Originally Posted by
ILS37R
Finish your degree!
Also: Finish your degree!
And, finally: Finish your degree!
Other than DCA, in the area there are two flight schools at Orlando Executive, Flight Training Professionals and Air Orlando. In Sanford, in addition to DCA, are Falcon and Avion. Depending on where you live in Orlando metro, flight schools at Kissimmee Gateway, Leesburg or Space Coast Regional (Titusville) may work for you, as well.
I don't recall UCF having an active flying club, but it's worth looking into.
But, seriously, finish your degree. You'll need it later if you want to work for the majors or big freight and it will help you at every other interview. If you can fly twice a month (or, better yet, weekly) during the school year and more frequently over vacation, you can still get your ratings quite quickly.
As for recommendations, I'm all for Air Orlando, but I'm biased
. Falcon and Avion are decent, and you'll meet a fair number of people who got fed up with DCA there. FT Pros is a small, but fine operation, even if they are the competition. I've only heard good things about Triangle in Leesburg. I wouldn't recommend the Kissimmee operations, but your mileage may vary.
Wherever you go, stop by the operation first, talk to some instructors (and students, if possible), take a look at their planes and maintenance shop (if it's on-site) and get a feel for the place. Ask questions.
Yeah....all of that which was just said. Especially about getting your degree. That should be first and foremost in your mind right now.
May I also suggest Ari-Ben, although the other day it was referred to as Scary-Ben...LOL....
...that was funny!!! My reason for suggesting them is for not only the price, but for the amount of actual ME time that you get. I believe the average is right around 220-260 hrs of ME time. No simulators.
The price is pretty good too. Somewhere around 40K. That's going from PPL to MEI which includes your CFI rating as well. Housing is included which is not bad. It's no luxury apartment living. I would characterize it as above average.
Most of all, do your research. Look at all the different combinations and permutations of schools, training, and cost to get the best results for you. Also remember that you are going to have the "good" & the "bad" about any school or FBO that you choose. Take into the account the suggestions that are offered here, however, in the very end the final decision will be yours and yours alone.
All the best. Blue skies.
atp