Where to train
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Where to train
Hi guys, im an ex student, now working as a dispatcher and likely to seriously start pilot training this autumn (all my many hours are in gliders and microlights)
My plan is to do my PPL locally to see how it goes, then do a full time ATPL GS course, followed if possible by my CPL, ME, IR etc with one professional school. My question is what schools could you recommend?
Id prefer to do my ATPL GS full time as i have doubts and concerns over distance learning. Could anyone vouch for Oxford, Cabair or London Met? or advise any other fulltime places?
Also where could you advise for the CPL etc? Ive looked at Multiflight, Aerofan etc, and just want somewhere good without emptying my wallet too much, and there are no professional clubs/schools near me.
regards
Newtownards
My plan is to do my PPL locally to see how it goes, then do a full time ATPL GS course, followed if possible by my CPL, ME, IR etc with one professional school. My question is what schools could you recommend?
Id prefer to do my ATPL GS full time as i have doubts and concerns over distance learning. Could anyone vouch for Oxford, Cabair or London Met? or advise any other fulltime places?
Also where could you advise for the CPL etc? Ive looked at Multiflight, Aerofan etc, and just want somewhere good without emptying my wallet too much, and there are no professional clubs/schools near me.
regards
Newtownards
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Hi,
I was a dispatcher too a few years back... great fun! Anyway, think PPL does not matter too much where you do it. Its where you do the rest that really counts.
I did my PPL in the States, people knock it but had a great time, and as I was living in the Middle East at the time, was faster, cheaper, and more convenient than doing it in the UK.
For the ATPL full time course, I am presuming you are talking about ground school only? I was in same position, did not fancy the distance learning. Oxford looked at but far more expensive and you get exactly the same as the other schools provide. I opted for BCFT, good school, relaxed - no uniforms that you have to wear, and most importantly the instructors are good too.
If you are after full time training ie. Integrated, most of these schools such as BCFT etc, offer courses which are structered the same as integrated if you so wish, but at modular prices. Do research, and if you are serious about it, it is worth your while to jump in a car and see the places for yourself. You need to decide which is best for you in terms of location and which you would feel most comfortable at (its a tough 6 months of no life really). I heard London Met is good. Have not heard many great things about Cabair, and personally I would not want to do the ground school that splits stages and exams into 3 sittings.
Had a friend who just finished Oxford ground school and regretted not choosing the likes of BCFT or equivalent. Think paying the extra just for Oxford on CV was not pleasant!
Good luck
I was a dispatcher too a few years back... great fun! Anyway, think PPL does not matter too much where you do it. Its where you do the rest that really counts.
I did my PPL in the States, people knock it but had a great time, and as I was living in the Middle East at the time, was faster, cheaper, and more convenient than doing it in the UK.
For the ATPL full time course, I am presuming you are talking about ground school only? I was in same position, did not fancy the distance learning. Oxford looked at but far more expensive and you get exactly the same as the other schools provide. I opted for BCFT, good school, relaxed - no uniforms that you have to wear, and most importantly the instructors are good too.
If you are after full time training ie. Integrated, most of these schools such as BCFT etc, offer courses which are structered the same as integrated if you so wish, but at modular prices. Do research, and if you are serious about it, it is worth your while to jump in a car and see the places for yourself. You need to decide which is best for you in terms of location and which you would feel most comfortable at (its a tough 6 months of no life really). I heard London Met is good. Have not heard many great things about Cabair, and personally I would not want to do the ground school that splits stages and exams into 3 sittings.
Had a friend who just finished Oxford ground school and regretted not choosing the likes of BCFT or equivalent. Think paying the extra just for Oxford on CV was not pleasant!
Good luck
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Hi,
I would suggest doing the ground school with either CATS at Cranfield or Bristol Groundschool - both are excellent.
For the post-PPL flight training it really depends what you want from your school & instructors. If you like to be another sausage from a sausage factory then use Oxford / Cabair / etc.
However, if you want your training to be more tailored to your own needs and aims I would suggest you talk to David Coulson at Cranfield Flight Training - OK, so he's a tough old yorkshireman but in all my flying, both training and as FO and now Capt, he is still the best instructor I have ever flown with (and I've flown with a few !). He doesn't work to a fixed training timetable and rather teaches to match the streghts and weaknesses of the student - very flexible !
Anyway, thats my tuppence worth...
Good luck,
Ian.
I would suggest doing the ground school with either CATS at Cranfield or Bristol Groundschool - both are excellent.
For the post-PPL flight training it really depends what you want from your school & instructors. If you like to be another sausage from a sausage factory then use Oxford / Cabair / etc.
However, if you want your training to be more tailored to your own needs and aims I would suggest you talk to David Coulson at Cranfield Flight Training - OK, so he's a tough old yorkshireman but in all my flying, both training and as FO and now Capt, he is still the best instructor I have ever flown with (and I've flown with a few !). He doesn't work to a fixed training timetable and rather teaches to match the streghts and weaknesses of the student - very flexible !
Anyway, thats my tuppence worth...
Good luck,
Ian.
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Hi guys, thanks for the replies, ive heard Bristol is the best you can do, and i have a set of their manuals (Ebay can be great for such things 
) but i dont think i could do distance learning, i tried to read Air Law by myself and was quickly asleep. If im in a classroom being taught face to face i'll learn a lot more
) but i dont think i could do distance learning, i tried to read Air Law by myself and was quickly asleep. If im in a classroom being taught face to face i'll learn a lot more
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Personally i'd do the PPL in the states on an intense course.
I'm doing my PPL in the UK and due to weather and work it's been very difficult to get the frequency high enough to learn efficiently.
Once you've got your PPL however, it looks better to stay in the UK for the CPL/IR.
RJ
I'm doing my PPL in the UK and due to weather and work it's been very difficult to get the frequency high enough to learn efficiently.
Once you've got your PPL however, it looks better to stay in the UK for the CPL/IR.
RJ
Stay a million miles away from a cheapy intensive PPL in the US.
Doesn't Newtonards have a flying school - it used to.
The best approach for many reasons is to find a well established school, close to home, that can do PPL CPL and IR Multi for you. Book an appointment with the CFI and lay your plans on the table. Ask to have "a high degree of instructor continuity throughout all phases" and be polite rather than acting like a picky customer.
Then do it all there. Preferably possibly with the CFI as your instructor.
You'll get to know the local area, ATC and procedures very well and this will prove invaluable later on when you are under test conditions. From day one an *experienced* IRI qualified instructor will be pouring tons of extras into each training event in preparation for the day he waves you off on you Instrument Rating skilltest.
The PPL is the foundations of the house you are trying to build. Don't skimp.
WWW
Doesn't Newtonards have a flying school - it used to.
The best approach for many reasons is to find a well established school, close to home, that can do PPL CPL and IR Multi for you. Book an appointment with the CFI and lay your plans on the table. Ask to have "a high degree of instructor continuity throughout all phases" and be polite rather than acting like a picky customer.
Then do it all there. Preferably possibly with the CFI as your instructor.
You'll get to know the local area, ATC and procedures very well and this will prove invaluable later on when you are under test conditions. From day one an *experienced* IRI qualified instructor will be pouring tons of extras into each training event in preparation for the day he waves you off on you Instrument Rating skilltest.
The PPL is the foundations of the house you are trying to build. Don't skimp.
WWW
