[Baldrick]

Reading ILAFT in January’s Pilot mag, (I do subscribe to both Flyer and Pilot). It was about not paying up front to flying schools. As in these troubled times the possibility of them getting into financial difficulties before you finish a course is a possibility and if they do you won’t get your money back.
I noticed when looking at the major distance learning establishments, they all require full payment up front for courses costing several thousands of pounds, I would definitely feel more comfortable with a school that offered pay as you go courses.

[Rob P]

As long as you pay up front by credit card you will be recompensed under Section 75 if it all goes to worms.

Rob P

[tr7v8]

I am with Rob, I pay as I go but in £500 chunks. The initial package was 5 hours , All on credit card.

[Morten]

[...] major distance learning establishments [...] costing several thousands of pounds

Have I missed out on something? Which aviation courses costing thousands of pounds are done via distance learning? I'd say that any ground school costing that amount of cash is probably not worth it to begin with, nevermind their payment terms?

[GrahamB]

[...] major distance learning establishments [...] costing several thousands of pounds

Have I missed out on something? Which aviation courses costing thousands of pounds are done via distance learning? I'd say that any ground school costing that amount of cash is probably not worth it to begin with, nevermind their payment terms?

ATPL/CPL/IR courses presumably.

[Morten]

I guessed that, but even so, thousands of pounds for distance learning? As I understand it, there is no requirement to actually take a course and you could just home study?
Good for them if they can get it!

[Baldrick]

Bristol Ground School ATPL package is £2400 plus revision weeks.
I must admit I did home self study for all but comms for the PPL. But the ATPL/ CPL and CBIR do require CAA approved classroom or video link training time.

[Morten]

I didn't know that. How many hours are required 'taught'?
One year part time on an OU degree course is around £3,000, so I guess this is similar...

[Baldrick]

Apparently 650 classroom hours for the ATPL.