Despite my moniker, I am not currently a member, but was at WAC for about 8 years.

Being currently in the "SEP needs re-validating" category, I would not have thought twice about going back to WAC to do it when the time comes. I might now though.

Perhaps there were good "business reasons" behind this, but no doubt WAC will not be the same again.

Well, if they repeat their dismal performance when they bought Bournemouth Flying Club and then drove away the customers, it is a very poorly run business. I wonder how much money they lost over that deal. I feel sorry for the members of WAC.

well I'm glad I no longer work there is all I can say. Im completely disgusted that the MD has sold out to Cabair, but then again knowing SP not really a surprise. There have been rumours of it for a while now and it really sticks up 2 fingers to the rest of the hardworking staff and other directors who do a brilliant job of making WAC a quality friendly organisation which will now all be ruined. Lets hope the only good thing that might come of this is that Cabair sack SP and let the other directors run it, though I imagine they will allocate one of their own to run it. Good luck guys!!

You could come down the M40 and give The Pilot Centre at Denham a try. Very friendly and highly competent. A mixture of C150/C172 and PA28, whichever thakes your fancy. Checkout their prices on their website.

The Odd One

Explain?

VFE.

There is another thread going on this subject:

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=245175

Positive outlook for WAC
 

It has been bought to my attention through word on the grape vine that the shareholders were all in agreement and keen with regards to the takeover. Apparently every sinlge one of them recieved high returns on their initial investments. So really, how do you say, business is business and sometimes relationships turn sour...
Which is more than I can say for relationships between NH & ST, with the recent departure of a certain arrogant, conniving engineer... Good luck to WAC, it's probably the best flying school in the whole of the UK and the alliance with Cabair can only make them stronger...
I just wish to thank all the staff excluding A certain NH for an extremely pleasurable experience and friendly atmosphere of which I have enjoyed for many years and am sure will contiue to do so.
Good luck Wac

Wycombe Air Centre CPL Feedback PLEASE!!
 

Would be very interested (URGENTLY) in any feedback from anyone who has completed CPL course at Wycombe, and condition of their 182s. Thanks. PMs also welcome.

Wangus...

Ive been a member at wycombe for apprx 6yrs and have done 250+ hrs there inc CPL. Nice 182RG on fleet, great to fly and nice training A/C.
Great people, all very friendly and everybody keen to help so if you fancy a look around just give them a call (01494 443737) or drop in and im sure they'll be happy to show you around the aircraft and facilities anytime. Give them a couple days notice and I would expect you could arrange the tour with your prospective CPL instructor too.

DPT

I don't fly at WAC myself (BAFC all the way...although not much use for CPL, seeing as they don't do it, I don't think) but Wycombe is a fab place to learn; it's so busy that you get used to being in a busy ATC environment quick enough.

Oh, Wycombe Air Park welcomes all WAC aviators who can fly our circuits... :rolleyes:

Hi,
Could you please tell me what sort of pre study I should be doing before commencing the JAA CPL training course?
I was thinking of brushing up on met, perf, and learning speeds for the aircraft i'll be flying. Any other ideas or pearls of wisdom would be gratefully received.

Although it is always good practice to refresh your theoretical knowledge and time spent studying on the ground saves time in the air. The best preparation for your CPL course is to make sure your general handling and flying accuracy are already at a good standard prior to starting your CPL. So I would recommend doing a few hours with an instructor prior to starting the CPL to ensure all your general flying is up to standard, better to be paying PPL instructional rates to sort out any bad habits than paying CPL rates.

WAC, my only comment would be doing IR training from an airfield which has no approach aids means you are going to spend alot of time positioning to an airfield which has the relevant facilities, although Cranfield isn't that far it soon mounts up when you are paying for a twin at IR training rates.

Hi,

I was thinking of going to Wycombe for my commercial as it is commutable from where I live and I am used to flying C-182s. Then, for my ME/IR I would go to Stapleford. I like the idea of using their DA-42s and simulator, as well as the fact that they have VOR/DME at the field.

My concern is that I have heard that it looks better to do all the advanced training with a single provider. Does anyone know if employers would realistically frown on using two?

Thanks for any info.

Brian

promiscuity = trip to the Doctors
 

The benefit of training with one single FTO is that it brings continuity. Employers like continuity as it implies you have gone through a steady learning curve rather than a stop/start erratic track to fATPL. It also means that your progress is trackable should they want to look at it.

Choose one is my humble advice.

I hear stapleford are ok and may have options to move you further down the line...although best to check :cool:

Thanks Pilot Positive. As I feared!

If I am to choose a single provider how about Wycombe? I can commute there but Stapleford would mean paying for accommodation or becoming horribly familiar with the M25.

When you say that Stapleford might be able to move its students further down the line are you referring to superior contacts/reputation with employers?

Cheers,

Brian

Look at the market
 

Having flown at WAC they are ok (albeit a few customer relation problems with at least one member of staff!! No names, no pack drills :}) - for ppl stuff....thats where there expertise seems to be focussed. And they are good at it. :)

However SFC seem to have a more structured approach and they are more commercially focussed. E.g. you can do ATPL ground school, MCC as well as the usual CPL MEIR. Additionally they offer a B757 type training course. This implies a high level of experience, which, when you spend time with will rub off on you to make you a more rounded pilot. :cool: If you have the cash you can literally go from zero to flight deck with SFC. WAC does not offer that continuity potential.

Although this may sound like an advert for SFC...it is not!! It is simply a comparison between the 2 choices you have in mind. There are lots of other perhaps more suitable choices you could also be looking at.

I am sure you are serious about getting your fATPL and getting a job - if so, location should be the last of your priorities as generally the route you are considering taking is one that requires full time committment...even after you have qualified and are looking for jobs. :ugh:

Here ends todays sermon. Next week I'll be discussing sewing techniques in papua new guinea. :oh:

Thanks very much for the info. I see what you mean about Stapleford having more options after the ME/IR now.

I would love to hear from anyone who has investigated this question recently what their shortlist of training providers ended up looking like?

As far as location goes, it is not a question of commitment but of cost. A year and a half ago I moved from London to Jo'burg, S Africa, when a job working for a self-fly safari company came up. So as you can see I'm not afraid to pack my bags when the need arises - but if I can work it from home and avoid paying for accommodation so much the better!