Stapleford or Andrewsfield
 

Hi, I have previously acquired 27 hours flying in the USA and I want to start my PPL. My closest school would be Stapleford as I am in East London and this was my first consideration in case of cancellations due to weather etc.
I have had a recommend for Andrewsfield and in particular for Carol Cooper, but I understand from their website that it is very unlikely that i would get her personally anyway as she mainly deals with more experienced pilots going for higher licences.
I really would appreciate a heads up on anyone's experience of either. I noticed that there were some threads about Stapleford but these are quite old and I read somewhere that they were replacing their C152s and so the comments about old aircraft might not be relevant now.

Which of the two would you prefer and why? Also, are there any other better options? Someone mentioned North Weald but I have no knowledge of what they are like.

Many thanks for any advice.

Can really recommend Eddie at Academy Aviation at North Weald. Top guy, super knowledgable and will get you through with no problem!

https://www.academyaviation.co.uk

I learnt to fly at Andrewsfield and all I have left on my PPL is the test. I can say that the professionalism at Andrewsfield was excellent but it also felt friendly. It is true, Carol does mostly do training for higher ratings but the other instructors are also very good, especially Paul Slater.

Boac

I trained at Andrewsfield for my PPL and did most of my hour building through them too. I Didn't have Carol but the other instructors were great (including former and current pilots) so I have no complaints. Friendly but professional atmosphere. Not a bad full English at the café too!