fhfly

Hello,

I have been researching about flight schools because I am interested in becoming an airline pilot. I have looked at some local flight schools in this area and almost decided to go to the ATP Long Beach one.
But I want to try to get PPL first at somewhere else to save money and also to find out if I really like to become a commercial pilot.

1)
So, can you please SUGGEST any school/club in SoCal where I can get the PPL training? It would be great if,

- it takes 2~3 months (5 months at the most) to get the certificate
- since ATP requires 80TT to start with PPL, I wish the TOTAL price (training for PPL & renting fee after getting PPL to fill up the time) is LESS than $13,000.
*$13,000 is the difference between starting ATP with and without PPL

2)
Also, is there any other option beside going to flight school for PPL?
For example, working with a CFI privately, joining a club, or anything else?

I don't know anyone who's related to this aviation field, so please give me any suggestion. I would really appreciate your help.

geosync

There are plenty of flying clubs that you can learn at, and set your own pace. You didn't specify where in Socal you are, and it is a big place. Just do some Google-fu to find the general aviation airports near you and the flying clubs at them. Then give them a call.

badflaps

Hang at FBO coffee shops and pester the troops, most likely you will gain info not generally available.

fhfly

Thanks. I am in Fullerton.

fhfly

Thanks. Does FBO stand for fixed-base operator?

badflaps

Yes, see you are already learning and picking up the lingo.

jonnyjetprop

http://www.rifc.us

Smoke Eagles Flying Club | Good friends, Good planes, all greaser landings...okay, maybe

https://www.flyafi.com

https://www.yelp.com/biz/fun-outside-aviation-fullerton

Think about Long Beach and El Monte as well.

fhfly

Thank you.
I checked the schools you listed and also other schools around this area.
What do you think about the following schools?
OR Do you know what any of these schools like?

Every price is for PPL.


1) AFA (long beach)
Cost « Accelerated Flight Academy

PPL TOTAL $10,300 (Cessna 152) $11,850 (Cessna 172)

(I think AFA shares aircrafts with the Long Beach Flying Club.
About Us)



2) Pacific Air Flight School (Long Beach)

$12,894 with Cessna 172P - 60hr flying; 65hr instruction; including check ride
(not sure if they have 152)



3)AFI Fullerton https://www.flyafi.com/private
PPL $13195 (152) $15730 (172) -- 65hrs flight time



4) FUNOUTSIDE (Fullerton) FunOutside Aviation - Start Flying Now
: not sure about the total cost

FAA Certified Simulator $35 / Hour
Cessna 172 $130 / Hour
Piper Arrow $170 / Hour

Flight Instructor Rates
Private / Commercial Instruction $50 / Hour

fhfly

I noticed that most of these schools have Cessna 152s made in 70s. (mostly 1977~1979).
Is this a common thing that flight schools have this much old aircrafts?

Also, can you give me any tip to figure out whether the school has well-maintained aircrafts, safety policies, and good instructors?

kingsnake2

Yes, that is very common and they are perfectly safe if maintained. As part of their part 141 certification/inspections the FAA should be checking maintenance records for their aircraft. You could ask to see records showing that they've done 50 hour, 100 hour, and annual inspections.