This Review Overall Rating
Generally, Really glad I want to Stapleford. The training was at a good standard and fit for purpose. Both my instructor's went above and beyond to help me and Helen was fantastic when getting close to flight tests to ensure prioritisation. I was working while flying and with my shift pattern flew on average 2/3 times a week. Some days were double lessons and heavily dependant on weather in the winter months. With pay as you go your money is at minimal risk and the general atmosphere is welcoming as expected from an airfield. The aircraft used are industry standard and prices are competitive. Above all the school has a good reputation and had no issues getting interviews at the airlines and more importantly gaining employment.
While Stapleford was a great option and I was successful to get 2 airlines jobs within 6 months. I do have some feedback. Given we're in 2024 (Nearly 2025) I would like to have seen more utilisation of IT within flight training. Lesson plans were generally vague and limited guidance at times. Many schools will have a portal or VLE to go over lesson plans, resources, documents etc. A CPL/MEIR was still the bets part of £30k and for that it would be nice to see something like this being implemented. The school is uses proven, but old techniques with admin which I think in this day and age (especially in aviation) is not fir for purpose.
This leads me on to standardisation. My biggest gripe is the lack of SOP's between instructors. I was taught one thing and then when getting ready for test was told I was doing something incorrectly for both CPL and IR check rides. I felt this created unnecessary stress before exams and if the school had invested in IT to create clear and concise lessons plans that could be followed and approved by the HOT. This could be mitigated entirely so there does seem to be a lack of communicating between instructors...
I recommend Stapleford and is a good school and overall happy with my experience. But I think they could work on a few little things that would make a huge difference as one of the main flight training schools near London.
Course(s) taken:
General
Aircraft
Simulators
Practical Training
