Best flight school?

[Frogboi134]

Hi all, I'm in high school and was looking through some reviews of places I was thinking of for flight school on here, L3 harris and CAE, and saw several negative reviews on them and now I'm starting to doubt if they really are the right choice, so I was wondering if there was any other flight schools that you hve been to that are much better and are more friendly, and have better reviews, preferably in the EU area for a EASA license so that I don't have to do the 1500 hours for and FAA license. Appreciate it!

[rudestuff]

Who's paying for it?

[Frogboi134]

Probably my parents but if they aren't able to I'm hoping that I'll be able to maybe either go to airline cadet programs or worst case scenario take out loans from the flight school.

[paco]

FTE Jerez would be a good place to start.

[Frogboi134]

I've heard of FTE Jerez via reddit and it seems really good but idk 100% if I wanna go there yet, are you a graduate of FTE Jerez? If so can you give me a review of the flight school?

[Alex Whittingham]

What paco said

[rudestuff]

Probably my parents but if they aren't able to I'm hoping that I'll be able to maybe either go to airline cadet programs or worst case scenario take out loans from the flight school.
Just to help manage your expectations you shouldn't pin your hopes on airline cadet programs. Sure its worth a shot but its about as likely as winning the lottery. I've never heard of a flight school giving out loans either.

There is a 4th option which is available to anyone: work and save. If you work two jobs and live at home you'll be able to save half the money in a couple of years and get unsecured loans for the other half. It might just inspire your parents to help you out as well. If you make one of those jobs a ground role with an airline and you'll also give yourself a huge advantage when it comes to getting your first cadet position.

[Frogboi134]

Hey Paco, I've heard of them via reddit, all seems really good on their website, could you give me a description of your experiences you had at the school (if you went), like how the teaching was, instructors etc? Thanks!

[Frogboi134]

Just to help manage your expectations you shouldn't pin your hopes on airline cadet programs. Sure its worth a shot but its about as likely as winning the lottery. I've never heard of a flight school giving out loans either.

There is a 4th option which is available to anyone: work and save. If you work two jobs and live at home you'll be able to save half the money in a couple of years and get unsecured loans for the other half. It might just inspire your parents to help you out as well. If you make one of those jobs a ground role with an airline and you'll also give yourself a huge advantage when it comes to getting your first cadet position.

Understood, I'll keep that in mind, and to me cadet programs are the hail mary, if all else fails. Appreciate your advice!

[PPRuNeUser0222]

hmm Skyborne are one of the more expensive schools. I've heard great things about Blackbushe, Stapleford, VA and ACS (provided you strictly want to stay within the UK). Just stick to as few schools as you can. BA will take modular students in so long as they've studied at 3 or less different schools so keep that in mind.

You're missing the PPL, night rating, ATPL theory and hour buildling, which adds up. Rudestuff (check out his prveious posts because he knows about this stuff) says it's cheapest to do your PPL, night rating, IRR, CBIR, MEP, CPL, [APS] MCC. Somewhere between there, account for your ATPL theory, UPRT and any hour buildling needed to get to the next course, depending on flight school. I would think about paying any extra exam fees for the EASA license too for more graduate options.

[AlwaysWondering]

Naive question.
What does BA mean by three schools or fewer?

There must be a lot of candidates who have:
PPL at a flying club.
ATPL Theory at BGS or CAPT GS.
HB at a school in the US.
CPL/IR at a well-known ATO.
MCC at a different ATO.
So five schools in total. Surely they can't reject them as it's a pretty standard path.

[PPRuNeUser0222]

https:// careers.ba.com/job/ crawley/ newly-qualified-pilot-pathway/22348/56253314176

(remove the 3 spaces. not sure if links are allowed so i put them in)

This vacancy is for Qualified Pilots who have completed their training via a modular or integrated course at any ATO. Do not apply for this vacancy if you completed all aspects of ATPL Ground School, CPL/IR and APS MCC at one of the 5 Whitetail ATOs.

To be considered for our current vacancies you will need:

85% ground school average with no more than three resits
First-series CPL & IR pass (Series 1, Attempt 1 or Series 1, Attempt 2)
APS MCC
Attended no more than 3 training providers for the following phases of training: Ground School, CPL/IR and APS MCC
To hold a UK CAA Class 1 medical and meet British Airways medical criteria
ELP ICAO Level 6
A valid passport (with minimum of 12 months before expiry date) allowing unrestricted worldwide travel
Detailed requirements are listed on the job description


It's only for select components. By 5 'Whitetail ATOs', those are their chosen schools: L3Harris, Leading Edge (talk of money issues but no way of knowing), Skyborne, FTEJerez (very well rated and in south Spain), and CAE (had some sticky situations recently from what I'm aware). It's come to light that you can't even trust the big 'pilot-factory' schools entirely so do your research before paying anything, and ideally go modular if you're worried about this investment.

I know you didn't ask but since you're located in Ireland: I spoke to AFTA at a careers event and they said that due to another Irish flight school going bankrupt a few years ago, the Irish aviation authority were really embarrassed and have since ensured that all Irish schools have financial checks every x months (i think 6 months) to ensure that they are able to deliver the training that students pay for. Obviously this is just what they said, but I'm sure you can ask AFTA for paper proof. They have great reviews and have a few mentored programmes if those interest you. Not the cheapest (and actually their integrated is cheaper than their modular) but they seem like a safe option (and one I would probably choose now if I had the money today, even despite the Cork weather).

