I agree with details about Northumbria, a good school.

Northumbria are good. I completed my PPL there at the start of this year.

Scott and Steve were very good to me and continue to help when I ask for it. It's a bit like having an after care service type thing, which for me is a great source of information to have, especially as i'm a low hour pilot.

Chris

I've done a bit of flying for Phoenix, and I know some people at Elite, but I've never done any training at either. Elite are the more established of the two outfits, but that isn't necessarily the most important criterion.

Go along and see them both and see which you feel more comfortable with. If you're thinking about the CPL, you need at least one eye towards future employment. No-one can guarantee you a job but it should be a major topic of conversation as to what opportunities they see and where their graduates are now working.

HTH

FAST Helicopters Thruxton
 

Today, for the last time, I closed the doors of the Thruxton office of FAST Helicopters.

I've only been working at Thruxton for the last four months, but the number of messages, well wishers and visitors that have been received there over the last week, speak volumes about the quality of the Staff and the service they have delivered.

Having had a facility at Thruxton for over 20 years, there have been many fond memories and stories shared this week, and I am proud to have played even a small part in such a great team.

May I say thank you to all the students, customers, friends, owners and most especially to all the staff, past and present, who have all helped to make FAST at Thruxton such a great fun place to work.

Fondest wishes and the best of luck to you all,

Paul.

p.s. The Training School, Engineering facility and AOC at the FAST Helicopters Head office at Shoreham-by-Sea continue to operate as usual!

The end of an era......

Good luck!

Phil

Shame, used to instruct for Mike Green at Fast in the mid 90's ,feels like yesterday

Hey QM, you'll be getting a reputation for being there to turn the lights off if you're not careful !

'Tis indeed the end of an era ... and just as I move back to Newbury as well. Just my bloomin' luck eh?

All the best to the guys and gals who worked there (no such fond wishes for the senior management I'm afraid).

Cheers

Whirls

I did my Mock and my GFT at Fast in '96 with Mike Green and Al Gwilt.

They were excellent.

I've trained and worked at FAST, Thruxton. Real shame.

It is a shame.
I wish the people that worked there all the best in the future.

This thread started a long time ago so it's worth checking when a recommendation was posted.

eg HeliAir used to have a very good reputation but it was a sold a few years ago and all the FIs who built that reputation have moved on.
The last two left earlier this year.

H.

;)
Thanks Julie, I can be happy in the knowledge. as I flick the switch for the final time, that I have always given 100%. :}

So, at the end, which is the best school near London to get the PPL/CPL (H)?
Even for the price / quality ratio.
Thanks

Dot

Go see Leon at helicopter services wycombe nuff said

Cheers mate. I'll go to have a look at the London Helicopter Centre as well.

Fast at Thruxton
 

I just noticed the post in this thread that Fast had gone from Thruxton. What was the reason why, lack of work in our current recession? Any info on this. Thanks.

Welcome to Pprune Truthseekers.

You'll find at least some of the info you are seeking on related threads. Try a search for Longmint. I'd wish you happy reading, but it isn't.

TT

Uk Training
 

HI Guys, I need some help regarding training, I am so confused, with all the options available, what with USA training seeming to be the cheaper avenue, but with the added complications of visa's and accommodation, plus making the Us trained British license compatible for UK flying.:ugh:
My situation is I have money in the bank from selling our house and I'am now renting very cheaply, with my monthly out goings as low as they are ever going to be.
But as my wife wants to retrain in the south east of the UK, doing a 4 year degree, my options are limited.
Does anybody know where the best place is to train in the UK ?
Plus the total costs I'am looking at to get my PPL and Commercial to an employable level in the UK ? The companies I have so far spoken to, find it difficult to give me a full figure in black and white. Obviously it depends on how quickly I pick it up, but if I can go on the minimum hours possible to pass, then I can go forward from here.

Your comments and advice would be much appreciated,:):):)

If you seriously want to train as a helicopter pilot then you had better get used to that response. Ok, you asked for advice. You will no doubt receive much positive encouragement from the rose-tinted spectacles brigade but I hope you will also get realistic advice from others.

Other than the fact that you are living in rented accommodation and your wife will shortly start a 4 year degree course I don't know your circumstances. But if you can live without an income for 12 months whilst quickly spending £100,000+ and support your wife knowing that the chances of employment are minimal at the end of it then go for it.

I wouldn't do it - but then I'm not you. I am divorced though and I hope that the house you sold was a mansion.