Facts are better than opinions ...
[quote=MobiusOne;311319]Well guys, thanks for all the advice. I know you guys get fired up about DCA and I've read all the horror stories on here about them. Personally, I think they are a good school. The education and training is top notch, the planes are in awesome shape and I've looked at the other options.
If I could have gotten it at a cheaper rate at an FBO then I would already be there. Trust me when I say this that there is a long line of people who have run from DCA in search of greener grass at the local FBO's and now they are not even flying anymore because they just ran into another set of problems. 141 school have their issues, but FBO's have there own issues and I would rather have 141 school issues.[/quote]
I am not here to argue or criticize, but I disagree with you. Most of these posts said you can get your ratings cheaper at an FBO and FBOs, with a few exceptions, have airworthy, albiet old, airplanes that are as safe as their pilots. You do not believe them, but you are asking for help so, unless you have a line on that 12-grand, check them out. Here is some local FBO info if you are open to advice that differs from your opinion.
I have not heard anything bad about American Flyers like I have about another 3-letter national flight school (not DCA) in the Houston area.
Local FBOs that have good reputations include: Flying Tigers at Hobby Airport (owner manager Robert McCorvey, 713-649-5400); MVP Academy at Hooks (owner manager John Van Passum); Woody Lesiker owner manager of West Houston Airport where Hank Henry is the Chief Instructor. All of these are nice folks, their schools are looking for instructors, and they pay way more than the $11/hr that DCA pays. I have a friend at XJT from MVP, but all of these FBOs have similar success stories. Pearland Regional Airport (LVJ) is home to the Bay Area Flying Club (oldest and most successful club in Hou) and they have airplanes that won't KILL YOU without help from the pilot (sorry, couldn't resist). They are all nice people, well qualified, with good airplanes. I am not familiar with the school at SWH, but you might go see them too.
Do you qualify for Hazelwood? I am guessing you checked and do not.
I agree DCA has a good program, but they are expensive and you can find lots of airline pilots who trained at FBOs. Are you taking courses at DCA in the professional pilot program at San Jacinto Community College? I know several guys flying 121 who did.
Check out all of the options and then make the best choice for you. Just base your choice on facts, not koolaide. If you then still think DCA is your best option, go with it. Maybe you can marry rich and the 12-grand won't matter. BTW you can marry more money in 15 minutes than you can earn in a lifetime and then you can buy your own regional.
Facts are better than opinions! Good Luck.