Thanks to all contributors so far - the collective observations have been great. FYI to all, I casually visited 2 schools a few weeks ago just to poke around and ask a few questions. The 1st impressions were very different. School A The first relatively small school operates out of a somewhat cluttered and dingy portacom but has a reputation for thorough training and rigorous flight tests by the CFI. I asked why I should choose their school and the immediate answer was that they had the best maintained aircraft on the field, and they have used the same LAME for 11 years. Their hourly costs were around $30/hr lower on a comparative basis to the other school I visited. The co-owners are both well into their seventies with a gazilion flying hours, but must be considering retirement soon. One mentioned they have recently lost some instructors and are currently a bit short. He also mentioned they will be progressively moving the school and their entire operation to country NSW over the next 4 years - this sounds a bit like a retirement plan. They predominantly train in low wing A/C (Warriors), with the key reason given being better visibility in a congested airfield. We didn't get down to specifics about a lesson or training plan as it was starting to get late on a sunday arvo. School B The other school is quite new and specifically targets 'weekend warriors' rather than potential ATPL's. The school building is kitted out a bit like a cafe directly attached to the hangar with a shiny floor. The two uniformed and very young instructors I met were ready with a bundle of brochures on anything and everything and were happy to answer questions. Apparently the school is trying to create a club type atmosphere for PPL's and students with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Their prices were high. So on these first impressions (only), which school would you go for ?? I have no intention of identifying the field or the schools. Hoody

There are no shortcuts. I wish there was, but it's just time and practice. Every lesson for me is new because there is always, always something new to remember. I do find though that the textbooks are only guides. The real learning is always out there in the cockpit. For instance, my radio calls are still somewhat tentative and it's because the texts say one thing, but my FI says another. I guess I'm learning by osmosis.

I started off with David Robson's BAK, but have since bought Bob Taits and found it much easier to read. There are also some really good revision q's and sample tests that give you a good indication of the exam questions.