Cheapest UK flight school for PPL

[az91]

Hi all,

I have always been into aviation but unfortunately financial responsibilities stopped me from perusing this. Now I have saved a tiny bit and looking to do my PPL but unfortunately now I’m seeing the eye-watering cost increase.

I’m wondering which schools are the most affordable to do a PPL and what would roughly be the cost in the UK? Im based in the south near Reading but happy to drive a couple of hours on weekends for training.

Also, can I do flight training on the weekends?

Most of the schools nearby are asking for around 12K for PPL which I’m finding ridiculous. I’m also planning to continue to get a CPL and potentially modular ATPL but for the time being I’m taking it slowly and going for the PPL.

Finally, my long term goal is to fly commercially. How important flight school names are when trying to get a job? E.g small school vs CAE or L3…etc.

Thanks in advance!

[Beaker_]

Most flight schools will be charging in excess of £200 per hour + your PPL exams and skills test, so £12k sounds about right I'm afraid. Most flight schools have tiny profit margins; running aircraft is not a cheap business! If someone came in significantly cheaper, I'd be questioning why. Also bear in mind, it's pretty common to not complete your PPL in minimum hours; 50-60 hours is the norm so budget for that.

All the places I've come across train 7 days a week, so I don't think that will be a problem.

From a PPL level, I don't believe any employers will care much and from asking about professional training myself, the school where you take your CPL ME/IR doesn't make much difference either. If you're in Newbury, you'll have Thruxton and Blackbushe nearby, both of which have good schools. The best thing to do really is take a look at a few places in person and see what feels the best fit for you.

[parkfell]

Aged 33 & married?
Before you spend a penny on training, obtain your Class 1 medical & pray that Putin doesn’t cause a worldwide economic disaster with his attack on Ukraine.

[ShamrockF]

If you're planning to go for a CPL and possibly ATPL, look for a quality school and don't go based on cost alone. History has shown some students who go to the cheapest schools have trouble getting the rung on the pilot career ladder when they qualify, leaving them out of the industry, or with some third rate operator paying peanuts.

[hobbit1983]

£12k is probably going to be about right. Don't believe any package deals that base the cost on doing exactly 45 hours. You, like 99% of PPL students, will need more.

If you're driving a couple of hours each way to go to a cheaper school....are you actually going to end up saving money overall?

Any PPL flying school that didn't offer weekend training would soon go out of business!

School names can help, but ultimately the question is do you have a license and did you pass first time? (a CPL is a CPL no matter which school you got it at). Don't skimp here.

[B2N2]

Flight training will (should) teach you life saving skills. Budgeting is important but value for money is what you’re looking for.
Excellent training will come at a price.

[az91]

Thanks for the replies. Now considering this further. Would going to the US for modular training be a wise option? I can stay with my family there for a month and logging as many hours as I can.

another option I found was the modular route from L3Harris, they advertise it for total of roughly 70k now I’m a bit skeptic about this number but anyone did this modular route? And what would be the starting pilot pay in the UK. I’m currently on a good (not great) salary and saw some posts on flight schools pages mentioning a FO pay of 70k which is more than what I make 7 years in engineering.

thanks

[B2N2]

On a side note I think you’re going about this in the wrong direction.
Its very common to just set off on a path and not know where the ship will run aground.
As a brain excercise reverse the process: start at your goal ( do you have one) then work back step by step to where you are now and the path will reveal itself. Or the truth.
This may sound very Confucian so I’ll give a small example:

Is your goal to work for a European Airline? Then a European license is required.
Is your goal to work for an airline or a region that accepts FAA licensing or Canadian then another path of training opens up.

So your goal (example) is a European airline like Ryan Air or Wizz Air or similar.
What are their hiring requirements? Do you meet those? Prior education requirements and maximum age at hiring?
Do they use preferential training providers? If so who are they and what are their enrollment requirements?
You’re 33 now you’ll be 35 after full time “Integrated” training and you’ll be closer to 38 after part time or “Modular” training.
What does this do for your job prospects?
Make an excel spread sheet with all (yes) all the European airlines and their requirements.
Make an appointment with a non aviation medical examiner for a complete physical, I mean everything, blood work , cholesterol, some serious vision testing too.
1-12 males have some form of color blindness that may not even be noticed in normal life but could get you denied for a Class 1.
You may have underlying health issues that may become a problem in 3-5-10(?) years and cause a loss of medical.
You may be pre diabetic and not even know about it. Now is the time to fix it not after you’ve been denied a medical.
Obviously bring the Class 1 medical requirements and discuss them with your Dr.

