Amacfa

Quick question, I was looking around at flight schools and I happen to have one only a few miles of where I live (www.meridenaviation.com). If I am going for my student/PPL, should I go ahead with my local school, or choose a school somewhere else.
(This is a question if other schools are better than others, and if heading to local school might hold a so-so reputation on an application)

TXTECHKA

Pilots that do it the old fashioned way (local school) are usually more respected by their fellow pilots than the quickie schools. You will get it done cheaper and probably have a better range of exprience by going to the small local school. The interviewers couldn't care less where you got your ratings, that's just something the big schools will tell you.

da_flyn_hawyn

There are some ups and downs to going to a big school and a local FBO. I went to an FBO for my private, then did my instrument. I decided that I really just wanted to get it down so I went to a bigger school that got me done in a timely manner. Some big schools are a lot more expensive, and there are a few that are pretty reasonable in pricing. But as for airlines and going off to the regionals, make sure you ask to see their contracts if they have any. I went to DCA and they said that they have lowered minimums just for students at DCA, but the don't. They are also way to expensive so don't even think about going there because they might have the best education, but you won't be able to buy a house in your future. My advice would be to finish off you private at your local FBO and then just see what you want to do, if it is to the airlines in a hurry, then ATP is for you, if not, then check around at other flight schools or just stay at your FBO. Remember now, just because they are a big flight school doesn't mean that they have the best education, it all depends on your instructor, at least that's what I think. Hope this helped good luck!

de727ups

The local school would probably be fine for most of the ratings. Some schools don't have a twin and the CFI is best done somewhere than does a lot of CFI's.

The airlines don't care where you train. It's about ratings, experience, and background. Yeah, some big schools have RJ courses and hiring "deals" with the regionals but these things are carrots to get you to pay more to train there. These things CAN get you hired faster but at what cost? You could instruct a while longer and build up your experience to where you don't need any "deals" to get a job.

It's up to you.

gnewaKfly

In my opinion, the bottom line is the quality of instructors. Having an excellent instructor is what made my experience rewarding. If you have the ability, visit several flight schools and meet their staff, and talk to the current students to see what their experiences are.

Good luck!

JB85

As with what the others said local FBO is cheaper and I agree you get more experience. I went to DCA in Jax. FL and some instructors are bad some are good but what made it difficult was they changed instructors on you every 4 months even if you were in the middle of the rating. I don't know if they do that in DCA@Sanford or at any other big schools but atleast at the FBO your instructor will probably be there for a while.

papacharlie

hi there what would you think on getting my ratings on a flying school??
live in san diego and i was looking around for flight instruction and one thing i didn't like about flying schools is that they are getting new CFI without teching experinece since the regionals are taking most of them....at the flying school I found out that the instructors are older people with a lot of experience and committed to teaching.

papacharlie

I meant flying clubs...sorry

TheGreatChecko

What is more important is whether or not the instructor is interested in teaching you and is enthusiastic about their job. Yes, finding someone who is experienced is great, but that doesn't guarantee they are any good. Talk to your perspective CFI's and if you can go up and do a lesson with them, see if you like their teaching style.

Remember, YOU are the customer here. Many flight schools forget that, but as long as you don't, you'll always get the best quality of instruction that you can find.

Checko

papacharlie

yes you're right and thank you for your advise, are you flying for an airline?