The new hires I’ve seen struggle the most were all UNDies. Unless you want a huge bill and min hours accumulated in a highly controlled pattern.

^^That. Also, take a look at Auburn for their aviation program. Last I checked, they graduate guys with a business degree instead of the usual generic aviation/pro pilot degree. That would be a good backup strategy and is what I kinda wish I’d done with the GI Bill.

To add to the above. Be cautious with self employed CFI’s as there are some out there that choose that path because they’re unemployable.
Personality issues.....dings on their records.
They keep afloat by conning people just long enough. Play the ace of the base with their “Ive never had a student fail” spiel.
Yep, haven’t finished one this year either.
Problem with self employed is there in no one to hold them accountable.
Find a local FBO with decent airplanes, decent syllabus and decent reliable instructors and train part time.
Fly trips with your son and don’t be afraid to go out of state for fun stuff like mountain flying courses or glacier flying in Alaska or a Seaplane rating in Key West or a Glider rating in the Rockies.
I’d avoid your own plane like the plague.

As a self employed flight instructor I agree with what you said. Be sure to interview them thoroughly! I work part time at a 141 school as well as freelance on the side working with aircraft owners and a couple of FBO renters. For me I have a genuine passion for flying and love teaching. However, I know another guy that is trying to free lance and couldn't keep his job at the same 141 school. Just be vigilant and don't be afraid to shop around for the right instructor. Remember you are the one that is going to be paying them a few thousand dollars. It is up to you the student to hold them accountable. I ask all of my students to ask as many questions as they can think of before we get started. With all of that said finding a CFI who takes pride in their craft and genuinely cares about all of their students are worth their weight in gold.

I bought my own plane to teach and build time in when I finished my CFII. It had its high and low points, but overall it was worth it and I sold it for about what I had into it. Now I am looking at buying something a little bigger and faster for the family.

I went to liberty through a flight affiliate. 141 program, nice planes. I found 2 good instructors. R-ATP is nice to shave off 500 hours

Now just waiting for the next wave to do get hired on. Until then.....out of the game in a separate career

Coming from a current UND student, I can say that many of my classmates struggle from a lot of the aforementioned problems (inability to think critically, lack of real-world experience, etc.). I did my private pilot training in a 61 environment and I’m very glad that I was able to get that kind of experience. I’ve done the rest of my training (instrument-CFI) at UND and there is a very significant difference in how things are taught. The strict rules and regulations put in place are used to limit the possibility of incidents/accidents, but as others have already mentioned, they DO NOT let students think for themselves. The typical scenarios of training are molded into situations where the student is always comfortable and it’s almost never something unfamiliar to them. This has proven to be very detrimental in how they learn, especially when it’s taught from a private pilot level, up to CFI/II. I will definitely agree the guaranteed instructor gig is very controversial because these problems get passed down to students, allowing this mindset to continue. Ideally, I would like to get my time in a different environment that exposes me to real situations, instead of the usual TCO requirements that are given to us. To be fair, the resources available to us, like highly advanced avionics, simulators, and training software are very useful and I feel lucky to have them, but it’s arguable if these actually outweigh the cons associated with large aviation schools. My personal advice, go with the part 61 experience, as I think this will be the most enjoyable route and I think if you find the right school/instructor you will have a great time.

I'm glad to see a lot of younger, recent grads from flights schools and junior pilots at regionals weighing in on training. As a graybeard on my way out, I can relate to what I think is relevant to airline ops, at least as my employer does business. Some on here are sons and daughters of professional pilots and I'm sure your parents had similar concerns about the quality and structure of your aviation education. For many of us, we can and will happily pay the (inflated) costs associated with a structured academy training of university aviation program, if we feel it is worth it. What we fear and are trying hard to avoid is not just wasting money on a poorly run/unprofessional flight environment, but the legacy that that type training will cause for our junior aviator.
I was quoted 82 to 85K from one of the academy schools for after PPL to multi/CFI. I'd gladly pay it if I'm sure the product is as professional and well prepared for the airline training (I hope) he will have a chance to experience. I realize it's ultimately about the individual and their wilingness to learn and overcome various problems unique to aviation flight training. I'm will to investigate, ask and see what and how my son would be treated before writing a big check. Up to this point, I've been disappointed in what I've heard and seen.

Sim time
 

PHX area pilots. I'm looking for 2 volunteers to fly a sim and then fill out a survey after. I need one pilot who is instrument rated or working on their instrument rating (C172 time preferred). I also need one pilot who has at least 100 hours of BE58 time and is instrument rated. Plan on at least 2 hours. Go to website (simtime.net) to contact. Thank you

simguy
 

Suppose I should give my pence to the original post before shamelessly advertising. My first question to any flight school/CFI is how long to solo? 20 hours, tops. If they say it depends on the individual then leave. Students fail because of poor instruction, full stop. My other question would be how much the sim is utilized. Most will say not at all for pre-solo/private. I use to solo students in the A36 Bonanza for an international carrier. These kids didn't even know how to drive a car. This was accomplished in less than 20 hours and I believe it was due to utilizing a sim throughout the training. 2 sim sessions for every flight from the very beginning until commercial. I believe most flight schools don't utilize or don't know how to utilize the sim. The other big factor is CFI "time builders" don't want to be in a sim. In the right hands the sim is a scalpel knife that will get amazing results. If you are ever in the PHX area give me call (simtime.net). More shameless advertising. If your in the N.W. checkout "ONE G." They are the only simulator center for GA pilots that I know of. Good luck.

Well, if you are doing 2 sims for every hour of flight, that would be more like 60 hours, no?