* read this too:
Paying for PPL in instalments- standard practice

[az91]

Thanks

Thanks for your help. So why not get a class 1 medical directly? Im also 31 not 33🤫.

I like this way of thinking and will look into it today.

btw is there any strict requirement on the plane that I can fly to build hours? Some airstrips that offer NPPL have cheaper airplane hire rates for ikarus c42 than c152s which is common for ppl training.

[B2N2]

Originally Posted by az91

Thanks for your help. So why not get a class 1 medical directly?

Borrowed from another forum but it’s exactly the answer you need:

My short answer response to you will be just to avoid getting denied ANY medical. Identifying and correcting any issues (if any are even there) are easier done BEFORE the denied medical. Once you get denied a medical, you'll be checking that box every time and be explaining yourself on a recurring basis. This is more so for older individuals looking for a potential career change because last thing anyone wants is to be unemployed AFTER quitting the stable job you held for the past decade(s).

The CAA/FAA/DGCA (any Aviation Authority really) are NOT your friend and neither are Aviation Medical Examiners.
You tick the wrong box and you are down the rabbit hole.
Moderators keep hacking and slashing in threads as there used to be a couple of cringeworthy threads in the Medical sub forum.
People having spent tons of money only to hear they’re disqualified for a Class 1.


To answer your second question, time building is not about drilling holes in the sky.
Time building is about increasing your experience in a structured manner to better prepare you for what is further down the road.
So you may very well be better off in the long run to not fly the cheapest piece of junk that’s out there.
With all respect, you’re at the beginning of a long winding road and as such you know absolutely nothing.
You’ve made the right step to ask questions.

[clarkeysntfc]

First thing should be to obtain a class 1 medical. You can still do PPL with a class 2 but class 1 is needed for CPL etc.

Don't touch L3 with a barge pole. Try Wings Alliance if you want to explore modular training.

At PPL level I would go to a reputationally good school like White Waltham if you're near Reading and learn in UK airspace if this is where you intend to live, fly and work.

[parkfell]

Originally Posted by B2N2

……Make an appointment with a non aviation medical examiner for a complete physical, I mean everything, blood work , cholesterol, some serious vision testing too.
1-12 males have some form of color blindness that may not even be noticed in normal life but could get you denied for a Class 1.
You may have underlying health issues that may become a problem in 3-5-10(?) years and cause a loss of medical.
You may be pre diabetic and not even know about it. Now is the time to fix it not after you’ve been denied a medical.
Obviously bring the Class 1 medical requirements and discuss them with your Dr….

On a positive note, the vast majority of applicants for a Class One are successful. You don’t have to be super fit, just that all parts are working normally !
You are more than likely know whether you have a chronic condition which would preclude you.

Print off the two pages of MED 163 form the CAA website, and get an optician to complete the form. A comprehensive eye examination.
Ask your GP practice for a “comprehensive MOT”, including taking of blood, and testing your urine.
Those GPs who undertake HGV medicals will have a fairly shrewd idea as to your fitness.

If you have had medical intervention historically, then a specialist report to say all is well may be required.
The CAA as regulator do take a ‘belt & braces’ approach, with an extra pair of belt & braces.
After all when flying as a passenger you want to know the flight crew & cabin crew are medically fit….?

[olster]

I would avoid L3. Not a good reputation.

[TryingToAvoidCBs]

Just a note on the medical front.

I had heart surgery twice, more than 5 years before I started my training. Despite being signed off as fit and healthy by two Cardiology consultants, and contacting the CAA in advance of my Class 1, it still took more than 2 years to get my medical issused, and 18 months to get my Class 2 to start my PPL. I know many people who have had medicals withdrawn for the smallest of reasons, and spent over 12 months trying to get it back.
Don't underestimate the CAA, they'll make your life very difficult.

[parkfell]

Whilst I have sympathy for those who have medical issues, when it comes to consultants, choose the ones who have a ‘track record’ with the CAA. Your local AME will ‘suggest’ which consultant (cardiologist) to make an appointment with. I speak as one who had an angiogram in 2009 with medical suspended, taking 2 months before it was restored.
For those considering an initial issue of a medical certificate with a history of XXX, or develop a ‘condition’, find out who for your geographical region is the CAA ‘go to’ consultant.