Testimonials

Dorothy was my CPL instructor a few years ago, so deciding where to do my instructor rating was a relatively easy choice. I already knew the standard of training I would receive and that it would certainly be good value for money. The other great aspect taken into consideration was the brand; pooleys flying instructor school is ell recognised at National and International level. To give you an example I was offered my first job after only 1 week into the course with several other offers following shortly after completing the training!

I have no hesitation recommending Pooleys Flying Instructor School to anybody wanting the best.

Jonathan Candelon, FI (Restricted) May 2007, IRI October 2008

I was recommended to PFIS by another instructor and I can certainly see why. A variety of experiences were offered and a wealth of knowledge imparted over the duration of the course. Even if one of the instructors couldn't provide the answer, it could be found within the well stocked library. Every attempt was made to keep my expenditure to a minimum, such as sharing costs with other students whenever possible. Dorothy and Bob work you hard so you can test easy, and I found this to be true as I was well prepared for my skill test. But even with all of that going on, there's always time for a laugh and a biscuit.

Ryan Saunders, FI (Restricted) December 2009

Pooley’s Flying Instructors School provides a natural friendly atmosphere that comes together with a very high level of professionalism from their highly experienced instructors.

They provided fantastic aircraft and a training classroom with all the possible imaginable documents, books and teaching aids necessary for flying instruction.

Apart from their vast flying experience, the instructor’s different backgrounds covered other important aspects related to becoming a flying instructor.

I finished the course with a much deeper knowledge and understanding on Air Law thanks to Dorothy’s background and experience on this area.

Bob’s background on business gave me some very interesting hints in dealing with my potential students and making sure that they will want to come back for another lesson!

Together, Dorothy and Bob pushed and taught me to the highest standard I’ve ever experienced since I became a pilot. The very high standard achieved during the course made me feel extremely confident and relaxed when I went for my FI skill test.

Thank you Bob and Dorothy!

Emanuel Carreiro, FI (Restricted), December 2009

I attended Pooleys FI course through the summer and from the very beginning high standards were demanded and set. Dorothy has a well deserved reputation within the flying community and the school reflects that.  Lectures were well prepared, relevant and interesting.  The content of the flying instruction clearly pointed out the important areas for teaching ab initio PPL.  

I have many years experience in aviation both within and outside the training environment initially flying fast jets in the RAF and latterly as an airline captain with British Airways. Suffice to say that this course was one of the best.  

My instructor was excellent and a very good pilot himself. He was knowledgeable, helpful and a pleasure to fly with while being very strict on the standards he expected. The course has given me the confidence to fly and teach wherever I am in the world.

Ken Carvosso, FI (Restricted), July 2009

I thoroughly enjoyed my FIC. We had a fun working environment and it taught me a lot about the real intricate details of flying and teaching skills. The course is taught to a high standard so you felt prepared for when you came to test, and I wouldn't have got the result I wanted otherwise.  It is hard work but if you put the work in, the more you will benefit from it. 

On a personal level it's hugely improved my self confidence and I've gained skills enabling me to manage situations which will benefit me further in my career. 

Dorothy has been a mentor for me and I couldn't recommend the course more highly on a professional and personal level.  

Lotti Skeen (or should I say 'Guine' - my student name!), FI (Restricted), May 2008

My name is Simon Canacott and I am an unrestricted Flying Instructor.  I have worked for FTO’s and RF’s at Biggin Hill, Shoreham and Redhill. 

I completed the FI(R)A course at Pooleys Flying Instructor School in December 2008 having only been accepted onto the course in November 2008.  This also included additional training in order to remove the night restriction.   Completing the course in just one month was due greatly to Dorothy’s encouragement, enthusiasm, professionalism and hard work (not to mention some hard work on my part!). 

The school’s environment was well equipped and extremely conducive to learning.   The course was flexible and tailored around me and the other students.  At all times students were encouraged to work to their strengths.  I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to become a flying instructor. 

Feel free to contact me to discuss any nature of the course from a previous student’s point of view.  My full contact details can be found on my website: www.simoncanacott.co.uk.

Simon Canacott, FI (Restricted), December 2009

After leaving the RAF as an established A2 Qualified Flying Instructor, I came to Pooley's to enhance my JAR licence.

Not only did the School offer relaxed and professional instructor coaching, but also provided invaluable advice on the complexities of LASORS.

I would recommend Pooley's Flying Instructor School to anyone looking to develop or enhance their aviation teaching qualifications.

Keith Buxton, Multi-engine class rating, October 2009

After working in ATC Ops for over 11 years and I was looking to change career direction and to go back to flight instruction as a full time instructor. At the time of making this decision I possessed an FAA CFII rating (certified flying instructor with instruments) and was looking for a suitable training school to convert the FAA instructor rating to an instructor rating on my JAR Commercial licence.

As luck would have it, I was lucky enough to be pointed in the direction of Dorothy Pooley at Pooleys Flying Instructor School where I quickly acquired a Flight Instructors rating and subsequently followed up on this course with additional training to remove the restriction of applied instruments and add Multi-engine Piston (MEP) to my instructor licence.

The training I received was to a very high standard and is recognised as such within UK and European flight schools so have no hesitation recommending Dorothy Pooley and her PFI school to anyone wish to acquire or convert a flying instructors rating.

Richard Hemsley, FI (Restricted), Multi-engine, IRI