I was happy with my experience at DCA in SFB but I was smart enough to leave after my CFI. DCA has self examining authority for CFI candidates and that was why I was willing to pay the premium. The instruction was top notch and the aircraft may have been a little rough around the edges but they got the job done. I feel like it was an excellent foundation for the rest of my career. It felt ridiculous at the time to have to carry around a bunch of manuals and wear a uniform to fly Cessna's and Pipers but it was hardly a transition to see the manuals at my 121 carrier formatted EXACTLY the same way. I did my CFII and MEI part 61 and earned twice as much teaching at an FBO than i would have with DCA. The one huge thing you must remember is the guaranteed interview is complete BS. You dont need them they need you, the school loves to hang it over your head. As I see it the major benefit they offer is they will train you as an airline pilot from day one....