Completing CFI
 

Good afternoon, everyone!

Long story short, I've been working on my CFI-A, on and off, for about four years, and would like to find a school where I can get it done in an accelerated time frame (1-2 weeks at most). I haven't flown much over the last couple years -- just eight hours last year -- so I imagine that I'll probably need at least 20 hours in the airplane. However, I have consistently been going through and practicing teaching the required materials, so I am confident in my knowledge and teaching ability. Additionally, I've got my AGI, spin endorsement, and FIA written completed, as well as quite a bit of right-seat time in the 172S/172RG/Arrow II.

I tried American Flyers in NJ, but after spending $2,500 to fly with a brand-new CFI, and having their RG go down for maintenance pretty much every week, I decided to cut my losses. With that said, while I would prefer to do this somewhere in the Northeast -- NY/NJ, PA, CT, etc. -- I would go to FL, AZ, TX, or CA in the interest of getting it done quickly. I've done quite a bit of research about schools in those places, but after my experience with AF, I'm very weary of spending even more money and not getting it done.

Therefore, I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations and/or experience with schools that might be able to accommodate this type of training?

Thanks in advance!

Sorry to hear that about flyers. I have 3 friends that completed their training there. Find a school with an arrow. I have also had nightmares waiting for the RG to be fixed.

Yeah, I had a friend who got their CFI-A done quickly at American Flyers' location in FL, so it probably depends on which one you go to. Considering that their NJ location had only one RG when I was there, getting it done in any reasonable amount of time and money seems unlikely.

Most recently, I've been flying the RG at a school in VA because I have family close by, but both of their RGs are currently down with maintenance issues (shocking). While I agree that a school with an Arrow would be ideal, the issue that I have is that there aren't any even remotely close (within 100 miles) to where I spend the bulk of my time (Upstate NY). It's all flying clubs with Mooneys up here. I would have no problem driving to the NYC area if I could get it done quickly, but it seems like most of the schools in that area, other than AF and ATP, are local ones that aren't really prepared to work with someone full time.

Have you thought about just doing it with ATP? Granted it would be the MEI but then you could use any plane after to add single engine privileges to it? Then its just an add on.

I don't believe they do the instructor school iif you didn't go through the whole program.... plus, I gave 80k to them. I do not wanna see anyone else spend a dime on them. money better spent elsewhere:rolleyes:

Local flight school or American flyers. There are also some schools (falcon academy) which will pay for your CFI,CFII, MEI with a commitment.

PAS
 

www.praireairservice.com

Look into praire air service in Benton, KS. I am in the NY area, but went out there to get my commercial and cfi. It was a long time ago, but they have an arrow and you can finish it up in 2 weeks, especially if you get the writtens out of the way beforehand. i remember there being more ground, lesson plssns etc, than actual flying when it came to the cfi training. Good luck

Any idea what the prices are these days? The prices on the website seem to be from the early 2000s

Not sure about prices
 

Sorry, not sure what their prices are now. I went there back in 2000. I don't remember if they offered packages or not. It was pay as you go. I'm sure it's the same now.

Herb and Cathy run the school. They're good people. Give them a call and ask about pricing. I'm sure it'll be a lot less than what you're paying up here in the NY area.

They had rooms there in their house, that you could rent from them. Food waa included. They had a courtesy car for students to use to go into Wichita city. Also, I'm sure they have a full time cfi that can work with you everyday, because mine did (Ken), even on weekends. Not sure if he's still around.

Thanks so much for the suggestion! I'll definitely give them a call and see what they charge these days. I agree that it will almost certainly be less than what I would be paying in the Northeast.

Blue Line Aviation Raleigh, Smithfield

I recently reinstated my CFI license at Blue Line after having only flown 5 hours the last 10 years. We did 1 day of groundwork, 4 days of flying (1.5-2 hrs / flight), check ride on day 5 and passed. They also have an initial CFI program and I’m sure it’s as efficient as my experience. I was from out of state and stayed at an Extended Stay 5 mins. away from the flight school and cost was about $60/nt.. No nonsense accelerated flight training and I highly recommend. Let me know if you have any questions and all the best!