I used to instruct at the AF SMO location. AF is an overpriced joke of an organization. The only thing they offer that is resonable is the CFI program(like rick already stated). IIRC, solo in a 172 works out to about $180-190 an hour. Their maint. is ok. But it's not a very good place to learn. The whole "team teaching" approach rubs me the wrong way. You never know what your walking into as an instructor/student when you show up. And they pay abslute crap. But, with everything I just said, if you get the right location (cost of living) it could be a good eal for you. Just don't get "sold" by some salesman on the phone.