BoilerWings

Don't you dare think about stealing any from Addison!!

444KA

It's that whole "pay up front" thing that gets me. What happens when you shell out thousands of dollars and the training doesn't happen?

GunnerV

Ask the students from Silver State Helicopters...

cfii2007

It is a risk.....

I'd probably charge the amount, instead of putting cash up front.

You may have a chance to recover the fees if the school goes TU.

jpilot1968

Last year, I called Sheble and spoke to Valerie to set up a schedule for me to fly out there and finish up an instrument, commercial and multi-engine add on. I took one week off from my job and I finished with all of my ratings in seven days. I paid for each rating after I completed it. It's a small school, but they were very nice and the training was pretty good. If you go, save some money and ask about staying in one of their condos. Some of the guys that I was schooling with stayed in the condos while I had a room at the Quality Inn. I wish now that I had stayed at the condo (cheaper and nicer). Great weather in Kingman. A little windy and turbulent in the afternoons though. Good luck to you.

morerightrudder

My observation from having gone to Sheble's is that you don't really go there to learn how to be a CFI. What you are paying for is the legally required minimum amount of ground and flight training, a spin endorsement, the sign off, and their "networking contacts" with the local FSDO to arrange the checkride for you within their approximately promised time frame. Basically, it's a finish-up course and you should already know your stuff and your maneuvers before you head over there.

I would allocate at least 10 days, ideally 2 weeks for the Sheble's CFI course (I did mine in 11). The CFIs are like any other place- some are there just to build time and a few are knowledgeable and actually care. I learned quite a bit from the latter- try and get as many flights as you can with those guys.

One more thing- don't expect nice facilities, planes, or any sort of organization. It's the most ghetto facility I've ever seen. The school is literally built from an old ranch house where the kitchen is also the central meeting area. You need to be proactive with their dispatchers to make sure you get what you need. They are nice people and willing to help, but you have to remind them. If you expect everything to be neatly organized and handed to you without asking, you will not be happy at Sheble's.

ZBowFlyz

I used to Instruct for Flyers. Depending on the location I'd reccomend them. They arnt going out of business anytime soon. Yes they are spendy, but it is a school with a good reputation, nice 172's and there is an element of professionalism.

Flyboyrw

The training will happen... The way to do it is plan on 2 more days (at least) then what they tell you down there at sheble's. I noticed several people plan for those strict 8 days or whatever it is, and not be able to finish it up. I don't think most people down there finish it in 8, it is usually 9 or 10. The scheduling sucks, it is all done each day in the late afternoon for the next day. MX seems to fix stuff when it breaks, but it seems to break a lot. If the 172rg breaks, then you have to mooney and visa versa. If you go prepared you will be alright. If you don't cut yourself short of the knowledge you will come out fine. If you go down there and expect to learn how to be a CFI in 8 days, good luck it is going to be brutal.
Oh, and I heard Senior is on his last medical, which expires in june or july or something. After he is gone from Sheble, all CFI rides will be done up in Vegas with the fsdo and their de's.
Go for it, good luck.... and enjoy Beautiful, Historic ...Kingman.

Flyboyrw

Also.
I didn't read this, but it is right on.....

jetcaptain

I did the AF 30 day crash course and had both tickets just after the the 30 days. You pretty much have to live and breath CFI for that month to get it done that fast though. Forget about working, etc...

However, be prepared to fork over more cash than the advertised course cost.