Riverside Flight Center
 

I have a dilemma; I’m packing up work hopefully to commence the ATPL exams and hopefully then start the flight training.

I’ve already got my PPL and Night ratings, therefore I’m compelled to go through the modular route, which is not a problem, however I’m only going to one school.

Therefore I’ve worked out the costs to a level playing field with what Riverside has quoted me against Stapleford and Bournemouth, which after analysing the costs and time it appear that Riverside and Stapleford prices are very close should I complete the course in the set amount of hours. However, Riverside’s structure appears to be quicker. Should I over run on hours, Riverside appears to be cheaper than Stapleford.

My dilemma is this; I know Stapleford and the level of training combined with the atmosphere as well as the guy who runs Riverside, who is an ex-Stapleford Instructor, and if my memory serves me well, the comments on his training in the past have been good. I also believe another ex-Stapleford Instructor is also training for Riverside who also got good reviews. So in which direction is the best way foreward?

Bare in mind that at the end of the day, having no income for the home to support my family and the competition of gaining a job is difficult; time is not on my side.

Therefore I know what Stapleford is like from first hand experience and having known the reputation of two of the instructors at Riverside I’m not sure in the direction to turn.

Has anyone have any good or bad experiences in the past or present with either Stapleford or Riverside or any complications / pitfalls that I may have overlooked in order to help me make my mind up as I have one chance at this and it’s a big investment to mess up.

I thank you all in advance.

Hi,
check your pm's!

thanks.

Piper pervert,

Thanks for you message, please check your PM's

I did FAA CPL and IR with Riverside- top notch, no worries. Got mates out there at the moment doing the same thing.

I also did my ATPL and converted the IR in Bournemouth- if you want to pick my brains on anything, please PM me.

Hi Guys

Im new to this.

Basically The sale of my house is going through as we speak, and I actually leave my job in 2 weeks. My dilema is similar to Flying Beachball except i have done no flight training. After exhaustive research I have narrowed mmy choices down to Riverside/Exeter & Stapleford to go from zero to fATPL.

Does anybody have any comments and which route they would think is the best...I am currently almost 30 so its now or never i guess?! LOL.

Riverside is cheaper, and are now offering the full course with conversion in Uk for just over 19k, or same course with 100 Hrs ME for 24k...Or there is the Stapleford option for all training in the Uk. Would this look better on my CV?

Both seem to have positive comments on the forums

Helppppp!!!! Any advice muchly appreciated!

Thanks to all :D

If anyone has any opinions on this it would be helpful to me as well. Many thanks

Judojamesg

Go with Riverside. I went there, fab place, excellent instruction and good facilities as well. And very good atmosphere out there in Tulsa to top it all off. I miss it!

Did you get a position quickly with a major airline wxman and also where did you do your MCC with? Also did you have a loan to pay for the course or did you do it in bits as I'm thinking of the ab-initio route. It seems you get a lot more flying hours than an integrated course as well for the same qualification.

Riverside Flight Center
 

Hi,

I am considering applying to Riverside Flight Center to complete their frozen ATPL course. I just have a few specific questions.

The first one is regarding the Career Development Loan. From previous experience, how long does it take from application to approval for the loan? Also, was it straight forward or difficult to get like a personal loan?

With regards to their accomodation; What is it like in terms of distance from the school, comfort, privacy, surrounding areas etc? Would I need a car?

And finally, I am thinking about attending in January/February time. Weather wise, are these months good?

If you can give as much detail as possible that would be great. I am mainly interested in responses from people who are currently on or who have completed the course in the last year or so.

I am aware of the numerous threads on Riverside, but I have specific questions regarding obtaining the career development loan, weather and the accomodations.

Thanks guys

Hello solo

RFC the place to be.

I did the Riverside/Exeter route this year, got out to Tulsa at the end of Feb with Hawaiian shirts and shorts. It was snowing. Damn. However, in a matter of days back to blue sky and sunshine, and kept getting hotter and hotter until I left mid April. Weather changes quick in the great plains, only stop to the flying was a huge thunderstorm that got all the brits out with their cameras trying to spot a twister.

Houses are fine, air con/kitchen/laudrette/gym. I cycled in 30 mins to the airport most days or got picked up in the mornings by your very own instructor or the boss himself, who's very good at gymnastics. Quiet area in lodge-like appartments

Had great fun doing my FAA PPL(ME),CPL/IR quick in 7 weeks.

Sorted out a CDL back in the UK before converting to a JAR licence at Exeter, took me 6 weeks. However, I had a vital piece of paperwork missing. A friend got it within a month.

Tulsa 'rocks'. Can hire cars ridiculously cheap, some guys paid a few dollars more to get a pick up to cruise around in and relax. Whatever route you choose good luck and enjoy your stay(?) in Oklahoma.

Knives, and stabbing weapons.

Is the accomodation included in the price?

T1000 are you applying for airlines and if so have you got a job, and also does Riverside have a good rep amongst airlines compared to other modular courses?

Let me think..

Accomodation worked out about £11 a night in the apartments, I paid for that separately. Got a rough budget drawn up for me when I first arrived, came out very close at the end to the figure.

Dived into the airlines jobs swamp about a month ago, nothing yet, but stiff upper lip!

T1000

Yo T1000, from Royal Tunbridge Wells. Are you me?!

If it took you 30 mins to cycle in, you're a lightweight :-)

It took me 20 mins to cycle in. And a nice cycle ride at that.

That cycle ride is when you don't want to use the transport (via Riverside's MPV) that is provided should you require it.

The accomodation is good standard. And Tulsa is fantastic. Can't wait to go back.

(oh, and mention nothing of good standards of training, management integrity etc etc....).

More info, PM me of course.

Not exactly a major airline, but I've got a salaried job. In fact, my first job is in a position "of influence" (a position I got mostly through previous experience in management and ATS).

I am thoroughly enjoying my job, to the point where I have turned down interview offers with other larger operators (for more money).

Did MCC at Oxford... Highly recommended. You'd be a fool not to!

Any more info, PM me.

Riverside Flight Centre
 

I am heading to Riverside in December. But I may get my own place to stay (Not decided). But in any case, what is the public transport like in Tulsa? Is it cheap, accessible?? Or would I need a car when I get there?

Thanks

Riverside Flight Center
 

I am due to do my 0-ATPL course at Riverside Flight Center.

although this £30k (without TR) is a great deal cheaper than than my initial choice of OAT, i still worry that the financial gamble is too great.

I am looking for info from people who have been to riverside regarding how successful they have been in finding employment in the U.K.

Are u unemployed?

was it a good investment/bad investment?

did u have to pay for your own Type Rating?

Obviously any feedback woud be a massive massive help

GWTW

All of us are worried about it, if you worry more than you are prepared to gamble don't do it. But just like the lottery says "You need to be in it to win it!!". One thing is for sure,if you don't have the licenses you definately won't get the job.

yeah i get your point


........was just hoping that somebody that is at or has been to riverside could reply.

gwtw

I went to riverside (stapleford usa as it was then) and did my FAA PPL and hour building there. I did the rest of my training elsewhere.
Riverside for me was great with comfy accomodation, well maintained aircraft and would recommend them as a sound, honest outfit. I did not do the whole package so can only tell you about the PPL side and facilities out there.