We are based at Gloucester (EGBJ) and focus on the likely test routes. Given time limitations and single engine piston aircraft speeds, the number of routes with a suitable short airways leg are limited. The test is very likely to involve Gloucester and either Cardiff or Oxford via BADIM which is 20 nm away. Time spent climbing to high levels to gain entry to controlled airspace is therefore minimised, approach fees are relatively modest and IFR traffic density is low so that ATC delays are unlikely. Gloucester has full ATC, night lighting, longish opening hours, an NDB-based hold, ILS to runway 26 and RNP and NDB/DME approaches to runway 26/08.
From a real world perspective, concentrating on local airfields when the rating allows you to fly anywhere worldwide is not ideal. Given the nature of the skill test, we compromise and as soon as you are confident on the test routes we include a route to other destinations, preferably those that accommodate training flights to fit in several procedures. These include Exeter, Newquay, or further afield including the Channel Islands and Europe according to preference. Note that such further afield flights, while valuable and enjoyable, do not have the same short term training value as an intensive local flight with multiple holds and/or approaches. However, airport availability is often very good for training, and costs eg approach, landing and parking fees are frequently significantly lower than in the UK.