Westwind Flight School?
 

Hi everyone,

I'm a 26 y/o who has 0 hours. I'm finally giving in to my lifelong dream of becoming a professional pilot. I've done a lot of research and I'm at a fork in the road.

I was wondering if anyone has had any experiences with Westwind flight school in PHX. I was thinking of ATP, however, I don't think I can learn everything i need to know in 90 days (seems way too fast). Westwind is something like 10 months and seems to be a good school.

I know every school has it's ups and downs but I just wanted to do some research before I sign my life away in student loans.

Thanks in advance!
:confused:

www.prairieairservice.com is worth a look.

ATP seems to be a decent program, if you can properly prepare, and handle the super-sonic pace. WestWind is a decent and reputable school. Their training is top notch. Both have their ups and downs; based on your luck of the draw with instructors.

Make sure you prepare yourself for with a 4 year degree before entering an accellerated flight training center. Several schools advertise an afilliation with degree programs (UNLV, UVSC, etc...) make sure you have time to take the online classes.

I have personal experiences with both schools. PM for details.

I did some flying with Westwind. It is a nice school with some good instructors and prices when I was there last year.
I would go there over ATP. I got my MEI from ATP and I wasn't very impressed.

got my private at an fbo and went to atp finished in 90 days ... pretty legit and now im instructing racking up mad hours its a fun business

I got my private from Westwind at Deer Valley. I will say this about the school, they have a great ground school concept, great learning situation and it really set in. However, I ended up paying over $13k, just for my private...and that was in a c-152 at 72 hours!

Good school, good learning situation, but way too costly.

Westwind is a very nice facility, good aircraft and great instructors I think you'll be happy with your desision. Deer Valley is where I have my aircraft based and flying out of there is on the edge of the city. Good luck.

Westwind is a nice school but I personally think ATP is the way to go if you can handle the pace. Im from Phoenix myself and if I could do it over I would go through the ATP program and walk out with a ton of multi time to start. I lucked out and picked up a position instructing in a twin right off the bat. Not everyone is so lucky and you can get stuck some where trying to get that magic multi number you need to go somewhere else. I have a friend that is an instructor there and they seem to be pretty top notch. The instructors are on a contract if I understand right and if they dont do thier job well they are easily let go. Just my $.02

BTW where did you go to High school?

Gawd, I just saw a Westwind ad in Flight Training mag. They say "we don't just guarantee an interview, we guarantee a job" Like, THEY have better "in's" at the regionals than other schools. Wonder how that works?

They also say "Log Cessna Caravan turbine time for free"? Wonder how that works, too.

I hate shady marketing.....

I went to ATP next door to see what the multi add on is running. $3800 for 8 hrs. Dont think so.

Hello,
I will be attending westwind in june. I have been to the facility on a tour about two months ago and they seemed to really have their act together. Just like every other school you will find out there, people will say good things and bad things about the school. In the end though, it is really all about the student and how you perform. Maybe ill see you out there. good luck with your decision.:D

I work with several former Westwind instructors. All of them speak of students undeservedly failing stage checks so the company could bilk them out of more money, unscrupulous management and a tough working environment.

All of them say that the training is good, however......just bring your checkbook.

Caravan time is legit. After getting commercial ticket, they are booted upstairs with the charter department on the 208's.

Job guarantee, several airlines have made deals like with ATP and the majorly reduced times; that if the applicant progresses at certain rate, jobs are guaranteed. Send an email to them, its an interesting prospect.

"Log Caravan time for free"

How can that be legit? Are you acting as a required crewmember but not getting paid for it? Are you not a required crewmember but just riding along logging the time? There are ways to make some of this "legit" in the FAA's eyes, but many professional pilots take a dim view of it. Especially when it's used as a marketing gimmick to get people to attend a flight school.

"Graduates of our program can fly right seat and log actual turbine time. There is nothing shady about this"

Do they get paid? Are they required crewmembers?

I am locking this thread. We don't allow advertising at APC.