This Review Overall Rating
I trained at Highland Aviation to attain my PPL(A) having moved from another flying school and it was a breath of fresh air compared to my previous school.
The school is based at Inverness Airport. A small airport, but an international airport nonetheless with full instrument approaches and an radar service. The facilities are modern, with easy parking and direct access to the apron. There’s a number of small briefing room / classroom spaces for pre and post flight briefings and a comfortable seating area for more social gatherings.
The aircraft comprise a reasonably modern C172, a PA28, and two Tomahawks. The PA28 and C172 are both fully equipped for instrument flight and recently refurbished, the PA38s are well maintained but cosmetically commensurate with their age. They also provide instruction for gyrocopters, although I’m not familiar with this aspect of the school or the aircraft, but they are modern and well maintained.
The instructors I had were all of an excellent standard, and the teaching methods consistent. They all provided constructive criticism and feedback and never had to rush off to the next student (as I’d experienced elsewhere)
The local flying area is brilliant, and the Scottish Highlands provide a wide range of experiences with weather and mountainous terrain, as well as probably the most scenic solo cross country route in the country, to the island of Orkney
Socially it has a “flying club” feel, and there are a number of organised events. Highland Aviation also has their own maintenance facility which is well maintained and trusted by many local private owners to maintain their aircraft.
Constructive criticism is requested, and we’re encouraged to provide some negative aspects. To be honest, as a student, I struggle to find negatives - there were issues with communication and booking historically, but that’s been solved with a new online booking system that allows students to book the instructor and aircraft, as well as review their training notes.
Like most flying schools, the aircraft are older, and it would be nice to have more modern avionics or the ability to train students for EFIS systems etc but they are all in great condition.
As a private pilot, aircraft availability for private hire can occasionally be limited and there is no out of hours availability - which I believe is the airports fault, not theirs, but this is more restrictive than many others.
Pricing is reasonable. They’re not the cheapest but the costs of operation are higher than those based at true general aviation airfields, also you should consider the hourly rates are all you pay (there are no landing fees, which saves a lot during circuit training)
If you’re coming from afar, Inverness is a vibrant but small city with affordable accommodation and easy access to the airport.
Overall I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the team at Highland Aviation, it’s owned by some enthusiastic aviators and there’s a team of committed instructors who will fly with you in one of the most scenic parts of the country and teach skills such as mountain flying, or landing on the beach!, which you won’t find many other places.
Course(s) taken:
General
Aircraft
Theoretical Training
Practical Training
