Hindsight is always 20/20. A lot of people who went to these expensive training facilities (myself included) was sold on an idea not knowing any better. I was very naive when looking for training and bought into the glossy brochure even after completing my private part 61 at a local FBO.

Not everyone is fortunate to know people in the industry to smack you the head for being crazy spending that sort of money. I wish I knew about forums like this when I was looking around at training.

I solicited the advice of pilots I saw in the airport while traveling and asked their opinion on a 141 facility, most feedback was positive.

Bottom line is I received my training for $50,000 in 2006. I worked hard and got out quick and cheap (DCA cheap). Yes i could of done it for less, but as I said, hindsight is always 20/20. If any prospective pilot stops me in the airport and asks about training I would be strongly suggest not diving $100,000 in debt like many students I know did.

CFI2007 wrote; "Upset Recovery Course: 3195.00 What the hell is this????"

My sentiments exactly. Its a bait and switch I'm thinking ... a switch to something they can't offer. Go ask for your money back for this course or have them schedule it for you across the airport. DCA doesn't offer it ... nor could they ever with the old plane they had. Do like a few wise people have done lately and get the course you were sold or your money back ... the course is cheaper not one mile away across the field. How many were wowed by the shiny aerobatic plane in the DCA ads and facility tour?
Get ready for the next salvo of charges ... there's always more to come.

From my research Delta Connection is not that much more expensive. The FBO's I researched in the Tampa area would have costs about $6,000 for 60 hours in a 52, plus instructor fees, fuel costs, books, exams...in my estimates it would have cost me around $10,000 for my private license. I went to Delta and I can tell you that my private license cost me about $12,500. Not that big of a difference. Also the price for the private/instrument listed is flying in the cirrus. I have not seen an airport in the area that charges less per hour to rent a cirrus than dca. Personally I did my private training in the 72 but flying the cirrus is good experience imo for airline jobs since they have a glass cockpit. Anyway, that is just my opinion. Yes, it is more and perhaps CFI is insane but for private, instrument and commercail I don't think it is too ridiculously priced and it is excellent training overall....I had problems there with scheduling but it worked itself out eventually.

Delta connections academy
 

My husband is looking into flight school. We knew DCA was expensive but we had all but decided that is where he wanted to go. We then found a bunch of forums talking bad about DCA saying they were awful and way overpriced. All of those were postings from like 2005! I would like some up-to-date info on the school. We were looking at other options in FL too like ATP and Pheonix East and FSA... any suggestions on which is the best way to go?

you could also look into American Flyers. i did some training with them in Pompano Beach and really liked them. when i was there the cost wasn't too bad either.

Prairie Air Service, Inc, it's worth a look.

As of December 2007, DCA is still way expensive, severely understaffed with CFIs and not the happiest place on Earth. According to the people I know who are still there, it's getting better, but it's still got a long way to go.

As to other options in Florida, ATP is what it is. Personally, I'd steer clear of Phoenix East as a lot of their business caters to foreigners at this point, so you may not get the attention you want as a domestic. I don't personally know a whole lot about FSA.

If you're intent on Florida, however, it may behoove you to look at some of the smaller, more FBO-style operations. A lot of them can get your husband where he wants to go just as quick (well, maybe not as quick as ATP, but that's not necessarily a bad thing) while offering a much better atmosphere. Go up on Airnav.com and just start seeing what companies are at airports in areas he'd like to live: ORL, SFB, TPA, DED, LEE, TIX, MLB, ISM, LAL, ZPH just for central Florida...

I'm currently at ATP, doing the 10 month Self-Paced program. It's been fun and challenging. If your husband wants his ratings quickly, ATP is the way to go.

Your FBO is way expensive. For 25000 i can get private,instrument and commercial single engine At Illinois Aviation Academy.

For 25000 I can get private, instrument, and commercial. At Illinois Aviation Academy.