The reasoning would be - one could plan all they like to do modular training through one school, but (with the exception of old CTC, or modular courses attached to Oxford or Jerez), you are unlikely to get the same robust course material, experienced instructors, equipment, support and discipline that a planned, integrated course offers."
and this one!
"BA has struggled to find modular people who fit their mould. This is not to say that they lack skills, but there is something of a culture at BA into which people have to fit to ensure the operation works smoothly. They are at liberty to pick and choose, since they offer some of the better terms in the industry, and as such are entitled to hold their views. It is not the be all and end all of a flying career".
If you want to read more then follow the link:
http://www.pprune.org/interviews-job...onsorship.html
Hope that helps! But yeah, promotional garbage mostly from FTOs.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: South West London
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've visited a few flying schools in and around London and found one which offers PPL training but which i would not be able to stay with as and when i want to move onto CPL training. The other (Stapleford Flying Centre) offers both PPL and CPL training and so i woulD be able to stick with the same FTO for the whole duration of my training. I know it has already been brought up in the thread but will it really matter whether or not i've done all of my training with the same FTO?
On another note i've just visited the opticians to find out whether or not my vision meets the requirements of the CAA Class 1 medical which it does. I can imagine it would have been slightly embarrassing getting the Gatwick only to find out that i couldn't meet the basic requirements.
On another note i've just visited the opticians to find out whether or not my vision meets the requirements of the CAA Class 1 medical which it does. I can imagine it would have been slightly embarrassing getting the Gatwick only to find out that i couldn't meet the basic requirements.
SP, no airline is going to care where you did your PPL training.
Airlines who accept low hours modular trained students tend to prefer that you have undertaken your commercial training with not more than two FTOs, but ultimately it is down more and more these days to whether you meet the demographics and inter-personal skills the airline is looking for. Having said that, having 16 different schools listed on your training résumé probably won't get you very far.
jez
Airlines who accept low hours modular trained students tend to prefer that you have undertaken your commercial training with not more than two FTOs, but ultimately it is down more and more these days to whether you meet the demographics and inter-personal skills the airline is looking for. Having said that, having 16 different schools listed on your training résumé probably won't get you very far.
jez
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: 28°12′N 177°21′W
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
shinnypants,
from what I have read, you can't go far wrong with stapleford. A very good mod school. I probably would have seriously considered going there but it is just too far for me. Shame really, the course coordinator looked nice going by the website pics of the team .
On a serious note I think from the advice around, being with one FTO throughout is probably more important. That is what I'm considering anyway when I chose my school
from what I have read, you can't go far wrong with stapleford. A very good mod school. I probably would have seriously considered going there but it is just too far for me. Shame really, the course coordinator looked nice going by the website pics of the team .
On a serious note I think from the advice around, being with one FTO throughout is probably more important. That is what I'm considering anyway when I chose my school
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: South West London
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Once again, i've spent most of the day carrying out quite a bit of research about the flight training organisations which can offer training from PPL through to ATPL. I know it has already been said that it isn't particularly importanct where i obtain my PPL, however, if i can find one school which can meet all of my needs then it's certainly going to be worth a look.
With that in mind i've contacted Stapleford Flight Centre as well as Bournemouth Commerical Flying Centre, both of who have been more than helpful. Unfortunately these were probably the only two schools i didn't visit in person when i was in teh area last week and so i'll have to wait until i move to London before i have a look at the facilities.
I've already had a look through the forums for feedback regarding the two organisations but any more comments would be greatly appreciated.
One question i do have with regards to BCFT is in relation to the Jetline Course. I understand this is a modular programme designed to take someone from 'zero to hero' but can anyone tell me whether or not this is operated in a similar way to other modular courses which are operated by soem of the other FTOs. What i mean by this is would each module need to be paid for upfront or can you 'pay as you fly' and complete the course and and when time permits?
If all else fails i've found a nice little flying school not far from where i'm going to be moving to where i can complete my PPL before moving on to another location for the commercial side of things.
Once again, thank you for all of the replies.
With that in mind i've contacted Stapleford Flight Centre as well as Bournemouth Commerical Flying Centre, both of who have been more than helpful. Unfortunately these were probably the only two schools i didn't visit in person when i was in teh area last week and so i'll have to wait until i move to London before i have a look at the facilities.
I've already had a look through the forums for feedback regarding the two organisations but any more comments would be greatly appreciated.
One question i do have with regards to BCFT is in relation to the Jetline Course. I understand this is a modular programme designed to take someone from 'zero to hero' but can anyone tell me whether or not this is operated in a similar way to other modular courses which are operated by soem of the other FTOs. What i mean by this is would each module need to be paid for upfront or can you 'pay as you fly' and complete the course and and when time permits?
If all else fails i've found a nice little flying school not far from where i'm going to be moving to where i can complete my PPL before moving on to another location for the commercial side of things.
Once again, thank you for all of the replies.
Last edited by Shiny_Pants; 17th Mar 2009 at 16:43.
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Salford Lads Club
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi SP,
As I said before, honestly the airlines really really don't care where you did you're PPL, it could be with Shady Joe Bloggs' School of Flying, no one gives a hoot, so I'd do it as reasonably priced as poss, be it here or abroad if financially worthwhile. Any local airfield should do the job quite nicely.
However, if you are thinking of Stapleford for commercial training then you wouldn't go far wrong in my opinion. I did my groundschool at Bristol GS (again excellent), then the flying with Stapleford. Good outfit, igood instructors, VOR on the field, Southend down the road for other stuff. And I paid a bit at a time when I was there so no worries about being shafted with all money upfront and the owners enjoynig Rio at your expense.
As I said before, honestly the airlines really really don't care where you did you're PPL, it could be with Shady Joe Bloggs' School of Flying, no one gives a hoot, so I'd do it as reasonably priced as poss, be it here or abroad if financially worthwhile. Any local airfield should do the job quite nicely.
However, if you are thinking of Stapleford for commercial training then you wouldn't go far wrong in my opinion. I did my groundschool at Bristol GS (again excellent), then the flying with Stapleford. Good outfit, igood instructors, VOR on the field, Southend down the road for other stuff. And I paid a bit at a time when I was there so no worries about being shafted with all money upfront and the owners enjoynig Rio at your expense.