Originally Posted by FlyerNY11225
...I'm still going to attend the tour with a little bit more intell on there operation but would like to know if anyone can suggest other places where you can recommend or suggest I have a look ...
Go look at DCA. While you are there (on DCA's dime - they will fly you down) go to DeLand (just up the road) and look at RAA (Regional Airline Academy). It will give you a good comparision between the two. Others you can compare include FlightSafety, Sierra (in CA), Pan Am, even American Flyers.
A couple of thoughts (this has all been much hashed - others out here will have different opinions):
1. Do NOT give any academy/flight school a lump sum up front. Keep the money in your pocket and dole it out to the school of your choice $1000 - $1500 at a time. I believe Key Bank, who does a lot of student aviation funding has stopped giving schools the entire check up front. Several academies in the past couple of years have closed with no notice and kept all the students money. In some cases they were taking checks from students up to the day before they shut the doors. It's your money, keep control of it.
2. Regional airlines don't care one bit about jet transistion programs. Complete your CFI/CFII/MEI, teach for a year, get to 1000/100, apply to the regional of your choice, keep applying, be patient. One exception - RAA is offering a type rating (not jet transistion) in the CRJ at CAE in Denver (no, you can't do it through CAE alone). The instructors teaching it, and the Chief Pilot at CAE, are line captains at Air Wisconsin. Air Wisconsin loves it because they get to evaluate new pilots for four weeks, hire them if they like 'em, and put them through reduced training (costs AirWisky less). Guys are getting in with less than 700 hours. The hire rate is pretty good. However, it'll only save you a few months, cost you an additional $15,000 plus, no guaranteed job (never are), and someone will interview you at 1000/100 anyway.
3. The academies can be helpful in this area: As long as you do well in training, you will be at the head of the line to be hired as a CFI. And that usually means students to teach quickly and a lot of them. You'll probably teach more than you will hanging out your shingle at an FBO. However, they will pay you less. So the net income will be about the same. You can and will make friends (your former CFI's) who can be recommendations when it's your turn (very important). You can do that at your local FBO too, it's just there will be less of them.
4. One way to cut the cost - get your CFI at your local FBO. Then go to one of the academies to complete your CFII/MEI. They will still want you...and your money. Then get hired on. BTW - do both the CFII/MEI part 61 together. You need 15 hours PIC in a twin for the MEI anyway - might as well do your CFII training while you are boring holes in the sky. It'll be like getting the CFII for only an additional $500 or so.
5. If you like your local FBO and they seem to have students, stick with them. It'll cost you less and you'll still be just as hirable at 1000/100.
6. You're right - the people you first talk with will be commissioned sales people, not pilots. Make sure you talk with some actual students and instuctors at each academy. If the academy won't let you, smile, shake their hand, and run.
7. Lastly, student enrollements are down across the industry. Ask your "counselor" for a discount. Tell them you're comparing several schools (watch them squirm!). You might be surprised...
I know it seems like a long way from where you are now to that magical 1000/100. There really aren't a whole lot of shortcuts. The few shortcuts there are will only save you a few months time and cost you a bunch more. Get the CFI work done, teach, build time, apply. We've all been there. Be persistent. The time will build. You'll get there.
