AndreS

I've been doing some searching on here, mostly lurking, and have found some info on this but wanted to ask.... noob here. I'm checking out flight schools local to the seattle area. I know that ATP has a school outside of Tacoma... (yippeee! with sarcasm) seen it posted a bunch... probably not for me.
I'm interested in pursuing my PPL in the near future, possibly more. so I'm checking out the local FBOs.
the schools at Boeing field are the most expensive I found, I stopped in and wasn't all that impressed. I stopped in at Renton as well, and like what I see with both Pro-flight and Acuwings. there are also schools at Paine field, Kent, and Snohomish that I'm considering, but they're a bit more of a drive....

I plan on going on an intro flight with acuwings, possibly pro-flight.

is it worth the time to go check out the other schools?

secondly, is it worth it to take an intro flight with each one? what about others?

de727ups

Sounds like you hit them all expect for Auburn. Crest (Kent, actually Covington) will be the cheapest. Nice grass roots airstrip but a little hairy for a student pilot. I guess they teach people there all the time, so I wouldn't let that stop you. If it's not too bad of a drive, you should check them out. That's where I'd do it.

I don't think you'll find Auburn less expensive than RNT. RNT isn't a bad airport to fly out of. Nice wide runway. A tower but it's not real busy except on nice weekends. Don't wander down towards SEATAC and be sure to study up on the class B airspace boundries and altitudes.

If you have it narrowed down to two schools, definately take intro rides at both so you can have an honest comparison.

Have fun. Flying is the Seattle area is difficult because of the weather and terrain. It will cost you a bit more but you'll be a better pilot for it, in the end.

MEMpilot

I'll second the initial post that I'm looking for schools as well in Seattle to do my Commercial and CFI. Is there a demand for CFIs at any of the schools mentioned? Ideally, I'd like to find a place that would hire me after I finished.

I learned to fly at a nice intimate flight school in Mississippi, so I'm looking for something that will feel close to home.

DON*T HATE ERAU

Hey Andres, I'm glad you are doing your research as you should. As the previous person said you should go check out all the schools and see what they have to offer.... I for one like the renton airport. It is a nice controlled tower airport that's not too busy weekdays but weekends can be a little tricky to get in and out. I definately recommend stopping by and seeing the airplanes that both schools have. I for one can tell you about Proflight since I work there. We have our own maintenance shop so we keep our airplanes in great shape. We have mostly a Cessna fleet and do not require any club fees or initiation fees. I don't know if you have stopped by to see our flight school but if you do next time ask for Brad or Juan. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Either way I wish you best of luck finding the place that will help you get your license.

MEMpilot.... Proflight is in need of Flight instructors... I think every school out there is right now. I'm sure that they would give you a job if you get your license with them.... they have done it in the past.

MEMpilot

Thanks for the feedback, I actually just off the phone with them and they seem pretty solid. Also, they did mention opening a CFI position if I completed training with them.

de727ups

If I was going to take an initial CFI with the feds in the Seattle area. I'd hunt down Scott Gardner with the Seattle FSDO. Really great guy who has a love for GA and passing on his knowledge.

MEMpilot

I'll keep that in mind, I'd like to learn as much as I can!

AndreS

thanks for the replies! I do think I'll take time to go check out Snohomish before I make a decision on any of the schools.

for now, I set an appointment with Acuwings for an intro flight later this week and will probably do the same with Proflight soon. dollar-for-dollar they are fairly close in price from what I can tell.

is there any real difference in learning in a Cesna vs a Piper?

de727ups

"is there any real difference in learning in a Cessna vs a Piper?"

No. The 152 is a great little airplane (I own one). The Piper counterpart is the Tomahawk. Tomahawks are kinda rare so you probably won't find one at a school that has only Pipers. That might force you into a Warrior, which is the equivalent to a Cessna 172, which will cost you mo' money. Larger people will want a 172/Warrior, anyhow, as the 150/152 series is kinda small.

I'm pretty sure Crest uses 152's still and Snohomish does. Snohomish Flying service has been around for ever. They take good care of their equipment though I always thought they were a little pricey. The airport itself is an awesome place. Great restaurant, grass runway available, and lot's of low density airspace to the east and north.

AndreS

is it a big deal to switch schools? say I start at one and continue at another later on?

how important is it to be in an IFR aircraft when just starting out? I know its necessary when I go after my intrument rating.