Which School for IR training?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 683
Likes: 34
From: Over here but sometimes over there.
Which School for IR training?
I would be interested in peoples comments and experiences on IR training. I am planning to complete the IR later this year and wondering where to go.
Cheers
DWW
Cheers
DWW
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 352
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From: Worcs UK
DWW
Most people have only done their IR training at one FTO, hence they cannot possibly make a comparison. Therefore you have to try and be objective about any replies you may receive.
Aeros 01452 857419
Just for the record, I did my IR training with Aeros at Gloucester and tested out of Bristol. Aeros is a good training school where the whole culture is driven by a enthusisatic and dedicated CFI. The school has its own maintenance wing hence aircraft servicability is good. The school has two Seneca II's of which one is dedicated to IR training. The school also has a replica Seneca simulator which helps you get to know the controls and instruments better than a generic trainer.
Gloucester is an ideal GA airport close to the examiners main playground (Cardiff, Filton, Exeter and Bristol). However there is little commercial traffic to interfere with training which you may find at other airfields such as Bristol, Bournemouth etc.
If you elect to test out of Bristol you obviously need to reposition for the test however this provides an excellent opportunity to brush up and get a feel for the approach prior to test.
If you want to know more then contact me direct.
Hope that helps
cheers
MJRwww.aeros.co.uk
Most people have only done their IR training at one FTO, hence they cannot possibly make a comparison. Therefore you have to try and be objective about any replies you may receive.
Aeros 01452 857419
Just for the record, I did my IR training with Aeros at Gloucester and tested out of Bristol. Aeros is a good training school where the whole culture is driven by a enthusisatic and dedicated CFI. The school has its own maintenance wing hence aircraft servicability is good. The school has two Seneca II's of which one is dedicated to IR training. The school also has a replica Seneca simulator which helps you get to know the controls and instruments better than a generic trainer.
Gloucester is an ideal GA airport close to the examiners main playground (Cardiff, Filton, Exeter and Bristol). However there is little commercial traffic to interfere with training which you may find at other airfields such as Bristol, Bournemouth etc.
If you elect to test out of Bristol you obviously need to reposition for the test however this provides an excellent opportunity to brush up and get a feel for the approach prior to test.
If you want to know more then contact me direct.
Hope that helps
cheers
MJRwww.aeros.co.uk
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 683
Likes: 34
From: Over here but sometimes over there.
Thanks for the reply. I know people`s views may be tainted by their experiences. It was more of a post just to get people`s opinions on the schools they attended and how they felt whilst there.
PPRuNe Knight in Shining Armour
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 503
Likes: 0
From: Everywhere in the UK, but not home!
I can reiterate MJR's comments. I didn't do my IR at Aeros, but I've done my CPL and FIC there. They have a good culture, friendly staff and there is always a laugh echoing around the place.
I did my IR at BFC at Lulsgate (Bristol International). Again, a good atmosphere with good instructors.
Like Aeros, BFC has its own maintenance wing hence aircraft serviceability is good. When last I visited they had 4 Seneca's dedicated to IR training. They also has a FNPT2 Seneca simulator which will count towards your training time.
It can help your IR skills if you're mixing it with "the big boys", you learn to be more flexible and versatile, but you do spend more time at the holding point!!
You get loads of practice on a bendy NDB/DME approach at Glos, but you have to go to Filton for the ILS.
There are pros and cons whichever school you chose, also think about schools close to home (if these aren't) this reduces accommodation costs and is more convenient.
I'd recommend either Aeros or Bristol Flying Centre. Visit them both and see for yourself.
I did my IR at BFC at Lulsgate (Bristol International). Again, a good atmosphere with good instructors.
Like Aeros, BFC has its own maintenance wing hence aircraft serviceability is good. When last I visited they had 4 Seneca's dedicated to IR training. They also has a FNPT2 Seneca simulator which will count towards your training time.
It can help your IR skills if you're mixing it with "the big boys", you learn to be more flexible and versatile, but you do spend more time at the holding point!!
You get loads of practice on a bendy NDB/DME approach at Glos, but you have to go to Filton for the ILS.
There are pros and cons whichever school you chose, also think about schools close to home (if these aren't) this reduces accommodation costs and is more convenient.
I'd recommend either Aeros or Bristol Flying Centre. Visit them both and see for yourself.
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: where ever I lay my head
If you think about the south of England than I can recommend Professional Air Training. Antony and his team have a nice fleet of BE76 and are based at a major CAA centre. So you train at the same place as your exam and I understand that they have a beautiful new sim shortly.
www.professionalairtraining.co.uk for more info.
Good luck!
www.professionalairtraining.co.uk for more info.
Good luck!
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Up In The Sky...
Which School for IR Training?
I would say it depends mainly on your location and whether or not you are willing to travel to and fro each day or get b&b which can be expensive over the period of an IR.
If you live in the South (nr London), I would suggest Stapleford Flight Centre: www.flysfc.com.
Did mine there, very pro' etc. But dont pay too much attention about what some say with regards to one school being far superior to the next.
Just remember that they all have JAR approval, if the school is busy and if people are recommending it, then you'll be just fine there, wherever it may be.
If you live in the South (nr London), I would suggest Stapleford Flight Centre: www.flysfc.com.
Did mine there, very pro' etc. But dont pay too much attention about what some say with regards to one school being far superior to the next.
Just remember that they all have JAR approval, if the school is busy and if people are recommending it, then you'll be just fine there, wherever it may be.