[T00theless]

Hi there, I am in a very similar boat to you. I was looking at IFA the International Flight Academy based in Portugal. I would love to hear anyone's feedback or information on this particular flight school as I am struggling to find reviews on it.

[605carsten]

Dont understand the 1500/FAA comment.. a frozen ATPL is just a Commercial until you get 1500hrs.. just like in the FAA system… it just sound fancier to call it a FrozenATPL

[kitfox446]

Hi all, I'm in high school and was looking through some reviews of places I was thinking of for flight school on here, L3 harris and CAE, and saw several negative reviews on them and now I'm starting to doubt if they really are the right choice, so I was wondering if there was any other flight schools that you hve been to that are much better and are more friendly, and have better reviews, preferably in the EU area for a EASA license so that I don't have to do the 1500 hours for and FAA license. Appreciate it!

I trained in Spain at two different schools, World Aviation and One Air.

World Aviation is a small but professional operation. There are some weak points due to the small fleet and limited staff, but otherwise I have no major complaints. I got through my training pretty quickly.

One Air was terrible. Totally overcrowded, nearly 500 active students now with nowhere near enough instructors to keep up. You'll be lucky to have even one flight scheduled per week, and there were tons of cancellations for all sorts of bizarre reasons (not weather). Organisational side is a total mess. They don't care at all about the students, and they will happily take your money and leave you to rot - no refunds. Avoid like the plague. Everything looks nice but it's all marketing. There's nothing there to back it up

[B2N2]

There is no such thing as the “best school”.
Despite everyone’s best intentions students can have problems with training that have very little to do with the school in question.
Usually they don’t see it this way though.
Some schools work better for certain people then other schools.

cadet programs
approved providers
modular vs integrated


It all depends on your situation and financial abilities. Do not assume your parents can just fork over £80K for an uncertain future.
Start working and saving now to show that you can be financial responsible.
Every journey of 10,000 miles starts with a single step.

[Dehertog]

CAE has strong connections with EZY

[STCPRT1985]

Quality Fly at Cuatro Vientos in Madrid is worth considering too. They are a small professional school, 100% in English so an international atmosphere and the price for the integrated course is pretty good at €71k.

As has been said in a previous response. There is no "best school", you need to do your research well before committing. Go and visit the school, attend any free training they offer to get a feel for them.

[T00theless]

Has anyone heard of the Easy 123 summer program L3Harris are providing. They apparently bypass the entrance exams? Is it legit? Any response would be appreciated

[SpecOps]

Has anyone heard of the Easy 123 summer program L3Harris are providing. They apparently bypass the entrance exams? Is it legit? Any response would be appreciated

You seem to be under the false impression that bypassing the entrance exams is some sort of major benefit. Entrance exams for flight schools are not difficult, the flight schools want you to get in so they can make money.

[T00theless]

Yeah I appreciate that. I was just wondering if it’s a legit scheme? It seems weird they’re bypassing the entrance exams. If it is legit would love to hear so

[RichardH]

Yeah I appreciate that. I was just wondering if it’s a legit scheme? It seems weird they’re bypassing the entrance exams. If it is legit would love to hear so

There is no legal requirement for any flight school to hold entrance exams (it's not Oxbridge) they do it as part of their 'selection process' primarily for their integrated courses, it's supposed to sort the wheat from the chaff. In my experience instructing on these courses over 20 years there were always a couple of students on each course who in my & other instructors opinions had slipped through the net as within the first week of ground school were struggling with the basics. Remember a flight school is there to make money & will gladly take your £80k with lots of promises. The only 'legit' thing being passing the ATPL exams then finally completing the licence.

If an airline has already done its selection process then this would be much tougher than a school selection so arguably no need for further tests, though good old BA seem to be doing both.

RichardH
Retired ATPL TKI

[T00theless]

Is it not a bad sign though that L3Harris have removed their selection process and are accepted anybody? As you say they’re occasionally a few people that slip through the net, but on this occasion there is no ‘net’ so surely a lot more people will struggle.

I have also seen lots of very bad reviews of L3Harris suggesting that it may be in trouble and needs applicants asap and that’s why they have opened this ‘Easy 123 summer program’? Has anyone else even heard of it?

Basically my question is whether or not it is a good idea to apply to this scheme despite its advertised speediness to an integrated ATPL?

[SpecOps]

There's no trace of this program on Google and a quick skim of the L3 website and "blog" doesn't mention it either, it would help if you provided a link or more information about the program.

Is it not a bad sign though that L3Harris have removed their selection process and are accepted anybody? As you say they’re occasionally a few people that slip through the net, but on this occasion there is no ‘net’ so surely a lot more people will struggle.


Why do you think there is no selection process? Surely this easy 123 program IS a process, even though anyone can start the program presumably it involves completing some sort of education/training and meeting some sort of standard?


I have also seen lots of very bad reviews of L3Harris suggesting that it may be in trouble and needs applicants asap and that’s why they have opened this ‘Easy 123 summer program’?

If they were completely desperate for more students they wouldn't have any program, they would just accept everyone who applies and pays. Nonetheless, you're right to be concerned about the financial stability of the school, unfortunately I don't have any inside info but you should do your due diligence. A new thread with a relevant title should attract more replies.


Basically my question is whether or not it is a good idea to apply to this scheme despite its advertised speediness to an integrated ATPL?

It's not speedy though is it? The regular application process involves a brief online interview and one assessment day, which sounds like a much quicker and more efficient use of someone's time than a summer program, unless perhaps that program only takes a few days.