Sheble vs American Flyers for CFI
02-14-2008 | 07:42 AM
#1
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From: C-172P
Sheble vs American Flyers for CFI
I am split between American Flyers and Shebles to do my CFI ratings. I have all the information that both schools provide via the web and the phone, but would welcome input from prior students from both schools.
02-14-2008 | 09:19 AM
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From: Engines Turn or People Swim
Sheble is known for a "Get 'er Done!" approach.
The AF program can be a good deal with a lot of learning opportunity, BUT performance varies greatly between branch offices, and depends a lot on who the senior instructor running the academy is. You will REALLY need to talk to current or very recent CFI applicants from the branch you are considering. Make sure you understand the pricing for additional flight time, and make sure they can schedule your flying and an examiner in a timely manner. Some AF managers have been known to... well, lie. Trust them no further than you can throw them with both hands tied behind your back.
The AF program can be a good deal with a lot of learning opportunity, BUT performance varies greatly between branch offices, and depends a lot on who the senior instructor running the academy is. You will REALLY need to talk to current or very recent CFI applicants from the branch you are considering. Make sure you understand the pricing for additional flight time, and make sure they can schedule your flying and an examiner in a timely manner. Some AF managers have been known to... well, lie. Trust them no further than you can throw them with both hands tied behind your back.
02-14-2008 | 09:34 AM
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From: CA
02-14-2008 | 09:52 AM
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Shebles has a rep for having you pay up front, the not having enough CFIs for you to fly with. A former coworker of mine paid up front for her certificates, and when she got there was told to study in a class room until they were 'ready' for her. She lost a couple of flights due to weather, then ran out of time -- had to get back to work, and although she did not get her tickets, nor the full trianing, didn't get the money back either.
I looked into them for some as well, but was not interested in the lack of customer service. I asked how it was possible to do a 10-day CFI ticket, wanting to know what kind of prep I would need to do and the woman in the office replied "Our CFIs can do it because they are smart."
I looked into them for some as well, but was not interested in the lack of customer service. I asked how it was possible to do a 10-day CFI ticket, wanting to know what kind of prep I would need to do and the woman in the office replied "Our CFIs can do it because they are smart."
02-14-2008 | 10:26 AM
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I spoke with Mark at the Chicago office, and said that I didn't care what location I went to. I said that I'm interested in the best location in terms of quality of instruction and highest pass rate. He said that the Popano FL location was the best.
02-14-2008 | 03:53 PM
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From: Engines Turn or People Swim
Shebles has a rep for having you pay up front, the not having enough CFIs for you to fly with. A former coworker of mine paid up front for her certificates, and when she got there was told to study in a class room until they were 'ready' for her. She lost a couple of flights due to weather, then ran out of time -- had to get back to work, and although she did not get her tickets, nor the full trianing, didn't get the money back either.
I looked into them for some as well, but was not interested in the lack of customer service. I asked how it was possible to do a 10-day CFI ticket, wanting to know what kind of prep I would need to do and the woman in the office replied "Our CFIs can do it because they are smart."
I looked into them for some as well, but was not interested in the lack of customer service. I asked how it was possible to do a 10-day CFI ticket, wanting to know what kind of prep I would need to do and the woman in the office replied "Our CFIs can do it because they are smart."
If you're working on a rating with a hard-and-fast completion deadline you are probably not going to make it unless you allow a large buffer of time at the end.
02-14-2008 | 06:14 PM
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Popano Beach is a good school, great weather this time of year! Dallas, TX runs a close second. Of the 4 CFI academies I've seen over the past 4 months, we've gotten almost everyone through the CFI and CFII in 30 days. The other statistical anomalies were mostly due to the need for extra training or having to finish their commercial checkride. The California, Chicago and Ft. Worth schools are really short on instructors right now, especially 2yr instructors who can sign off CFI initials. If you're gonna go with AF, go to Popano or Dallas (Addison).
As far as the 10 day IFR goes, we usually tell people to book flights home on the 14th day in case stuff happens. I've seen 15 successful "10 day" IFR programs in the past 2 months.
As far as the 10 day IFR goes, we usually tell people to book flights home on the 14th day in case stuff happens. I've seen 15 successful "10 day" IFR programs in the past 2 months.
02-14-2008 | 06:46 PM
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From: Back to the right side
I just finished my CFI and CFII at the Fort Worth AF office last month and now I work there. It took me about six weeks to get them both, but I was delayed due to lack of FAA examiner availability around Christmas time. I could have been done in a month, but I was there 9-5 six days a week working at it. We are short on instructors, but I don't think it is affecting student output (yet), we are just working longer hours. If anything, I think we could use a few more planes.
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