I'm going though an FBO, the planes are never available and the MAJOR problem at FBOs is that they bow down to money not the student. If some rich guy want's to rent 3 planes, guess what you as a student, are screwed. This happens all the time. Plus you get to know the mechanic really well at an FBO. At an academy you know you are flying safe planes that are available ONLY to students. Also the BIG thing about the academy is that it's structured. At an FBO it could take you half a year to get you ppl, your at the mercy of the schedule of the school and the instructor. On average you only pay an extra 10k going through an academy, in my opinion it's worth spending. I'm getting out this FBO as soon as I can. Oh, I forgot to mention that if you do go through an FBO make sure you get the youngest CFI that doesn't have many or no students at all. Don't go through an experienced instructor because they won't teach you anything special and they are less available.