This Review Overall Rating
I was an integrated student with FTA. My course was roughly 2 years including delays due to Covid lockdowns.
Initially, I completed my elementary flight phases and hour building on a PA28 out in Teruel, Spain. An option that is no longer available with FTA. Spain is fantastic for learning the basics of flying due to the airspace and RT being far simpler than in the UK. This did pose a challenge for those of us transitioning to advanced flying in the UK. FTA did, however, provide 3 hours of free training to help us with the conversion. As generous as this was, many (including myself) did have to pay for further lessons before proceeding onto the twin.
After my elementary flight phases I went into Ground school. I found this to be the most difficult aspect of training. The instructors were good in helping us all with anything we had difficulties with. The only real complaints I had which have now been amended were:
- Ground school felt too short in order to truly understand the information being taught to us. (Used to be 6 months but now 9 months)
- The only learning material provided to us was Padpilot. (Now issued with Oxford CBT as well)
My final phase of flight training was conducted in Shoreham (Brighton City Airport) on the DA40 and DA42. Shoreham is a great location to train. The difficult approaches, diverse weather and complex airspace make you in to a well rounded pilot before even getting to the airlines. The aircraft are maintained to a good standard but very occasionally there can be limited availability on the DA42 due to maintenance which can add delays. The instructors are exceptional and will endeavour to train you to the highest standard.
FTA does not offer accommodation but student welfare do assist in finding a suitable place for you to stay. I stayed in a house with a number of other students all at different phases on the course. This was good for days off and getting through ground school.
To summarise, I really enjoyed my time with FTA and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to pursue a career in aviation.
Course(s) taken:
General
Aircraft
Simulators
Theoretical Training
Practical Training
