If you choose DCA, the academy will require you do atleast 3 ratings with them. (This means CFI/CFII/MEI) I have a friend that came here with his CFI and he redid the entire CFI program and II. He got hired as an instructor, did his time. Got his MEI, did some more time and now he flys for Comair. (No he didn't get furloughed) His method was probably cheaper in the end having done the majority of his ratings at a mom and pop outfit. Training at DCA is good no questions. The aircraft, well, we are supposed to be getting new ones soon. Rumor is Cirrus, just don't know when.