"Disappointing Communication and Feeling of Dismissal"

I initially approached Brighton Aviation with excitement for hour building, but unfortunately, my experience left me disappointed. After scheduling a check ride and arranging childcare, I received a last-minute cancellation. While unexpected situations can happen, the communication was poor, and I was told to find another place to fly because the priority was on existing students.

As a licensed pilot looking to build hours, I felt that I should have been given clearer information, and the way the situation was handled made me feel dismissed as a potential customer. I also don’t fully understand why another instructor couldn’t have been assigned for the check ride, rather than cancelling altogether. This added to my frustration, as I felt there were other ways to resolve the situation.

I hope Brighton Aviation can improve their communication with prospective students and provide more flexible solutions in the future, as clear communication and respect for customers’ time are essential in this kind of business.


To make matters worse, after arranging a check ride and booking additional childcare, I was told at the last minute that their instructor was off sick and that it would be better if I found somewhere else to fly, as they wanted to focus on their current students. This came across as a convenient excuse, rather than a genuine reason, leaving me feeling dismissed as a potential student. I was left out of pocket after paying for the childminder, with no option to reschedule or discuss further opportunities.

I think Brighton Aviation needs to improve how they communicate with potential new customers. While I understand prioritising current students, those who are genuinely interested in becoming part of the club should be given fair consideration. My experience made me feel as though I wasn’t taken seriously as a pilot.

I hope others have a more positive experience, but I’m personally disappointed with how this was handled.

"Thank you"

Thank you. Having had a gifted flight with you many years ago my friend and now boss was taken up for a helicopter flight but a customer of his and he showed great interest in it. It sprung to mind how much I enjoyed my flight with you in a Cessna I believe so took the opportunity to gift voucher him a flight as a birthday gift from me. Hope to see you soon. Flight is pending and not yet achieved.

"Always excellent!"

Always excellent! My son Oscar loves his lessons with Brighton aviation. Always very simple to book in lessons and Dawn is always very welcoming. We can’t wait for January when my son turns 14 and can make his lessons count. Highly recommend.

"Really nice instructor"

Really nice instructor Mark. A really experienced pilot to teach me for my first flight. This experience has benefited me a lot for my future pilot studies.

"Easy booking and voucher purchase."

Easy booking and voucher purchase.

"great service"

great service, professional trainer, and very amicable atmosphere.

"Very helpful customer service"

Very helpful customer service, purchased and experience as a gift and received a lovely book and voucher to give the recipient

"Very welcoming"

Very welcoming, attention to detail, and made this experience incredible fir both my young sons!