PPL flight training in Central Florida
#12
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Joined APC: Jun 2017
Posts: 30
Update
As an update, I have chosen my flight school. After making my short list of schools, (Aerosim and Cloud Dancer Academy), I toured both facilities.
Yesterday, I toured CDA, where Dave, the owner, showed me around and answered my (many) questions. Dave seems like a great guy, and seems to actually care about your education to becoming a pilot. There were two downsides I saw to this facility, however. 1: not many aircraft, and 2: asks for a down payment ($500) if not buying block hours. CDA has a total of 12 aircraft, of which two are down for maintenance right now, which is done on site. The down payment, however, I find to be the greater issue. Not only was I warned, for good reason, to not give any school a down payment, to always PAYG, but when I initially called the school and spoke with Dave inquiring about his program, he told me there was no down payment required. I find this bad business practice. This made me wonder, what else would the school possibly lie about in the future?
Today, I toured Aerosim. I was very impressed with their facilities. They have 75 aircraft and currently 95 CFIs. Also, they have four multi-engine sim rooms for Piper aircraft, as well as an Airbus A320 sim room, (mainly used for pilots hired by companies that need training on that aircraft). I believe they also have other sim rooms, but I cannot remember what type of aircraft they are for. I toured with Robert, one of many admission counselors, who is very knowledgeable and happily answered my (many) questions. After my tour, I decided to stick around and spoke to a few students. All I spoke to, (ranging from 1 week at the school through earning multi-engine commercial), seemed very happy with their choice and experiences.
When it came down to it, I chose Aerosim (part 61). It will cost the same to train, (both quoted at or just below $10,000, and had the same extras not included). I made my choice based off of availability, reliability, and honesty.
Thank you to everyone who commented. I hope this little insight into the schools can provide help for someone else as well.
Yesterday, I toured CDA, where Dave, the owner, showed me around and answered my (many) questions. Dave seems like a great guy, and seems to actually care about your education to becoming a pilot. There were two downsides I saw to this facility, however. 1: not many aircraft, and 2: asks for a down payment ($500) if not buying block hours. CDA has a total of 12 aircraft, of which two are down for maintenance right now, which is done on site. The down payment, however, I find to be the greater issue. Not only was I warned, for good reason, to not give any school a down payment, to always PAYG, but when I initially called the school and spoke with Dave inquiring about his program, he told me there was no down payment required. I find this bad business practice. This made me wonder, what else would the school possibly lie about in the future?
Today, I toured Aerosim. I was very impressed with their facilities. They have 75 aircraft and currently 95 CFIs. Also, they have four multi-engine sim rooms for Piper aircraft, as well as an Airbus A320 sim room, (mainly used for pilots hired by companies that need training on that aircraft). I believe they also have other sim rooms, but I cannot remember what type of aircraft they are for. I toured with Robert, one of many admission counselors, who is very knowledgeable and happily answered my (many) questions. After my tour, I decided to stick around and spoke to a few students. All I spoke to, (ranging from 1 week at the school through earning multi-engine commercial), seemed very happy with their choice and experiences.
When it came down to it, I chose Aerosim (part 61). It will cost the same to train, (both quoted at or just below $10,000, and had the same extras not included). I made my choice based off of availability, reliability, and honesty.
Thank you to everyone who commented. I hope this little insight into the schools can provide help for someone else as well.
#17
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Joined APC: Jul 2015
Posts: 33
Last edited by Romeo Hotel; 06-22-2017 at 09:52 PM.
#18
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2015
Posts: 235
Just some heads up
I saw your post about regional career path and flight school to the airlines.
Don't let that trick you, for a regional it doesn't matter where you went to school.
My advice: Place with better schedule, available planes and CFI's and a place you would like to stay and become a CFI.
Aerosim schedules the flights for you, what might be an issue.
I always had good experiences with air america, they price is pretty good, I would check there.
I saw your post about regional career path and flight school to the airlines.
Don't let that trick you, for a regional it doesn't matter where you went to school.
My advice: Place with better schedule, available planes and CFI's and a place you would like to stay and become a CFI.
Aerosim schedules the flights for you, what might be an issue.
I always had good experiences with air america, they price is pretty good, I would check there.
#19
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2017
Posts: 30
Just some heads up
I saw your post about regional career path and flight school to the airlines.
Don't let that trick you, for a regional it doesn't matter where you went to school.
My advice: Place with better schedule, available planes and CFI's and a place you would like to stay and become a CFI.
Aerosim schedules the flights for you, what might be an issue.
I always had good experiences with air america, they price is pretty good, I would check there.
I saw your post about regional career path and flight school to the airlines.
Don't let that trick you, for a regional it doesn't matter where you went to school.
My advice: Place with better schedule, available planes and CFI's and a place you would like to stay and become a CFI.
Aerosim schedules the flights for you, what might be an issue.
I always had good experiences with air america, they price is pretty good, I would check there.
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