Actual training cost

[Ivan42]

I was talking to a low-time pilot yesterday, and he asked
me if he should fly with somewhat distant instructor "X"
on aircraft "Y". My answer was Hell yes! A low-time pilot
needs to fly with as many different instructors on as many
different aircraft types as he possibly can. Each different
instructor will have something to teach - we all have our
pet peeves, or frankly fetishes - and flying different aircraft
types is simply wonderful for low-time pilots. Different
systems. Different cockpit layouts. Different visuals.
Different stick forces. All of the above force you to fly
differently and break out of the rote-repitition
procedure rut that you might not even know you are
stuck in!

This is interesting as its opposite to what I was told just last week.The training school I visited suggested that while I could alternate between aircraft, in order to learn efficiently, it would be better for me to select one craft, one instructor and stick with them through the duration of the course.

[Colonel Sanders]

That will save you money and help you go solo in minimum
hours, which is nice.

My advice was actually to a low-time PPL - what to do AFTER
you get your licence!

I should mention that my definition of a "low-time" pilot is
anybody with less than 200TT. He's still on a very steep
learning curve.

[CpnCrunch]

In my 13 years of flying I've been through about 9 instructors (not because I'm a particularly crappy pilot though - I've just done various types of training after my PPL in different countries). It's definitely useful training with different instructors, as they will all stress different aspects of flying and you'll learn more. Actually, I think it might be best to use different instructors at completely different FTUs, because all the instructors at a particular flight school are likely to be taught the same way. However it's probably not a good idea changing flight schools in the middle of your PPL either

[kvs1978]

WOW! Thanks for all the replies guys! My greatest concern was that there are some hidden costs to the advertised course prices, but if it's possible to finish at about advertised price that's great. And yeah, having good learning habits is an important part of equation for sure. Thanks for the notebook advice, Col Sanders, will do that .

[FenderManDan]

.............. However it's probably not a good idea changing flight schools in the middle of your PPL either

For me personally it was the best move to change the FTU and instructors mid PPL. It took only additional 1.1 hours to refresh with the new instructor/plane and borught such a refreshing view in to the whole flying experience that at the end it shaved probably 7-10 hours. I'll be completing PPL with close to minimums.

It worked out well for me, YMMV.

[kvs1978]

I think go with Harv's air. They are around for a while and people tell generally good things about them. What do you think?