Anyone here have any opinions/experience with phoenix east aviation? It's really the only program I've looked at for no reason other than that their FAQ page was one of the first links that popped up on google with answers to my initial questions.

But beyond opinions on PEA, just curious on what I should be looking for in programs in general and what are some red flags to watch out for?

Don't mean to keep annoying...but flight school or not, I plan on moving, preferably out west. At this point, California or Colorado. Any program suggestions for me to look into out there?

Matt - the internet is full of articles on the retirement bubble and lack of a large pool of replacement pilots. Right now the industry has never had the large percentage of retirements coming in the next decade. The impact at the bottom end is almost anyone with 1500 hrs is getting a regional airline job. That's the typical stepping stone to the major airlines for someone starting out today. So the faster you get your licenses and ratings the faster you'll get you first job which is usually a flight instructor job. And the more you fly there the sooner you get to 1500 hrs and a regional job. Currently AA has agreements with three of it's wholly owned (WO) regional airlines that guarantees a progression to AA. It's probably a 10 yr (+/-) journey if you get moving. You'll have about a 30 yr career at a major airline which is pretty typical.

First get a first class medical to see if you meet the standards. Then take a couple of intro to flight rides to see if you enjoy it.

Can you get your lessons at an airport where you have free housing(family?)? It's one way to keep your costs down. After that fly your brains out. The pilot puppy mills will get you to your Comm/Inst/CFI/MEL in about a year.

I'd seriously consider the AF reserves or Guard. Did you say that you played college baseball? If so that's good, the AF loves atheletes and it can be a good predictor of flying performance. Also a great conversation starter in an interview.

Just do me a favor if you move to Colorado, don't come here and vote in NY style politicians that will raise our taxes and regulations and cause you to want to move again:cool: