Anyone has any experience with the American flyers CFI program in Atlanta??? I’m planning to attending in February.
Thanks in advance

 

A couple of things worth knowing:

1) Most students switch to the 141 program. So, the price you were given was probably the 61 price.

2) Much of the classroom time is spent reading the AF-produced test prep binders that prepare you for the CFIA, CFII, and FOI written tests. The review involves students taking turns reading each and every possible question aloud.

By this point you should know how to pass the written tests yourself, so doing so before you begin the program saves you the stress of trying to learn all the material well enough to get a good score in a week.

3) Beyond the test prep, most of the time is spent hanging out with your classmates in a room with a whiteboard doing your own work (preparing lesson plans, etc.) You'll definitely need a laptop to get this done.

4) The program lasts 30 days, and by the end you'll want to die a little. The checkride, however, can take place much much later. Don't plan on being in and out in 30 days.

 

Why do most students switch to the 141 program?

 

I did the AF 30 day CFI program in Pompano Beach. As a matter of fact I just finished last Friday with both my check rides. DanR is correct in the fact that there is a major price difference between the part 61 versus the 141. In the 141 course you have to complete 15 hours of instrument flying which is why the course is more expensive. With the 61 the price you are quoted is including only 10 hours of flight to get prepared for both the CFIA and CFII check rides. Some people get signed off before 10 hours. Some people get signed off after 10 hours. The good thing is that the school greatly reduces the cost per flight hour for CFI academy students. So if it takes you more than 10 hours to get ready then it really won't cost you all that much more.

I started off in the program 141 because of VA benefits. I quickly changed to 61 though in order to not have to fly the 15 hours of instrument. It really is up to you. The nice thing about the program is unlimited use of their simulators which are FAA approved FTD's. It really helped out getting back up to speed with instrument procedures.

One thing to remember though is that your FAA checkrides are not factored in to the overall cost of the program. Expect to pay out of pocket at least $1000 dollars for both.

 

The Atlanta location only offers the 15 day CFI only academy. Of coarse you can train one-on-one for your CFI-I if you want to while your waiting on the Atlanta FSDO to schedule your checkride..

 

Don't waste your time or money on AF CFI Academy!!!I've spent a lot of money at AF and I'm sure you can go to some other place where you can get it done cheaper and maybe faster..That 30 day is only their marketing catch!!!

 

I went to AF in Chicago. Here is how it works:

141, which is the "better" option, in my book. the program takes 30 days to get a sign-off. You will not be in and out in 30 days. I was done with everything before the 30, but had to wait a few days to get the certificate.
The first 4 hours is review and presentations. The last four hours in a day are you and your classmates. You do what you feel needs to be done. This program is relies on what YOU put into it. I did well, but I tried hard as well. Some others in my academy did not, and lagged behind as a result.
Test prep is done on weekends. You will need to go home and study after, and study hard. The CFII written is easy, but the CFI and FOI have some new things you have never seen. To get done in 30 days, study hard for these and take them ASAP, you dont want to be lagging behind the curve. All of the material is in the AF manuals, which is four volumes. Beware though, you need to buy 1) charts 2) instructors handbook 3) both FAA weather books 4) airplane flying manual 5) several other FAA pubs.

In 141, you get 20 hours at the price they give for the course. count 1 hour towards spins. 15 hours MINIMUM on CFII, because that's whats under 141, not the CFI-A. So, you get four hours on CFI-A. Beware of that. the CFII cannot be done in less than ten, that's whats in their 141 rules given to the FAA so they can do the II in-house.
I paid $6200 for the course, and got a touch over 1K back. Instruction in Chicago was great, IMO. Expensive? yes. need a cram course to get it done with a limited time for all of it? This is the way to go if thats the case.

If you have any more questions about AF, PM me and I'll help the best I can.