seattlepilot

I am looking for an ideal flight school or a two year flight training community college for a distant relative of mine in his 20s.
I have been away from flight training game for some time and I know that we have some airline sponsored flight schools.
Looked into LIFT Academy but research showed that they are like Republic airlines, very disorganized. Read stuff from people who have been complaining about instructors not giving a damn about their students.
I looked into ATP airline program, but I personally don't like their fast paced training program.

If financing can be had, I'd prefer a small to mid level Part 141 or 61 school where the student can establish a one-on-one training relationship.

We are also OK with a two year community college, where my relative can finance the flight training cost as well. We looked at some community colleges but they all made us pay for the flight training cost.

Any place in USA is fine. My relative is extremely flexible and ready to move. wherever.

I'd appreciate any recommendations.

Thanks..

elijah

I guess I'll chime in and say the best way to do it (what worked for me) is to hire a older airline pilot who genuinely loves flying, if you can find one.
I got my PPL during 2020 leave of absence and was blessed being trained from start to finish with a 777 Capitan who was also on leave during covid.
He didn't "milk" me, had me solo at 13 hours and I got my PPL in 2.5 months at 54 hours.

JayMahon

I'd check out Blue Ridge Aviation out of KSHD in rural Virginia. They partner with the Blue Ridge Community College, which allows students to use student loans to finance their flight training.

Disclaimer: I'm a former student, current PT CFI and currently work in aviation flying in the Alaska Bush half of every month.

Cjsims

Hello, I will soon be 19 and just graduated high school and instead of just going to college I'm interested in becoming a pilot. I live in the Phoenix area and there are several places to choose from for flight schools. I'd like to stay in AZ if possible, but I don't mind going to California, Colorado, Utah, or New Mexico either for the right school or college. A few of my Dad's friends are pilots for Alaska Airways, Southwest, and Skywest. They say that now is a great time for me to start. One of them mentioned Cochise College in Douglas, AZ and they all said that right now I don't need a degree, yet it could be helpful. Cost of the school/training is important and since I am young I don't have to have a quick 7 month training. One of the pilots said that 7 months from zero training was like drinking from a fire hose. I might be interested in a traditional college that had a pilot program so I could enjoy the whole "college experience", but the right flight school could work also.

Anyway, any thoughts on flight schools or colleges in this area? Thank you!