Thoughts on Redhill or Blackbushe for Modular Commercial?
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 3
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From: UK
Thoughts on Redhill or Blackbushe for Modular Commercial?
Hi all,
Apologies if this should be in the Professional Flight Training sub-threads, but currently looking ahead to the next steps in my modular route. Shortly taking my first set of CAA ATPL exams however an upcoming change of workplace and location has meant I will be soon relocating to south London, so my previously preferred commercial ATOs will no longer be best located.
Keen to do my IR(R), CBIR, ME, CPL etc. all under one organisation (reasons being advantage of continuity and the preferred route by airline recruiters nowadays) , I've found Redhill Aviation and Blackbushe Aviation to be the nearest and most suitable commercial schools. It's a little while off before I would undertake the IR(R), but keen to get ahead of the curve here after change in circumstances, is anyone able to provide any testimonials or context for either Redhill or Blackbushe? Redhill's website is refreshingly unflashy and a bit more practical than the big ATOs' websites which is both a plus but also somewhat limited in gauging their volume of commercial students/recent testimonials from commercial students. However, it's a bit confusing regarding their twin fleet - both a Duchess and a Seneca are advertised in separate parts of the website!
Blackbushe seems to have a bit more of a modern fleet, but I am still in the early stages of selecting a school so open to any opinions or recommendations!
Of course, I will be emailing and visiting each prospective school at some point in-person to get the full details and quotes, but thought I'd ask on here first and get some context! Unfortunately other London-area ATOs that have been well reviewed on here (Stapleford and FTL) will just be a bit too far for weekend commuting, not to mention far-flung Aeros!
Thanks in advance!
Apologies if this should be in the Professional Flight Training sub-threads, but currently looking ahead to the next steps in my modular route. Shortly taking my first set of CAA ATPL exams however an upcoming change of workplace and location has meant I will be soon relocating to south London, so my previously preferred commercial ATOs will no longer be best located.
Keen to do my IR(R), CBIR, ME, CPL etc. all under one organisation (reasons being advantage of continuity and the preferred route by airline recruiters nowadays) , I've found Redhill Aviation and Blackbushe Aviation to be the nearest and most suitable commercial schools. It's a little while off before I would undertake the IR(R), but keen to get ahead of the curve here after change in circumstances, is anyone able to provide any testimonials or context for either Redhill or Blackbushe? Redhill's website is refreshingly unflashy and a bit more practical than the big ATOs' websites which is both a plus but also somewhat limited in gauging their volume of commercial students/recent testimonials from commercial students. However, it's a bit confusing regarding their twin fleet - both a Duchess and a Seneca are advertised in separate parts of the website!
Blackbushe seems to have a bit more of a modern fleet, but I am still in the early stages of selecting a school so open to any opinions or recommendations!
Of course, I will be emailing and visiting each prospective school at some point in-person to get the full details and quotes, but thought I'd ask on here first and get some context! Unfortunately other London-area ATOs that have been well reviewed on here (Stapleford and FTL) will just be a bit too far for weekend commuting, not to mention far-flung Aeros!
Thanks in advance!
Last edited by wilcooo; 3rd November 2025 at 20:40.
Joined: Mar 2004
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 347
Likes: 49
From: Hong Kong SAR
I am many years out of date on the current situation, but I'm aware that Redhill used to be liable to substantial waterlogging in the wet season.
Please satisfy yourself about the drainage and airfield serviceability of both locations.
Please satisfy yourself about the drainage and airfield serviceability of both locations.
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 3
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From: UK
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 1
From: England
You will make your own decision after visiting both.
Make sure you book a visit rather than popping in to get some quality time from the CFI or a knowledgable instructor.
Also consider runway serviceability and access to open airspace for training.
The biggest draw, though, will be is which is closest to where you live and do you like their style...
Make sure you book a visit rather than popping in to get some quality time from the CFI or a knowledgable instructor.
Also consider runway serviceability and access to open airspace for training.
The biggest draw, though, will be is which is closest to where you live and do you like their style...
