How to choose the best Flight School✈︎

Choosing the right Flight School is a very important decision, this is where you start building the beginning of your career!

There is a lot to consider so let's run through some points...

• REPUTATION✈︎

How do others speak of the school? When you hear their name, is it in a positive manner? Are they even spoken much about? Questions that are good to bear in mind. You want to look good to your future employer, a school they would be happy to hire you from. Now it's not the be-all and end-all, I would like to think if you're a great pilot that you'd make it regardless. But sometimes it can make the world of difference. If you've been to a school that employers know well for the right reasons then they'll know how your training has been conducted and what quality of students the school produces. Find a school that actually deliver graduates to airlines and look out for those who do not.

• PRESENTATION✈︎

How do the school present themselves? This can be on social media, the building, the staff and students, their aircraft etc. It always looks good when a school can carry itself well. They don't need to be all glamorous and in your face but just seeing they take care and honour their business. Smartly dressed students show professionalism, classrooms set well for a good learning environment etc.

• STRUCTURE✈︎

This isn't as such a reason to choose a school, however, it is nice to bear in mind as schools will differ. We did Ground School first and then once we'd completed all our exams you move on to flight training. For me this is the perfect way of doing it as it means we can fully focus on being in study mode, learning all the content and getting the exams out the way! You're already in the study mode, which takes a little while to get into the swing of it, it seems ideal to carry out the rest of your subjects at this time. Plus you'll have fresh knowledge of your first module exams which will greatly help you on the second module. But again personal preference, it would be interesting to hear from those who have done it differently!

• FEEL✈︎

Now, this is a big one for me. This was my main deal-breaker. If you walk in and feel instantly welcomed, the staff and students are happy and enthusiastic and there's a sense of community then you could be on to a winner! For me, there was only one school I found that with and I found it to be genuine. Some schools are known to 'churn students out like factories', they'll let anyone in regardless of their skills assessment to join and just see it as a money-making business. No after graduate services.

You're going to be spending a LOT of time with these instructors, you need to feel they will be there to support you and be happy to put in that extra time. Our instructors are the best in their field and so passionate about their subjects, it honestly shines though and motivates you so much more!

• STUDENT FEEDBACK✈︎

This is another big one. When I found the school I felt was right I messaged some of the students on social media and asked many questions. The students will be a lot more honest, there not selling the company and usually happy to answer any questions, I know I love to help! :)

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Visiting an Open Day

Make sure you attend Open Days, these will give you the biggest insight. Speak to the students, see how the staff interact, what facilities they have to offer and if you can picture yourself there.

Also if you can, attend events such as Pilot Careers Live this will put you in a room full of Training Organisations which you can compare.

If you have any questions please feel free to message me or pop it into the comments.

Have a lovely day :)

Ashleigh x