Originally Posted by morerightrudder

My observation from having gone to Sheble's is that you don't really go there to learn how to be a CFI. What you are paying for is the legally required minimum amount of ground and flight training, a spin endorsement, the sign off, and their "networking contacts" with the local FSDO to arrange the checkride for you within their approximately promised time frame. Basically, it's a finish-up course and you should already know your stuff and your maneuvers before you head over there.

I would allocate at least 10 days, ideally 2 weeks for the Sheble's CFI course (I did mine in 11). The CFIs are like any other place- some are there just to build time and a few are knowledgeable and actually care. I learned quite a bit from the latter- try and get as many flights as you can with those guys.

One more thing- don't expect nice facilities, planes, or any sort of organization. It's the most ghetto facility I've ever seen. The school is literally built from an old ranch house where the kitchen is also the central meeting area. You need to be proactive with their dispatchers to make sure you get what you need. They are nice people and willing to help, but you have to remind them. If you expect everything to be neatly organized and handed to you without asking, you will not be happy at Sheble's.