I've done both SAAB and EMB training at Eagle. The SAAB wasn't too hard but I had the best SAAB instructor, ever. He is now retired though but had been teaching on the thing since just after it hit the market. Needless to say, he knew his sh!t. The only hard part of the SAAB is the systems. The d@mn swedes like to make things hard by building an electronic airplane that doesn't have any computers. Spend some extra time studying systems (especially electrical) and you will have no problem. As far as flying it the thing handles just like a big PA-44 or BE-56 so it is no problem.

The EMB, systems wise, is extremely simple. They did a good job laying that one out as all the systems schematics are right there on the panel. Coming from a GA background you may have a little more trouble flying it but remember to get slowed down early and configured early and you wont have as much of a problem.

When I was a new hire only one person failed out. Well, he was right up to the point of failing out but still had the option to try again. He chose to leave. He was on the EMB. Everyone I have run into at the training center has been very helpful. I do know of one new SAAB ground instructor who has a maintenance background that the students didn't like. I think his main problem is he comes at things like a mechanic instead of a pilot. Overall, AE is not too difficult to get through.