This Review Overall Rating
I went to ACS to complete my MEP, ME/IR and CPL along with most of my hour building. I had my doubts about the Scottish weather, but don't let that put you off! Firstly, it was the most exhilarating flying I have had since starting training. I could not compare the experience of flying over the highlands, landing on remote runways, flying in class G airspace, to anywhere else in the UK. But other than the fun of hour building, the operations at ACS are very efficient. Of course there were a fair number of days sat on the ground watching the aircraft getting rocked around in the wind and rain, but there would always be something put in place for these days. During my IR, my instructor would use them as lesson days, or plan these days to go in the sim.
Although the school was short on instructors during the time I was there, they would always put themselves out there to help in any way they could, which is very appreciated when you are new to flight training and have hundreds of questions! The school had access to a very fair number of aircraft during my time there (I believe the fleet has increased even more now) so booking aircraft was never an issue. It was a very rare occasion if I tried to book and aircraft and it was taken or the instructor couldn't book in a lesson. These aircraft are handled by a very professional and large maintenance team, so they are very well looked after.
First time passes are easily reached going through this school, they will get you there. If this doesn't happen then they have all the resources and time to help you to it.
I have one downside to studying at ACS - it is very remote. The school is located on the outskirts of a small town and there are very little places to stay. I have to say if you like your social life then forget about it while you are there. The school offers on site accommodation which is great, but if you are sitting around waiting for the weather to get better then it's more money spent and very little to do. I was living in Edinburgh at the time, but doing an hour and a half drive every day to get there. Saying all this, it was worth it. I couldn't have asked for a better school to train for my professional licenses.
If you are looking for intensive training, they do offer this and from experience they really do try their best to get you through as fast as you need to, but this comes with a lot of self motivation and a lot of self study. Things may have changed now but there simply wasn't enough instructors to sit and explain everything. Showing up to the lessons prepared and ready helped a lot, and got you out flying on the days the weather was good!
The head of training and director were particularly helpful when I left and wrote excellent recommendations for me. After a couple of rejection emails it eventually landed me with 2 job offers and some fantastic stories about the challenges of flying up in the highlands. I have done the 900mile round trip to renew my IR since and will continue to go back to them.
Course(s) taken:
General
Aircraft
Simulators
Practical Training
