Finding a Flight School

One of the most important decisions you will make at the beginning of your training is finding a suitable flight school for your situation.  Those of us that were born in the United States are at an advantage with the US being a mecca for flight training.  It is easier to select a school that fits your needs as a national.  Those coming from other countries will have more hurdles to jump through and must select a school that can issue a visa (if they are not green card holders). 

Some questions to consider (either ask the school or do research): 

How is the maintence on the planes?  (I consider this question VITAL.  If a school has a history of engine failures there may be a reason.  Do you want to be in the plane when it happens?  It doesn't always end so well. Check NTSB reports for the airport they are based at, see if the planes are theirs or connected to them.)

How often are the planes down for maintence?  (Some schools take weeks to put planes back into service; some have very little down time.  If you want a particular plane, you don't want it down for weeks at a time.)

Are they quoting based on the minimum number of hours (40 for private)?  (You will likely go over and the cost will be more than the quote in that case.  In order to compare schools, you need to know how many hours they are using.)

Can I set my own schedule or does the school schedule me?  (Some schools send you a schedule and will charge you for the full flight if you cannot go.  Some let you schedule as you want with no fees if you cancel.)

Will the school let me choose an instructor that fits my personality?  (You don't want to end up with an instructor you can't stand or that yells at you.  Make sure you can switch if you have a personality conflict.)

Does the school require me to purchase my own insurance?  (Some schools require you to have your own insurance.  Be sure to calculate the cost into the price of the training to compare schools.  And also, why are they requiring it?  Check the NTSB reports, there may be a reason they don't have insurance themselves.)

Now on to the type of schools:

I'll begin with the selection as a US national.  There may be many or very few choices based on your location.  (I happen to live in one of the largest training areas- Florida, so I have plenty of options.)  One thing to consider is how far you consider going in your training.  If you just want to fly around as a private pilot for fun, a local FBO is probably going to be your best choice.  If you want to become a career pilot, you may consider other options. 

Local FBOs are great places to earn your ratings.  They are generally less expensive than the larger school and often care more about each individual student.  The programs are generally less structured and more flexible with your schedule.  (There are two ways to do flight training pt. 61 and 141, FBOs are generally 61.)  Even if you plan to go on with your training, it may be a good idea to start with a smaller school for your private license.  One disadvantage to FBOs is they normally do not offer financing options, so you will have to have $3,000-$10,000 (or more) to earn your PPL. 

Another option to consider is a large academy or university.  There are several that offer "accelerated" programs.  (They promise for you to finish in 2 weeks, 3 months, 5 months, etc..  Most FBOs will do the same if you put the time in.)  They are generally VERY structured, require you to fly on a schedule with little or no say when you fly, and are more expensive (sometimes tens of thousands more).  They normally offer 141 programs (which really aren't beneficially for PPL).  They generally require HUGE amounts of ground training.  (One school I looked at required 12 weeks of 3 times a week 3 hours (plus ground with instructor) at $30/hr.).  The one advantage that an academy may offer is financing (but it will come at a HUGE cost). 

For most people, I would go with the FBO route.  It will be less expensive in the long run and you will end up with the same ratings in the end.  You will have more money left over to spend on more time if you want.  I LOVE my small school and drive 2 hours to get there.  :)  If you are in the Central Florida area, they are on the East coast.  If you contact them, tell them Amanda sent you.  I hang out with them all the time.  (http://www.flyfte.com) All the instructors are great. 

 

For international students, you have to consider who can issue a visa.  Most schools that offer visas do NOT treat their students well.  There have been several school in the past few years that have closed after accepting deposits of tens of thousands of dollars (no money was returned).  Some schools have also taken large amounts of money, required more in the account, threatened to pull the visa if more wasn't deposited and then returned NONE of the money.  It would be wise to do research on any school you are considering.  Join aviation forums and ASK who has had experience with a particular school you are considering.  I can guarantee EVERY school has some students they treat well, just to use as referrals for new students coming in.  (If you are in Florida, I know students from quite a few schools, feel free to message me.)  Remember to factor in housing costs and add both time and money to the quote you are given (for most schools).  And remember YOU must do your part.  When the instructors tell you to study or do a plan, you must do it or you will get behind.