Originally Posted by dckozak

I'm looking at some of the options you are but for my son rather than myself. I'm on the tail end of this journey, looking to retire from an airline while my 21yo son is just getting started. I did the CIV route and instructed on the front end of my career, I'll share a couple points that others have and my thoughts as regarding my own (sons) situation.

The purchase airplane thing could be a great deal but unless your wiling to deal with all the risk and take on the responsibilities related to aircraft ownership, I would say the risk of making a bad blunder out weighs the reward of saving money. Bottom line: possible to win big or fail big, inside knowledge (regarding aircraft values and a particular airframes quality). Plus the major crap shoot. You can get it all right and still can't sell it for what's its worth (based on your pre purchase assumings of value) at the end of your training. Don't forget to include costs associated with the airport (tie down or hanger) and taxes on purchase and sell.

Flights schools: University, Zero to hero quickies, quality (Meaning more $$$) big schools. Mom and Pop (local FAR part 61 operators).
Which way to go?? Budget, time and proximity to your home all come into play. If you don't mind spending more and have it, I'd suggest one of the bigger FAR part 141 if you intend to fly professionally and your trying to move quickly from one profession to another. Avoid the low cost options with the quickie flights schools. The quality of training has to suffer as the operator is no doubt cutting corners (instructor pay and quality of the aircraft). If you can live with a slower pace to get your training or you need to pay for your schooling out of pocket, than the local FBO is realistically your only option. Look around at more than just the closest airport. Interview both management and an instructor or two. Ask how many hours a day they normally fly (anything over about 4 flight hours means they are running from one student to the next with little time for pre and post flight briefings). Ask a lot of questions and read a bunch of advice from others on this board. Remember, its your money, and it's a lot of money. Make sure everyone is working on your behalf to get you the best education you can. Your life and those you fly in the future deserve nothing less.