da_flyn_hawyn

I've gone to a couple of different flight schools, and DCA was one of them. And I will say that hands down, they probably have the best education in the nation, but I feel that it isn't worth the money that you have to put out for it.

If ya want to know the facts from and insiders point of view and not some one who is in management and would of course have a totally bias opinion. Granted my advice would be bias too, but I have gone to other schools so I might know a couple of things.

CPOonfinal

I guess that's why I asked the question I asked in my very first post on this forum; "Would you attend DCA if the cost was around 30K?". I have the benefit of using Montgomery GI bill which as I've been told will cover between 50% and 60%. I've heard a lot of good things about DCA from current pilots on Delta mainline. Now, I realize these guys are also biased because they're Delta guys, but I trust them because they're former Naval Aviators. I'm looking right now for a local FBO so I can at least get started but will need a plan in a short time.

I would like to also say that I've been treated very well by all of you thus far. Thank you very much!

andy171773

I just think it's funny that DCA is claiming to "place" some pilots on their placement list..that either
1.) quit the company..and got an interview/job on their own accord
2.) were fired..then got a job at a regional
3.) never ever ever worked for DCA..and was strictly a student..then got a job at a regional after working elsewhere to instruct


absolutely hilarious..ly pathetic

de727ups

"Would you attend DCA if the cost was around 30K?"

I'd go to Flight Safety.

CPOonfinal

Contacted 'em. I'm interested to see what the cost is. Cost isn't the most important factor, but it's way up there on the list. Thanks for the suggestion.

ILS37R

Honestly, if cost is a significant factor, you should consider going elsewhere in the near term. Until the Cirrus fleet gets broken in--the new 141 FITS curriculum is just now getting finalized and integrated--there's no way to give an honest assessment of the cost... other than that it will be greater than what's quoted.

Between the new planes and the new curriculum, there's a whole lot of confusion and few solid answers floating around the Academy right now; this thread is a symptom of that.

If you can wait six to twelve months before you make your decision, do so. If you enrolled today you'd be somewhat a guinea pig for a lot of new concepts and costs. I you can't wait that out, go elsewhere.

Do talk to Fabio. Your admissions officers will pour you the Kool-Aid--that's their job. Fabio isn't perfect, but he'll give you straighter answers than a lot of people at DCA and he's much more in the know than anyone else on this thread.

TwoStar

Look elsewhere! DCA isn't the only game in town and there's a lot of things they try to sell you here to create an image for the school far before these products will ever be available to you. I was told I'd be flying Cirrus aircraft and doing upset training in modern aerobatic stunt planes. The Cirrus have been flown primarily by management and instructors, few students, and have spent considerable time grounded. The upset program is a bait and switch. I'm average build, not fat, not too tall, and I don't fit in the DCA Extra 200. There's dozens of others in the same boat and are shopping around to get better training than 152/172's will offer.

I find DCA a success for me because 1) I study my rear off and capitalize on every opportunity. 2) my instructor works his rear off to give me all the time, effort, knowledge, and experience he can ... flying up to 4 times a week. Plus, as I approach CFI, I find instructor pay insulting at DCA, not to mention the berating they receive for their "lack of performance". I've seen a lack of instructors per student, but not a lack of instructor performance.

Look at Regional, I hear they have made some changes in their philosophy and student/clients (as I like to think we are ... two words never uttered at DCA) seem happy at Regional. Or try the FBO route if you think you have the discipline to manage your studies.

As for DCA. You'll have to make something of it. Those that care about you at DCA (and are well mentioned and participating in these forums) sadly have their hands tied by the disconnect and lack of care and timely response to critical issues by upper management. I do feel my group cares about what I learn and how I perform ... I feel upper management cares that my check didn't bounce and I can qualify for more student loans. I could be way off ... but its just my observation as a client ... excuse me, student.

cyrcadian

Fabio, you are a stand-up guy, but I am sorry to say you work for a company that treats its employees poorly and its customers even worse.

You call it pressure. I call it fear, intimidation and bullying.

I have seen student's lifelong passion for flying stolen from them.
I have seen local businesses protest the arrival of the school.
I have seen mom and pop flight schools forced to close as a result.
I have seen students without flight training options as a result of base closings, twice.
I have seen fellow employee's jobs in jeopardy for following FARs.
I have seen a once profitable base decimated by an incompetent fool.

I was not going to post this in a public forum, but chose otherwise. You cannot possibly admit, without forked tongue, that DCA provides training commiserate with cost.

cyrcadian

Knowing what I know now.

NO!

andy171773

Couldn't say it better..I've seen every single one of these first hand as well..and years apart