Choosing Flight School

PPL Training

Choosing Flight School

Hamer 28/01/2010, 7:28 PM
Hi All,
In a week or two I’m going to visit few flight schools in the area. Afterwards I’ll arrange a trial lesson with one of them and discuss further training towards PPL license. This will be my first step towards career in aviation. Do you have any advice before I choose a school? What questions to ask? What to watch out for? What to check? Any advice at all will be very much appreciated. (Of course I’m completely aware to pay as you not in advance)
Thanks for help.

Hamer

Re: Choosing Flight School

Aviator|Chris 28/01/2010, 8:24 PM

Hi there,

Remember that you have to feel comfortable there, the school has to be to your liking and so does their operation as a business. Schools should not be demanding in any way, since you are the one with the money.

I was going to attend a different flying school, but at the last minute had a better recommendation (friend who is training from PPL up to CPL at this school) and decided to go for a visit prior to booking the trial lesson.

The Instructor who showed me around wasn't to my liking personality-wise, but this was just a "tour" so I wasn't too bothered. He sat me in the main fleet aircraft (Warrior and DA-40) to see how my legs felt (i'm around 6' 2"), to his and my surprise both were comfortable. He showed me around the building and then handed me to reception to book the trial flight. When I had my trial flight I met my instructor who was of a "generation closer to my own" and I felt instantly comfortable with him as we departed.

Ask every question you have, thats what flying is all about. If in doubt, ask. I'm pretty shy when it comes to stuff like that but I soon came out of my shell when radio practice was on the cards.

Most of all, enjoy the experience from the beginning - for me just walking across the aerodrome and around the apron to the school is a joy. Even on days when i'm not flying and just attending Ground School.